Musket Fire
FanSided

Patriots: 5 most surprising Bill Belichick moves ever

By Noah Green

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots gives a thumbs up on the field prior to Super Bowl 51 against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots gives a thumbs up on the field prior to Super Bowl 51 against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Logan Mankins #70 of the New England Patriots (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Logan Mankins #70 of the New England Patriots (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

2. Trading Logan Mankins (2014)

In another blindside blockbuster, Belichick traded Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins for tight end Tim Wright and a fourth-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Belichick was trading maybe the greatest guard the Patriots’ dynasty had seen in what seemed like the prime of his career for an unproven tight end.

Pats fans could not wrap their heads around the idea of giving up one of their best players in the height of their career for a player who most hadn’t even heard of. But again, Mankins was due for a big payday at an age in which Belichick doesn’t entirely feel comfortable doling out significant cash.

Once again, Belichick was right. Despite Mankins being a six-time Pro Bowler, Belichick sent him to Tampa and the offensive lineman played only two more seasons. The Patriots cut Tim Wright the next season to save money, drafted Trey Flowers with that fourth-rounder, and slid Shaq Mason into Mankins’ spot on the line.

Again, it worked out.

Home/All-Time Lists