Lamar Jackson to Patriots? Asante Samuel Sends 'Belichick Warning' to Ravens QB
Lots of dots are being connected to disgruntled former NFL MVP Lamar Jackson winding up with the New England Patriots.
Since Jackson revealed his trade demand from the Baltimore Ravens earlier this week, seems every TV analyst, former Patriot and even rappers are giddy about the possibility of Jackson playing in Foxboro.
But this, however, hasn't been a good week for Bill Belichick. Jackson notwithstanding.
First, the coach ruffled lots of fanbase feathers by claiming his team's future is bright merely because of its past. That led to former linebacker Tedy Bruschi's calling him out, and the coach seemingly walking the statement back.
Now out pops old "friend" Asante Samuel.
Whether via Twitter or eye-popping interviews, few ex-Patriots are as bitter as Samuel about their time in New England. The former cornerback never seems to miss an opportunity to bash his former team. Specifically, Samuel loves to take aim at Belichick.
Wrote Samuel in a tweet this week: Lamar Jackson, my brother trust me you don’t want to play for Belichick
We're not sure how much weight Samuel's opinion carries with Jackson. But we're certain the former Patriot isn't exactly helping the cause.
The enigmatic Samuel had an impressive career in New England on the field, but lost favor with the franchise with his frequent head-butting against Belichick. The coach once played receiver Troy Brown at cornerback over Samuel, and he responded later with a three-interception performance and a taunting of his own coach as he ran down the sideline.
When Belichick threatened to use the franchise tag ahead of him before the 2008 season, Samuel said he told the legendary coach, "I’m a f*ck this team up.”
Since their separation, Samuel has routinely levied criticism Belichick and New England’s way. In August 2021, Samuel raised eyebrows when he declared Belichick “just another coach” without Tom Brady.
The Patriots drafted Samuel in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft out of Central Florida. He helped New England win back-to-back Super Bowls as a rookie and second-year player. Samuel led the NFL in interceptions in 2006 with 10. He made first-team All-Pro in 2007 when the Patriots finished the regular season a perfect 16-0 before losing in the Super Bowl to the New York Giants.
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