The Patriots-Commanders connection that could aid a Belichick trade originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston.
If you believe that relationships play a significant role in getting deals done, then the rumors of a potential trade between Bill Belichick and the Washington Commanders might hold some weight.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio recently floated an intriguing theory suggesting that the Commanders could acquire Belichick from the Patriots via trade in the upcoming offseason. This would allow the Patriots to start fresh after four seasons of mediocrity following Tom Brady’s departure while also getting something valuable in return for their legendary head coach.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated believes that this theory is plausible, mainly due to the motivations of both the Patriots and the Commanders to make a deal happen. On Patriots Pregame Live, Breer disclosed the factors involved, including a little-known connection between the top executives of the two teams.
“I’ve been hearing about this for over a year now and more intensely in the last month,” Breer stated when discussing the potential trade of Belichick to Washington. “There are several reasons why this could make sense. Firstly, there is a widespread perception within the New England Patriots organization that Belichick still wants to coach, whether it’s in Foxboro or elsewhere. Secondly, Washington is a historic franchise. Thirdly, it’s Belichick’s hometown. Remember, he’s from Annapolis, which is about a 45-minute drive from Washington, D.C.”
“Fourth, and this is something you may not know, there is a connection that potentially could facilitate any necessary negotiations. Josh Harris, the new owner of the Commanders, attended Harvard Business School with Jonathan Kraft, creating a relationship between their families.
“The Krafts have been strong advocates for Harris becoming the owner of the Commanders. Therefore, if draft pick compensation needs to be worked out, there is an existing connection that could make it happen. This could be the Krafts’ elegant solution.”
Albert Breer revealed that Jonathan Kraft, the president of the Patriots and the son of team owner Robert Kraft, has known Harris since 1988 when they met at Harvard Business School. They were part of the same graduating class in 1990. As Breer detailed in May, Jonathan Kraft supported Harris when he was purchasing the Commanders.
This connection could prove beneficial in negotiating a deal involving Belichick between the Patriots and the Commanders. Breer speculates that New England could receive a late first-round pick and/or a second-rounder from Washington in a potential trade.
If Belichick and the Patriots decide to part ways, it is likely that he will attract multiple suitors in the upcoming offseason. However, the relationship between the Krafts and Harris, along with Harris’ desire to make a splash as a new NFL owner, might give Washington an edge in the negotiations.
“Throughout the years, we have seen new owners make moves like this to establish themselves,” Breer explained. “When Stephen Ross took over the Miami Dolphins, he brought in Bill Parcells, which added credibility to his ownership. Shad Khan, the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, brought back Tom Coughlin to restore credibility to his ownership group after a rough patch. I believe that hiring Belichick could serve as a credibility play for the new Commanders owner, Harris.”
Watch the video above for more insights from Albert Breer on the potential Patriots-Commanders trade.
