Kyles: What Lamar Jackson Could Bring to the Patriots Offense

Robert Kraft added some excitement to what’s been a quiet couple of weeks since the start of the new league year. While speaking to reporters Monday the Patriots owner divulged that rapper and friend Meek Mill told him Lamar Jackson wants to be in New England. He then went on to say that a potential acquisition would be Bill Belichick’s decision.

While some may see this as offseason fodder to keep content churning, which I certainly don’t mind, Kraft’s comments cannot be ignored. Mac Jones has been put in a much better position to succeed than he was given last season, which Kraft pointed to as a reason for optimism in the young passer’s third year. But Jackson is too rare a player to assume Jones’ job is safe. Especially with Belichick’s refusal to declare Jones the team’s starter when asked by reporters.

While we outsiders wait impatiently for more updates, here are some reasons the Patriots should and shouldn’t go after the former MVP.

WHY THEY SHOULD PURSUE

For starters, Belichick hasn’t been shy about his admiration for Jackson, with the coach praising his upcoming opponent during a press conference last season.

It doesn’t take long to see where this praise comes from when you turn on the former MVP’s tape. Last season may have been the quarterback’s finest as a passer. He created windows with eye manipulation, put passes where only his receivers could get them, and threw with touch for optimal catchability.  Jackson’s athleticism also allows him to do these things while off-platform, on the move, and even when being brought down by defenders. He also happens to be one of the best playmakers in the league when things break down, though he doesn’t rely on these opportunities to be successful.

There have been claims that Jackson wouldn’t fit in Bill O’Brien’s offense, but I don’t see the basis in them. Jackson has proven to be one of the league’s best pocket passers, displaying all the tools necessary to thrive in the more traditional role O’Brien’s quarterbacks are known for operating in. The Heisman trophy winner even played in the same Erhardt-Perkins system at Louisville that O’Brien has used throughout his career.

O’Brien also has experience scheming around an athletic passer from his tenure with Deshaun Watson from 2017-2020, during which time he continually adapted to and maximized Watson’s unique skill set.

Though Jackson is much more than just a runner, he can completely take over games with his legs, which Patriots fans saw firsthand in Week 3 of last season.

Whenever Baltimore’s offense has struggled to move the ball or generate yards running the ball, they called on #8 to give them a spark. With the Patriots’ interior offensive line and stable of running backs, Jackson’s dual-threat ability would make New England’s ground attack even more formidable than it was last season with Rhamondre Stevenson running over and around defenders. There’s a reason Patriots safety Adrian Phillips referred to Jackson as a “top 3 one of the hardest people to play against in the NFL” on Twitter yesterday. He’s a rare talent whose athleticism often overshines his prowess as a quarterback.

Off the field, Jackson is one of the league’s most respected and beloved players. His presence would immediately make the Patriots not only a legitimate playoff contender but a more attractive spot for free agents. Bill Belichick still has quite a bit of pull in that regard, but Mac Jones hasn’t put together a resume that would make prospective additions choose New England over teams with proven passers.

As you can see, there are plenty of compelling reasons for adding a dynamic player like Lamar Jackson to an offense that still has a lot to prove. So let’s move on to some factors that could hold New England back from making the move.

WHY THEY SHOULD PASS

The reality is acquiring Jackson would involve quite a bit of capital. If the Ravens declined to match an offer sheet from the Patriots, it would cost them two future 1st round picks. While an argument can easily be made that Jackson is worth that asking price, he also wants a fully guaranteed contract comparable to the 5-year, $230 million deal signed by Deshaun Watson last offseason. The Patriots are projected to have plenty of cap space in 2024 (about $130 million) and 2025 (over $250 million), but they would have to create space significant space for 2023.

Patriots cap expert Miguel Benzan has done a great job laying out the realities of such a move, which could include having to move on from multiple key players.

Jackson’s ability changes the way you construct a roster and lessens the need for top-end talent, but gutting your team for one player is rarely a wise strategy.

Jackson’s injury history is another significant factor, and likely the biggest reason Baltimore (or any team) has been hesitant to invest in him long-term. Each of his past three seasons has ended due to injury. These include a concussion suffered in the 2020 Divisional Round at Buffalo, an ankle sprain in 2021, and a PCL sprain last season. That said, Jackson has played through knee and back injuries in the past, so his toughness is unquestionable. The narrative around how he suffered his injuries is also largely false. Most assume Jackson’s injury history is a result of wreckless running, despite Jackson being one of the league’s smartest and most elusive runners.

While a team being scared off by Jackson’s inability to stay on the field is understandable, injuries are a part of the game (Mac Jones missed 4 games in 2022 due to a high ankle sprain) and the Ravens’ strength coaches received an F- from players, drawing additional ire from multiple former players.

There is also the uncomfortable matter of moving on from a young, talented player in Mac Jones, who’s been put in difficult positions since being drafted in 2021 and hasn’t had a fair chance to show what he can do. But the NFL is rarely fair, and the Patriots would be risking the loss of a potential Pro Bowl regular in exchange for a proven MVP candidate.

There are fair arguments on each side of the aisle for why the Patriots should or shouldn’t pursue Lamar Jackson. But if New England wants to make itself an immediate playoff contender for the foreseeable future, the ends just might justify the means.