Robert Kraft told by rapper Meek Mill that Lamar Jackson wants to join the Patriots — as New England owner reveals bombshell at NFL owners’ meeting after Ravens QB trade request
Patriots owner Robert Kraft revealed at NFL owners’ meetings Monday that Lamar Jackson appears to have expressed interest in joining the Patriots.
The quarterback, who shocked football fans by writing on Twitter that he requested a trade from the Ravens on March 2, is looking for a long-term contract and is currently set to enter unrestricted free agency after next season.
According to Kraft, rapper and friend Meek Mill relayed to him via text “three or four days ago” that Jackson wanted to join the popular New England series.
Kraft told reporters in Phoenix that whether or not to trade Jackson would be a decision for coach and GM Bill Belichick.
The admission came the same day Jackson took to Twitter to reveal that he had placed a trade request with the Ravens earlier this month.
Robert Kraft and Meek Mill spotted with Jeff Bezos and Michael Rubin
Lamar Jackson didn’t get the long-term deal he wanted from the Baltimore Ravens
Jackson took the non-exclusive franchise mark of $32.416 million in this offseason — which means he can negotiate with other teams and the Ravens have a chance to match — but he’s not yet getting the deal he’s looking for.
In a long thread detailing his frustration, Jackson wrote on Monday: “A message to my fans – I first want to thank you all for all the love and support you have consistently shown me. You are all amazing and I appreciate all of you so much.
I want all of you not to believe everything you read about me. Let me personally answer your questions regarding my future plans.
As of March 2nd, I requested a deal from the Ravens organization in which the Ravens didn’t care to meet my value. Anyone who has met me or been around me knows I love the game of football and my dream is to help the team win the Super Bowl.
You are all great but I had to make a business decision that was what was best for my family and me.
“No matter how far I go or where my career takes me, I will always be close to my fans in the Baltimore Flock Country and the entire state of Maryland. You will see me again.
According to ESPN, Jackson wants a guaranteed contract just like the five-year, $230 million contract he was awarded to Deshaun Watson last year.
Jackson took to Twitter Monday morning to ask the Crows for a deal
His clout is less than you’d think he was the best player at one time, though most teams have their fullback position – with plenty of money committed to it – by this point in the off-season.
It appears Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is planning Jackson’s return to Baltimore.
I’m getting ready for Lamar. When Lamar gets back on that train, it’s moving at full speed. We love him,” he told NFL.com on Monday.
But Harbaugh then admitted that Jackson’s social media posts made him unaware and that he had not seen them before speaking to the media.
“I did not see the tweet,” said Harbo. “It’s an ongoing process.”