There’s little chance Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots are considering a trade for receivers Deebo Samuel (49ers), DK Metcalf (Seahawks) or A.J. Brown (Titans). Essentially, the three wideouts want a new contract — or a new team that’ll give them a new contract.
For New England, the timing simply doesn’t make sense.
Samuel is the most discussed of the bunch. He asked the 49ers to trade him on Wednesday. Samuel doesn’t just want a new contract. He also wants to play running back less often — with hopes that avoiding the role will prolong his career. That surely serves as an immediate red flag for Belichick, who only goes after players who will unquestioningly do their job. And that dictatorial approach is not for everyone. It might not click for Samuel, who has every right to voice his concerns about playing a position (running back) he didn’t sign up to play — and one that eats away at his playing career. But that’s one of many reasons why he and Belichick are probably not a match.
