If, as it appears, Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Patriots coach Bill Belichick are headed toward divorce after 24 years together, what would that look like?
Many believe Kraft hopes to land the plane in a way that allows him to receive compensation from whoever hires Belichick next, while also allowing the two sides to part ways in an elegant manner. It’s a great goal. But there’s only one problem with that.
Why would Belichick go along with it?
He has no reason to. He earns nothing. He’s under contract for another year, undoubtedly at $20 million. If he sticks around and coaches the team, he’ll make money and, after the 2024 season, become a free agent.
If he digs in his heels, like Costanza in play nowBelichick either gets all the money followed by a one-way ticket to free agency or gets his ticket to free agency now, if he gets cut. In contrast, if he agrees to a plan that forces the Patriots to take compensation, Belichick would gain nothing.
He’s actually missing something under this scenario. Whatever his next team gives up as compensation for his old team, it will make it more difficult for his new team.
Given reports from Monday that Kraft I decided to make a change After the Patriots lost to the Colts in Germany, Belichick has one more reason not to play for him. Someone gossiped, intentionally or unintentionally, while Belichick still had work to do. He won’t do anything to make Belichick do something he’s not required to do.
He is not required to agree to a mutual parting deal that would reserve the Patriots the right to get something from his next team.
In a year where wins have been scarce for Belichick, this may be his easiest yet. To secure it, you have to do the one thing every human being on this planet can do.
Not one damn thing.
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