The New England Patriots have seen small fires erupt around the team this offseason. Fans reacted to the latest public contradiction between head coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft. A bigger eruption could be headed to the Patriots this winter.
Kraft has been vocal this offseason that Belichick needs to win this year. Analysts took Kraft’s statements during the League Annual Meeting to mean Belichick was on the hot seat in 2023.
The Patriots have been aggressive to try and get back to the playoffs. Reports revealed they wanted to trade with the Green Bay Packers for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers wasn’t interested in going to New England, and a new spat between Belichick and Kraft provides insight as to why Rodgers might have been leery of joining the Patriots.
In January, Belichick commented about the Patriots’ spending during their previous three seasons. (The statement was in reference to the Patriots’ win-loss output versus monetary input.) He stated the Patriots were 27th in cash spending on average.
Kraft was asked by Greg Bedard with Boston Sports Journal about Belichick’s spending comments. According to a transcript by NBC Sports, Kraft doesn’t think ownership has been a roadblock when it comes to the budget:
“[Kraft] says, ‘He has never come to me and not gotten everything he wanted from a cash-spending perspective. We have never set limits.’ And he further went on to say, ‘Money spending will never be the issue, I promise you, or I’ll sell the team.’ So that’s pretty definitive.”
NFL News: Fans react to New England Patriots turbulence
Kraft and Belichick don’t seem to be on the page this offseason. Kraft’s recent comments won’t help the narrative his head coach is on the hot seat. Here are the best takes on if the Patriots’ spending is enough to be successful.
Gotta spend money on superstars though! https://t.co/Abn5ZqJQiY
— Justin Ramos (@NEPinsider) July 2, 2023
They’re headed for a divorce. NE headed to mediocrity and we’ll have to suffer for the next 30yrs of people bringing up the old championships like Bulls fans do https://t.co/KCizdZcYP4
— 🐻🇳🇬🇨🇩 (@TheIgboBear) July 2, 2023
Bill blaming him being a bad GM on Kraft is funny lol https://t.co/aMzXgqwMQc
— I’m telling ya (@Cambition57) July 2, 2023
Gotta spend money on superstars though! https://t.co/Abn5ZqJQiY
— Justin Ramos (@NEPinsider) July 2, 2023
Then give DeAndre Hopkins his money now.
I can’t wait any longer https://t.co/4mX0v9Upqh
— PGS NEST (@NestPgs) July 2, 2023
The #Titans trying to put together a deal that will beat NE’s for DHop #TFTVSports https://t.co/WdMsMyvt4z pic.twitter.com/FxsMAzKcrt
— BWill (@BWillTFTV) July 2, 2023
Lying mf you underpaid Brady every year and never gave him actual real help besides a few times🗣️ https://t.co/FEQqtYiw9m
— FUCK LOVE🖕🏾❤️ (@AboutTheMoneyKO) July 2, 2023
but wouldn’t pay brady https://t.co/SpgoQnfsxO
— Johnny Cola (@Johnnycola16) July 2, 2023
*historically trades their best players one year before they get paid/1 yr before decline* https://t.co/HiD4lrDmPf
— Papo 🚀 (@themotleycruz) July 2, 2023
Explore the latest NFL news about the New England Patriots’ offseason turmoil. Discover more about the potential Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers trade in Packers News.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Did Bill Belichick ever play football?
Yes, before his coaching career, Bill Belichick played football at Wesleyan University playing as center and tight end for the team. He was a captain of the lacrosse team during his senior year and also played squash. Belichick's athletic background has successfully contributed to being a coach in the NFL.
How did Robert Kraft make his money?
Robert Kraft made his money by inaugurating International Forest Products in 1972, a company that trades in wood, pulp, and paper products. In 1998, he created the Kraft Group as a holding company for his various interests, including Rand-Whitney, International Forest Products, and his sports-related stuff.
