Patriots ‘are wildcard option for Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson’ as contract standoff continues

The formerly dynastic New England Patriots are seen as an outsider who could step in and test Baltimore’s resolve regarding Lamar Jackson.

Baltimore applied the non-exclusive franchise tag to Jackson earlier this month, meaning all 31 other NFL teams can sign an offer sheet for the former MVP, giving the Ravens a chance to match him. , or turn down the opportunity, losing Jackson for two first-round picks.

While no teams have expressed public interest in Jackson, ESPN pundit Jeremy Fowler suggested teams could be “slow” in the process.

Fowler named several teams that could be a surprise active part in what appears to be an inevitable stalemate strictly involving Jackson and the Ravens, including the Pats.

“You have some wild cards like Tennessee or New England,” Fowler said in Sports Center this last weekend. ‘Teams that like to run the ball. You never know.

Bill Belichick could do wonders with the dynamism of the lone MVP in NE’s offense

“At this time there is no actual firm offer sheet for Lamar Jackson that I know of. Teams are probably slow playing this. The draft could be a good indicator because you have a team like the Colts at No. 4.

“If they feel like they can’t get the quarterback of the future that they wanted to draft, maybe they’ll trade Lamar Jackson.

“The Jets, if they strike out Aaron Rodgers, certainly not expected, but they could pivot.”

New England has struggled for offensive power in recent years, particularly since the departure of Tom Brady in the 2020 offseason.

Bill Belichick’s team signed former Miami tight end Mike Gesicki and former Steelers and Chiefs wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster to three years, $33 million, among others, this offseason.

The New England Patriots announced the signing of wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster last week.