As Bill Belichick and the Patriots head for a likely divorce, at least one scenario regarding his departure is being ruled out.
Per Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk, a Belichick trade is “extremely unlikely.” Adding, “It will be a termination or some sort of a mutual parting, if/when it happens.”
A divorce is likely coming for the Patriots and coach Bill Belichick, with a firing or a mutual parting being far more likely than a trade to another team. https://t.co/zEjiq1iy0M
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 7, 2024
As Florio writes:
While this year’s disappointing showing will be viewed as the catalyst, things likely went off the rails last year, when Belichick decided to make Matt Patricia the offensive coordinator. The move resulted in significant regression for quarterback Mac Jones, who made it to the Pro Bowl as a rookie. It seemed like a questionable decision when Belichick made it. Ensuing events proved it. … Given that Belichick might not coach another five years, now seems to be the time to pivot toward the future. And if, as we believe, there won’t be an effort to trade Belichick to another team, the future could arrive very soon.
In some ways it’s hard to believe the Belichick era could be coming to an end in New England. But something has to give in Foxborough, Mass and everything must come to an end.