I continue to think that BB ends up with the Chargers. My guess is they trade a 1st and a 3rd (or a 4th) for him.Jeff Howe polled some executives from around the NFL and three believed the Pats could get a 1st round pick for Belichick in a trade.
Of course, a lot of this depends on Belichick and Kraft. Would Belichick approve of the destination? Does Kraft feel like he owes BB and makes it easier on him by mutually agreeing to part ways instead of holding him hostage for a trade? But I don't think it's too surprising that at least some NFL people think BB could fetch a 1st. Regardless of his missteps the last few years, he's still the greatest coach in NFL history.
Some precedent trades:
2023 Payton
2002 Gruden
- Broncos get: Payton, 3rd round pick
- Saints get: 1st + 2nd round picks
- Bucs get: Gruden
- Raiders get: two 1sts + two 2nds + $8M
2000 Belichick
1997 Parcells
- Patriots get: Belichick, 5th + 7th round picks
- Jets get: 1st, 4th, and 7th round picks
- Jets get: Parcells
- Patriots get: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th round picks
That's a team with a ton of talent on offense and Bill can work to fix the defense. It's not a complete overhaul or teardown so BB can get to work next season on breaking Shula's win record.