Wild NFL Rumor: New England Patriots, Washington Commanders Talking Bill Belichick Trade?
Napkin resignation notwithstanding, the New England Patriots' Bill Belichick era could end as it began.
In his latest report for NBC Sports, Mike Florio hinted the Patriots' work with the Washington Commanders could go beyond their Sunday showdown at Gillette Stadium (1 p.m. ET, Fox). With Washington (3-5) continuing a franchise reboot under new management, there would perhaps be no better way for owner Josh Harris to make a splash across the NFL pool than trading for Belichick.
With current Commanders commander Ron Rivera on the hot seat and New England (2-6) sputtering, Florio says that "there’s chatter in some league circle" about a potential swap.
"It’s not as crazy as it sounds at first blush," Florio claims. "The Commanders, based on their recent trades of defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat, seem to be closing in on a reset button under new owner Josh Harris. The Patriots could be looking for a graceful exit from Belichick’s long-term tenure.
"This would allow it to happen, with the Commanders getting a great coach and the Patriots getting something for him ... This isn’t a report that it will happen. But the possibility is being discussed by people in league circles."
Belichick, shaking hands with then-Redskins head coach Jay Gruden, would find his way to Washington if a theory from Mike Florio comes to fruition
Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
Belichick famously opened the new century by resigning as head coach of the New York Jets mere hours after his hire. He accepted the same job in New England shortly after but not before then-commissioner Paul Tagliabue mandated that the former send compensation, as Belichick was still under New York contract at the time of his transfer.
The Patriots eventually dealt three picks to the Jets, including 2000's 16th overall choice (which the Jets wound up trading to San Francisco to select Shaun Ellis four picks earlier). New England also received the Jets' fifth-rounder in 2001 (traded to Detroit) and seventh-rounder the year after (traded to Washington).
While the benefit of Belichick to Washington (one playoff win since 2000) is self-explanatory, Florio says that a trade would help the Patriots wiggle out of the "sticky situation" of parting ways with one of the most accomplished head coaches of all time. Belichick's seat has been warmed by amateur and professional observers alike but he reportedly signed a contract extension with New England in secret over the prior offseason.
"(The Patriots) wouldn’t have to fire Belichick. They wouldn’t have to engineer a 'mutual parting,'" Florio notes. "They wouldn’t owe him any money and they’d actually get back some of the compensation they gave to the Jets when hiring him in 2000."
There have been seven trades for head coaches in the history of the NFL and the Patriots have been involved in two, previously netting four picks from the Jets in exchange for Bill Parcells in 1997. The most recent example came last winter when Denver sent three picks to New Orleans for Sean Payton.
