Re-Sign vs. Resign: New England Patriots Sign Bill Belichick to Contract Extension?

The latest chapter of Bill Belichick's supposed New England Patriots epilogue just made things a bit more complicated.

Bill Belichick appears to have literally bought himself some leeway as scrutiny continues to surround his ongoing status as the New England Patriots head coach.

With New England (1-5) off to its worst start since 1995, many believe that Belichick has run his Foxborough course. There are calls far and wide for the future Hall-of-Fame coach to end his 24-year run with the Pats. That includes frustration - and a plan of action - from owner Robert Kraft.

But a Sunday morning report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that last offseason the team quietly signed Belichick to a long-term contract extension.

Sunday news from NFL Network hints that Bill Belichick isn't going anywhere / USA TODAY SPORTS

"I think it's fair to say there was some, at least, uncertainty or intrigue surrounding him," Rapoport said on Sunday's edition of NFL GameDay leading into Week 7 action. "Now, contractually, he is locked up long-term." 

News of a Belichick extension could perhaps seem shocking after New England has noticeably regressed following a Wild Card playoff run in 2021. Things have only gotten drearier and the road apparently gets no easier with the team hosting Buffalo on Sunday afternoon at Gillette Stadium (1 p.m. ET, CBS).

The Patriots won a record six Super Bowls under Belichick, but haven't recorded a playoff win since Tom Brady left after the 2019 season. They have lost eight of their last 11 games and have endured two humiliating defeats this season, including 34-0 to the New Orleans Saints in their last home game.

How to treat the end of a dynasty era is always tricky. But with Kraft apparently giving Belichick a long-term contract extension last offseason, a delicate situation just became even more difficult to navigate.

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