NFL Execs Are Already Afraid The Patriots Have Figured Out A Cheat Code For 2020 Based On Their Player Opt Outs For The Season

Bill Belichick is always one step ahead of the NFL. Whether it be operating in the grey areas of rules or simply having a better handle on how to make the most of a limited roster, Belichick and the Patriots have given a lot of reason for teams to be intimidated by any time New England zigs while the rest of the league zags.

According to Adam Schefter, that may be the case again after six Pats players have already opted out of the 2020 NFL season:

Actual text exchange with an NFL executive today after a sixth Patriot opted out:

Him: “You know Bill is masterminding all of this somehow.”

Me: “For what reason?”

Him: “I don’t know! That’s why he is who he is!”

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2020

Now let’s take this NFL exec going full conspiracy theory mode at face value. What would Belichick potentially gain from having key veterans sit out in 2020?

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There are some salary cap machinations that could occur, perhaps a way for Belichick to add free agents this year while keeping guys off the books until next season? Though the cap will reportedly stay high this year while lowering substantially for next season so it doesn’t fully make sense.

Maybe the Patriots intend to tank the year away or at least sense they won’t be in competition already? This way they can develop younger talent while letting key veterans save a year on their bodies. Or perhaps they really think drafting Trevor Lawrence next year is the key to their future more than potentially sneaking into the playoffs this year on the back of Cam Newton? I previously speculated that it wouldn’t shock me to see Jarrett Stidham start over Cam Newton based on their contracts and that could be even more true if the team can’t replace guys like Marcus Cannon, Dont’a Hightower, and Patrick Chung.

And then there’s the unknown: Maybe this is a motivational tool to get the no-name Patriots able to play above their heads even more than usual? Bill Belichick is known for motivating his guys in unique ways. It could be a “We’re onto 2021” approach. Or it could be the Matt Cassel year all over again where the Patriots are written off and end up pulling almost enough magic to overcome the most adverse conditions.

It’s all in play with Bill Belichick pulling the strings. Whenever you don’t know what Belichick has planned is when he’s most ready to strike. Regardless of how crazy it may seem, NFL executives are probably scared for good reason.

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