How a Two-Time NFL Champion Believes the Patriots Can Reenter the Super Bowl Race

The pool of available NFL quarterbacks is rapidly diminishing, leaving Lamar Jackson with fewer options to explore. With Daniel Jones remaining with the Giants, Derek Carr joining the Saints, Jimmy Garoppolo taking over for the Raiders, Baker Mayfield likely stepping in for Tom Brady with the Bucs, and Aaron Rodgers poised to head to New Jersey once the Packers and Jets settle their negotiations, Jackson’s choices are dwindling.

So, where could Jackson, a non-exclusive free agent eager to leave Baltimore, end up? Rob Ninkovich, a former NFL linebacker with Super Bowl victories from his stints with the Saints, Dolphins, and Patriots, suggests Foxborough. “I’ve been a supporter of Lamar since his draft day,” Ninkovich shared on ESPN’s “Get Up” show.

“From the start, I believed he’d be the top quarterback from that class. His MVP season in 2019 and his final performance have proven me right. At this juncture, if Lamar is not receiving the offer he wants from the Ravens, he should hold firm and consider sitting out.

“And for any team considering adding Jackson, like the Patriots, it would be transformative. I’m a big admirer of Lamar’s playing style and the challenges it poses for defenses. While I wouldn’t necessarily say the Patriots need him, I would definitely like to see him in a New England uniform. His addition would raise the Patriots to division contenders and thrust them back into Super Bowl contention.”

Despite this, The Baltimore Sun has downplayed the Patriots as a viable option, noting that while Jackson would seriously surpass current starter Mac Jones, New England faces more immediate concerns, particularly with its offensive line.