Former Patriots star warns Lamar Jackson about Bill Belichick

Bill Belichick. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Former Patriots star warns Lamar Jackson about playing for Bill Belichick

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 3/30/23

With reports circulating that Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson wants to play for the New England Patriots, a former franchise great is warning him to reconsider.

Former Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel, who played five seasons for the Patriots, tweeted at Jackson on Thursday, hinting that Pats head coach Bill Belichick may not be the best fit for the former league MVP.

Lamar Jackson, my brother trust me you don’t want to play for Belichick
— Asante Samuel (@pick_six22) March 30, 2023

This isn’t the first time Samuel, who totaled 237 tackles, 22 interceptions, 79 passes defensed and scored three touchdowns with the Patriots, has publicly criticized Belichick.

The former All-Pro CB accused the eight-time Super Bowl-winning coach of devaluing his players, not being able to build a winning team despite lavishly spending in free agency and not being able to win without Tom Brady.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Meek Mill texted him three or four days ago saying Lamar Jackson wanted to come to New England. Kraft responded that would be Bill Belichick’s decision.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 27, 2023

Jackson’s reported interest in the Patriots appears to be nothing more than wild conjecture that started with rapper Meek Mill. In fact, a report from Jeff Howe of The Athletic refutes that interest in the 26-year-old QB is mutual on the Patriots’ end due to the steep price it would take to acquire Jackson.

“It’s just not going to happen, according to a league source,” Howe reported. “If the Patriots signed Jackson to an offer sheet, they would ship their next two first-round draft picks to Baltimore if the Ravens didn’t match the terms. Plus, for Jackson to agree to an offer sheet, the Patriots would almost certainly need to give him a contract worth far more money than they ever extended to Tom Brady.”

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