The Lamar Jackson-to-New England Patriots buzz just won’t die.

Despite numerous reports — including our own — that New England acquiring Jackson is unlikely, the Patriots have the fourth-best odds to add the Baltimore Ravens free-agent quarterback, per SportsBetting.ag.

The Patriots are 7-1 to be Jackson’s next team. They follow the Indianapolis Colts (3-1), Atlanta Falcons (4-1) and Detroit Lions (4-1).

Here’s the full list:

Colts 3-1
Falcons 4-1
Lions 4-1
Patriots 7-1
Miami Dolphins 8-1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8-1
New York Jets 10-1
Tennessee Titans 10-1
Carolina Panthers 12-1
San Francisco 49ers 14-1

One source was doubtful the Patriots could make the money work for Jackson. Another was doubtful New England would be willing to give up the draft capital to acquire him.

Still, tension exists between Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and starting quarterback Mac Jones after a difficult 2022 season. Belichick wouldn’t explicitly say that Jones would start over Bailey Zappe next season while speaking at the NFL Annual Meeting. Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who was much more complimentary of Jones, then dropped a bomb that rapper Meek Mill had texted him that Jackson wanted to play for New England.

Jackson was franchise tagged by the Ravens. Another team can sign Jackson to an offer sheet, which Baltimore then has the choice to match. If they decline to match, the offering team would send two first-round picks to the Ravens. Baltimore also could trade Jackson if he signs his franchise tag.

Featured image via Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports