After three years in the jersey of the New England Patriots, Jakob Johnson moves on to the Las Vegas Raiders. The German explains the reasons for his exit – and is confirmed by a US journalist.

Munich – Jakob Johnson has been on the New England Patriots squad since 2019. The Pats had made no effort to retain the restricted fee agent in recent weeks. His contract would have been relatively easy to extend with a minimum salary and a guaranteed sum of only 200,000 dollars.

In the meantime, the German has left head coach Bill Belichick’s team and joined the Las Vegas Raiders for one year. But why was the franchise no longer interested in the 27-year-old, who was praised beyond measure by quarterback Mac Jones last season?

“The Patriots have informed me that they will no longer need my services for next season, simply for the reason that they will no longer have my position on the roster,” the German explained in an interview with “dpa”.

Patriots don’t need a fullback anymore

So the franchise from Foxborough seems to want to make changes to the offensive scheme. Away from fullbacks, instead formations with two tight ends or three receivers.

Mike Reiss has a similar take. The “ESPN” reporter, who covers the Patriots for his network, made it clear on Twitter that “a notable part of the Patriots’ offseason” consisted of internally evaluating how to get more out of last year’s costly commitments.

This point from Jakob Johnson was highlighted in today’s notebook.

A notable part of the Patriots’ offseason seems to be internal evaluation (and scheme alterations) aimed at getting more out of some of last year’s acquisitions (and others). https://t.co/XFM8EhnE2V pic.twitter.com/ohtC5Xnbws

– Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 20, 2022

So apparently, tight end Jonnu Smith, who signed a four-year, $50 million contract, is primarily expected to take over for Johnson.

Jakob Johnson looking forward to Raiders

For the German, on the other hand, it’s on to player paradise under his longtime Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. McDaniels has taken over as head coach of quarterback Derek Carr and is bringing other coaches with him from Foxborough. An advantage for the fullback.

“My preparation is going full speed now, for me it’s just extra motivation to be on a new team. It just makes it all the more exciting.”

And the location advantage is not to be neglected either: “A lot of friends and family wanted to come visit me and it’s probably easier to convince them to come to Vegas,” Johnson laughed.