On Facebook
On Flipboard
Patriots reporter offers Mac Jones, Lamar Jackson updates
The New England Patriots are doing an excellent job of hiding it if they're seriously considering replacing quarterback Mac Jones with Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson or a rookie signal-caller.
On Monday, New England insider Chad Graff of The Athletic explained that "barring something unforeseen, Jones will be the Patriots' starting quarterback in Week 1" of the 2023 NFL season. Graff also wrote that the Patriots are "not in on Lamar Jackson" and are "not expected to select a quarterback early in the NFL Draft" on April 27.
It's been thought throughout the spring that New England will not sacrifice the draft picks and money needed to land Jackson. Baltimore used the non-exclusive franchise tag to retain his rights for 2023 last month, meaning the club can either match any offer he receives from a different team or accept two first-round draft picks in return for the one-time NFL Most Valuable Player.
Numerous reports have said Jackson wants more than the $230M in fully guaranteed money signal-caller Deshaun Watson received from the Cleveland Browns last year.
As for Jones, his name has repeatedly popped up in trade rumors from the winter through this month after he allegedly angered head coach Bill Belichick when he sought coaching advice from outside the Patriots organization when the offense was struggling under assistants Matt Patricia and Joe Judge last season.
Graff said he "has been unable to confirm that information" but also noted that "there has been no denial from Jones or the Patriots." Graff also wrote that Jones reaching out to outsiders for help is "a near-cardinal sin for Belichick."
The Patriots hired Bill O'Brien to be their new offensive coordinator earlier this offseason, and Jones recently made it known he's excited for a fresh start with O'Brien. That fresh start likely will involve Jones competing with 2022 rookie Bailey Zappe for the starting job this summer. While Patriots linebacker Josh Uche referred to Jones as "our quarterback" last week, Zappe appears to have more than a couple of friends and fans inside the New England locker room.
"They’re committed to each other for 2023, and the hope is this will all be forgotten by the end of the year," Graff wrote of the relationship between Jones and Belichick. Graff added that the "fence needs some mending" as it pertains to that relationship.
More must-reads:
- Patriots' Mac Jones shares thoughts on upcoming season amid trade rumors
- Former Ravens split on if signing Odell Beckham Jr. helps with Lamar Jackson situation
- The 'Second-most passing touchdowns by team' quiz
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
HC Sean McVay responds to Cooper Kupp's comments about Rams exit
Current Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp raised eyebrows when he said that he didn’t have "a ton of clarity" from the Los Angeles Rams regarding why the team released him in March. While speaking with reporters at the NFL owners meetings on Tuesday, Rams head coach Sean McVay responded to Kupp's comments. "I think we do (feel we provided clarity)," McVay said, as shared by Jourdan Rodrigue and Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic. "Here’s the thing…there’s an element of, there was clarity (about) 'this is the direction that we’re gonna go.' Now, to be able to provide all the context — we didn’t have all of the context that was applicable in regards to...what did we really envision that receiver room (looking like)? We thought Davante Adams would be a possibility." Analysts and reporters praised the Rams for essentially replacing Kupp with Adams. Adams tallied 85 total receptions, 1,063 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns playing for the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets this past season. Meanwhile, injuries limited Kupp to 33 regular-season games over the past three campaigns. "I think the most important thing was when we had made the decision that we were gonna seek a trade or at least grant him his release, that was very quickly after the season, which I thought he deserved that clarity in regard to the direction we were going," McVay continued. "Now, exactly why all those things occurred, there had to be a little bit of time to be able to provide the appropriate context. That wasn’t applicable in the moment." Kupp made it known in February that he didn't "agree" with the Rams' decision to try to trade him before his release. He had played only for Los Angeles from when the club made him a third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft through the 2024 season, and he was named the Super Bowl LVI Most Valuable Player for his efforts in helping the Rams earn a 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in February 2022. Kupp ultimately signed a three-year, $45M deal with the Seahawks a few days after his release from the Rams. "It doesn’t change the legacy, all the great things (and) more importantly, the great person that he is," McVay added. "But we do have a responsibility to the collective, and it was what we felt like was the best decision for our football team moving forward. Not easy. But that’s what our responsibility is."
Steelers Explain What Happened to Promising Rookie
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected wide receiver Roman Wilson out of the University of Michigan with a third round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, taking Wilson 84th overall. Since his selection, Wilson has played in just one NFL game, receiving zero targets and zero yards through five snaps in his one appearance, which came in a 32-13 Week 6 blowout win against the Las Vegas Raiders. Wilson injured his ankle during training camp heading into the season, sidelining him for all of the preseason and the beginning of the regular season. He would then play in his one game on October 13, before being put on injured reserve on October 28. He was eligbile to return for the final game of the regular season, but his October 13 snaps would prove to be his only ones. Now, at the NFL League Meetings, head coach Mike Tomlin has clarified why Wilson did not see any other action. “He was healthy, but healthy and football readiness were two different things to be quite honest with you. When you’re coming back from injury, you’re essentially getting on a moving train is the analogy that I like to use. We talk about a guy that had very little NFL experience. He was healthy at the end of the year. He was working extremely hard in practice, but a real avenue never presented itself due to the misfortune of others or what have you for him to contribute,” Tomlin said. "We’re expecting really good things for him in his second year. I think that’s a reasonable expectation. I think from time to time guys get faced with injury and it derails their start, but by no means do we feel like it’s going to define his career. Calvin Austin is an example of that. Calvin missed a significant portion of his rookie year, similar to Roman. Over the last two years he’s gone on to move away from that and be a real positive contributor to our efforts. We expect similar things from Roman.” Now, going into a season with a top-heavy wide receiver room, Wilson will get a shot to prove his worth on the roster.
Jets Predicted To Add Star After 'Meteoric Rise'
The New York Jets have a big decision to make in a few weeks. The National Football League Draft obviously is coming up. For weeks you've probably heard about all of the prospects that could end up being on the Jets' radar. New York has the No. 7 pick in the draft and therefore it's exciting to think about which big-name player could soon be on their way to town. New mock drafts pop up every day, but the ones to really pay attention to come from the league's top analysts. One of those came out on Wednesday. ESPN's Field Yates shared his latest two-round mock draft and predicted that the Jets will end up bolstering the offensive line with Armand Membou out of Missouri after his "meteoric rise." "No. 7. New York Jets - Armand Membou, OT, Missouri," Yates said. "The free agent signing of Justin Fields means the Jets have a quarterback solution for at least 2025. But the loss of Morgan Moses in free agency means a hole at right tackle. New York already had pass-protection issues, finishing 23rd in pass block win rate last season (57.1 percent). "Membou had a meteoric rise in 2024, as the 20-year-old dominated in the SEC with tenacity, elite movement skills and pass protection proficiency. He can be a tone-setter up front, joining Olu Fashanu to give New York a pair of talented young OTs." Membou has been floated as a fit on numerous occasions already and it's not hard to see why. The Jets' offensive line wasn't great last year and Membou would immediately help fix it. The Jets likely are going to try to run the ball more in 2025. Justin Fields is a duel-threat guy and the team still has three strong running backs. Bolstering the line almost makes too much sense.
Raptors’ Gradey Dick seemingly dating college swimmer Karla Lessing
Gradey Dick may be heating up on the court for the Toronto Raptors, but off it, he’s making waves with Karla Lessing — a standout swimmer at the University of Kansas. The couple quietly dropped clues before seemingly confirming their relationship with a cozy photo on Lessing’s Instagram, per TheSpun. Her caption? “People and places I love.” Dick added a “beautiful girl ” in the comments, and just like that, the internet took notice. Lessing, a senior at Kansas, has already built a name for herself — even if many are just now learning it. A freestyle and butterfly specialist, she comes from an elite athletic lineage. Her father, Simon Lessing, was a five-time professional triathlon world champion and represented Great Britain in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. With that pedigree, it’s no surprise she started swimming by age five. While she keeps collecting accolades in the pool, Lessing’s influence is spreading far beyond the lanes. Her Instagram has climbed past 17,000 followers, thanks in part to her blend of athletic posts, candid moments, and beachy snapshots like the one from Puerto Rico that had fans flooding the comments. Now, she’ll likely have way more couple pics with Dick. A power couple in the making Gradey Dick hasn’t forgotten where he came from. After playing his freshman year at Kansas, the sharpshooter entered the 2023 NBA Draft and was selected 13th overall by Toronto. He’s become a reliable scorer in just his second season, averaging 14.4 points per game. His on-court confidence now mirrors his social presence — especially when it comes to Lessing. Although the duo hasn’t shared many photos together, fans piecing together Instagram comments and likes see what’s unfolding. Lessing also made an appearance in Dick’s comment section recently, signaling that their connection is far more than casual. As their public appearances grow and social media continues to buzz, Lessing could be on the verge of a major breakout herself. With a thriving swim career, growing digital influence, and now a link to one of the NBA’s rising stars, she might just become one of the most compelling new names in sports pop culture.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
