The Patriots had no interest in getting back the first-round draft pick they gave up as part of the package to acquire Bill Belichick.
On the day Belichick and the Patriots parted ways after 24 seasons, owner Robert Kraft was asked why he didn't try to trade Belichick instead of putting him on the open market.
Belichick was signed for one more season.
“When you look at this as a trade, he's so valuable and how can we get anything out of him, it just didn't feel right,” Kraft said Thursday afternoon. “I didn't think it was right for Tom Brady, who gave us 20 years, and I don't think it was right for Bill.”
The difference, of course, is that Brady was a free agent when he left for the Buccaneers in March 2020.
However, the Patriots have already won six Super Bowls, nine AFC Championships, and 17 AFC East titles, making the trade they made with the Jets to acquire Belichick, who resigned as head coach for a day in 2000. Earning a return on investment. .
All of those big moments were achieved by working with Brady.
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“Each of them has earned the right to be in a position to do what is right for them. [them]Considering what they've done for this franchise,” Kraft said. “Some people may criticize me for not extracting much value, and I understand that. But we're just trying to do what's right for the right values and operational capabilities. We try to make sure that people who want to come know that we’re going to treat them fairly.”
Kraft said adjustments to Belichick's role to not only be head coach but also chief football executive are also being considered.
“Every decision was his and we have always supported him,” Kraft said. “Accountability is important in any company, to take away that authority and give it to someone else. If he had the responsibility and someone else takes it on, it creates confusion and [blaming], “That was his choice, and it was a bad one” or “He didn't play right.” In my opinion, that won't work. ”
Belichick did not take questions from reporters, but Kraft confirmed Belichick plans to coach elsewhere again.
The Falcons, Commanders, Panthers and Chargers have been mentioned as possible landing spots.
