Braxton Berrios opens up on being cut by Patriots’ Bill Belichick
By Mike Luciano
The New York Jets can’t claim to have many victories over the New England Patriots in the last few seasons, as the Patriots have been a playoff fixture and Gang Green has been one of the worst teams in the league. At least the Jets can claim to have pilfered Braxton Berrios from Bill Belichick’s clutches.
Given Belichick’s fascination with smaller, shifty receivers that have good hands, few were surprised when the Miami Hurricanes slot wizard was drafted by New England in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. However, his tenure in New England would be short-lived.
Berrios went on injured reserve in New England before playing a game. While he did receive a ring by virtue of being on the 2018 champions, he was cut before the 2019 season. After the wideout signed with the Jets, Belichick knew he let a talented player walk out the door.
On Pardon My Take, Berrios claimed that Belichick called former Jets coach Adam Gase and told him that he added a quality player. If they held on to him, the Patriots would’ve enlisted the services of a quality second-string receiver and elite return man.
Braxton Berrios was ALWAYS going to be one of Bill Belichick’s guys. @HNYNUT_BERRIOS pic.twitter.com/bDvOcCSnPf
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) January 19, 2022
The New England Patriots messed up by cutting Braxton Berrios.
Over the last two seasons with a struggling Sam Darnold and rookie Zach Wilson as his quarterbacks, Berrios has recorded 83 catches for 825 yards and five touchdowns. He’s also ran for two more scores. He’d be a more productive WR4 in New England than N’Keal Harry.
Berrios was named a first-team All-Pro as a kick returner. His 30.4 yards per return average was the best in the league, as the number was boosted by a 102-yard touchdown. It looks like Belichick’s intuition was proven correct, as Berrios has proven he can be a difference-maker in this league in the return game.
1st Team All-Pro as a Kick Returner…What an incredible honor, truly don’t have the words other than Thank you to my teammates that made this possible, couldn’t have done it without you guys!!
— Braxton Berrios (@HNYNUT_BERRIOS) January 14, 2022
Berrios’ story shows how harsh life can be in the NFL when you’re on the back end of the roster. Even though New England had a hole at wide receiver and wanted to keep him around, they had to part ways with him and allow him to join a division rival to plug holes elsewhere.
While the fact that he’s become a viable NFL receiver despite lacking amazing size or 4.3 speed is nice to see, Berrios doing it with the hated Jets may sting. Belichick very rarely lets All-Pro special teamers get away, but he appears to have bungled how he handled the Berrios situation.