Robert Kraft Clarifies On The Decision To Not Trade Bill Belichick

After the 2023 NFL season, Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft announced their separation on Wednesday. During their amazing twenty-four years with the New England Patriots, they won nine AFC crowns and six Super Bowl rings.

Robert Kraft Clarifies On The Decision To Not Trade Bill Belichick

Several teams are expected to show a great deal of interest in the iconic head coach throughout the winter. Belichick will probably be at the top of the list for many clubs looking to add a new head coach this season since a coach of his quality seldom becomes available on the open market.

Some have questioned Robert Kraft’s decision to allow Bill Belichick to go as a free agency in light of the anticipated demand for him rather than trying to find a trade partner for his valued commodity. He was questioned about this in the aftermath of the announcement.

Owner Robert Kraft was questioned about why he didn’t attempt to move Belichick rather than allow him to go unsigned on the free market on the day that the team and Belichick parted ways after 24 seasons.

Belichick still has one season left on his deal.

“I didn’t think that was right if you look at this as a transaction and he is so valuable and how we could extract something,” Kraft remarked on Thursday afternoon. “It’s not right for Bill, and I don’t think it’s right for Tom Brady, who gave us 20 years.”

“Each of them earned the right to be in the position where they should do what’s right for [them], given what they have done for this franchise,” Kraft said. “Some people might criticise me for not extracting as much value, and I understand that. But we just try to do what’s right for the proper values, and ability to operate, and try to get people who want to come and know that we are going to treat them fairly.”

After dominating the New England Patriots for two decades, Tom Brady left the team. In the end, he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being granted permission to go as a free agent. With his new squad, Brady claimed his seventh Super Bowl ring and his tenth conference championship.

Similar to Tom Brady, Robert Kraft clarified, Bill Belichick performed well enough for the team to earn the right to decide where he would like to go next, as opposed to having a trade decide it for him.

When Belichick and Kraft parted ways earlier on Thursday at a press conference, they both seemed content. Thursday did not give off the idea that the divorce was difficult, even though the marriage is ended. And when the Patriots celebrate Belichick at some point soon, that will set for a very pleasant reunion.

Naturally, that will have to wait till Belichick concludes his tenure as coach.

“We had some long discussions and, I think it’s awkward while he is still coaching to bring closure. But I hope when that’s all over we can do something that properly honors him and respects him for what he has done for us,” said Kraft. “Everything in life is the proper timing, so we’re going to have to  wait for that.”

 

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