During the NFL annual owners meeting, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick discussed wide-ranging topics, from veteran quarterback Tom Brady, tight end Rob Gronkowski, former cornerback Malcolm Butler to his future moves to fill up his coaching staff.
In an interview with Mike Reiss of ESPN, Belichick tackled Brady’s future with the team after the quarterback aired about his apprehension and conflict during the "Tom vs. Time" finale. According to Belichick, he has direct conversations with Brady through a long period of time, adding that he will rely on those conversations that "I have with him directly" rather than something else.
Belichick also declared that he has a good line of communication with his long-time quarterback, saying they have been able to talk to each other directly. Belichick’s statement belied rumors indicating that his relationship with Brady is strained due to the head coach’s issue with his quarterback trainer, Alex Guerrero. Earlier, Brady relayed to team owner Robert Kraft his interest is to play until he’s 45 years old. Brady’s move prompted Kraft to ask Belichick to trade Brady’s long-time backup Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers.
Belichick still clueless about Gronkowski’s plan
When asked by Reiss if Gronkowski has told him his decision to play in 2018 or not, Belichick said he’s not going to speak for anybody else.
According to Belichick, conversations with his players are private matters that he will keep to himself. After their Super Bowl LII loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Gronkowski hinted that he could hang up his cleats for good.
Rumors are persistent that Gronkowski might join the WWE. Earlier, Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com reported that the Patriots want Gronkowski to reach a decision soon so they can prepare for any eventuality.
Gronkowski is expected to earn a base salary of $8 million in 2018 and $9 million in 2019. Earlier, the Patriots were eyeing to sign Martellus Bennett as insurance in case Gronkowski retires, but the former decided to retire. According to WEEI.com, Belichick could take a tight end from the 2018 NFL Draft, possibly South Hayden Hurst of South Carolina.
Belichick remains mum about Butler
Until now, Belichick remains silent about his decision to bench Butler during their Super Bowl LII loss. However, Belichick said he has a lot of respect for Butler, who since signed a five-year deal worth $61 million with the Tennessee Titans. Belichick also called Butler a great competitor on the field, but he insisted that he would not talk about last season.
