Ex-Patriots Player Explains How Belichick Negotiates Contracts

Tom Brady’s pending free agency makes us ask questions. A former Patriots player revealed the approach head coach Bill Belichick uses to seal the contracts with other players.

The head coach doesn’t really show any emotions when it comes to cutting players and sealing deals. Belichick has the winning formula for the New England Patriots, and he doesn’t let emotions affect his opinion.

How does Belichick negotiate contracts? Former Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson spent 10 years as a Patriot, and he talked about “The Belichick way” on NBC Sports Boston’s “Arbella Early Edition.”

“When I first was being coached by Bill and had my first kind of issue with my contract, Bill reached out to me personally which usually does not happen. I was like, ‘Woah, OK, I have an agent.’ He was like, ‘Yeah I was going to call him.’”

“He wanted to gauge my interest and see how I reacted by him calling me. Bill will nickel and dime. There was a year that I had — I played 15 percent of the plays the year before, and he came to ask me for a pay cut. He said, ‘Well Ted, you only played 15 percent of the plays.’ ‘Yeah, Bill, did you know I broke my foot in Week 1 so I missed the next 10 games?’”

“He doesn’t care about that stuff. So it is hardball, he doesn’t care, he will use the stats against you, and won’t factor in all the things that went into those poor stats. He’s not going to blow you away with an offer. He’s going to make you sweat it out and make you think, ‘Do I really want to leave what I’m comfortable with, or stay here and take less than what other people would offer?’”

Will Belichick change his approach to contracts?

Johnson didn’t hide the fact that his contract talks with coach Belichick affected his relationship with him. They had a completely different approach to the negotiations. Belichick doesn’t really show emotions.

Will Brady have a similar experience? Of course, his situation is different. He is the star quarterback on the roster. Brady helped the Patriots win six Super Bowls. Belichick may have a second thought. He may not play his coldblooded game with Brady. They have spent two decades together after all. Belichick knows Brady really well. Brady is the GOAT. Would Belichick let the GOAT go?