Julian Edelman believes the end is near for Bill Belichick in New England

As the 2023 season nears its end, the debate about where Bill Belichick will ultimately land next year is starting to heighten. Whether he remains with the Patriots or is hired/traded somewhere else, the opinions are flying, and everyone seems to feel strongly one way or the other.

It's even a debate that former players are being asked about, including Julian Edelman, who has discussed the topic a few times in recent months. He spoke about it again during a recent appearance on the "Pardon My Take" podcast this week, where he shared he believes we may see Belichick somewhere other than the Patriots next season.

"I think it’s a reality that’s going to come. I won’t believe it until it’s done, but when the media starts getting on this and starts talking about it, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. I just hope it’s handled correctly, like professionals, because Bill is a huge part of the success that we had. He laid the template. Mr. Kraft was a huge part of the success that we had. Tom Brady was. It’s a team sport, and I think he’s the best coach that I ever had.

Could I see him coach for another team? It’s going to be weird, but yeah. This is the National Football League. Everyone gets fired. He used to say that all the time. Bill would say that: ‘Everyone gets fired in this business.’"

Even those who believe a breakup between Belichick and Robert Kraft is inevitable, most seem to agree with Edelman that it's something they won't believe until it's actually done.

Given their longstanding working relationship and the incredible success they have accomplished together over the last two decades, it was assumed Belichick would only leave the National Football League to retire, not because he was fired or traded.

Unfortunately, that's looking like what will happen, at least according to the ongoing rumors that have continued to create headlines throughout the season.

If there is a parting of ways, it opens up a can of worms for all involved, like how will the breakup happen? Would Belichick even agree to be traded? No matter how he leaves the Patriots, what team will he end up with? And who will Kraft choose to be the first to step into Belichick's shoes?

It's all the makings of a very dramatic and crucial offseason that will dictate a lot of where the team's future is headed and what they're willing to do to reach the pinnacle of success again.

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