Betting Odds Suggest Neither Brady Or Belichick Will Retire

The New England Patriots have lost before the divisional playoff round for the first time in 10 years and their streak of eight straight appearances in the AFC Championship Game has been snapped. After so many seasons of dominance, including three straight Super Bowl appearances and three Super Bowl titles in the past five seasons, the Patriots might be staring at the end of their unprecedented reign over the NFL.

The speculation has been rampant as to whether either Tom Brady or Bill Belichick will retire this offseason. The good news for Pats fans is the odds show both aren’t expected to hang ‘em up just yet.

WILL TOM BRADY RETIRE BEFORE 2020 REGULAR SEASON?

NO: -1000
YES: +600

Is this the end of the line? Tom Brady had an injured elbow this past season and seemed to really struggle completing passes (less than 55.3% in seven of his final eight games). Was he hurt or is Father Time finally catching up to the 42-year-old?

Having an older body makes an athlete more injury prone and the punishing nature of sports creates wear and tear, which can grind down the body. Brady encountered a lot of that in 2019 and for now, that’s where we can point the finger. It also didn’t help that his supporting cast – especially in the receiving corps – was among his weakest ever in New England.

If those are, in fact, the issues, then Brady is not likely to retire. He still made some really sharp throws throughout the season and looked like he’s got more in the tank – even if he’s in the twilight of his career. He’s also intimated that retirement isn’t really in the cards for him. Look for him to play at least one more season. The question is – now that he’s an unrestricted free agent – whether it will be in New England or will it be elsewhere?

WILL BILL BELICHICK RETIRE BEFORE 2020 REGULAR SEASON?

NO: -1500
YES: +700

The idea that Bill Belichick would want to step away from the game seems absurd right now. Either Belichick would want to do it right and come back with Brady one more time, or Belichick would want to get a new quarterback – probably in a trade – and see if he can win with him.

Belichick is not very sentimental about players, so he’d be fine to move on. Brady finished with a 53.8 QBR this season, which was 17th in the NFL. That’s basically replacement-level. Belichick might try to make a run at someone like Philip Rivers or Teddy Bridgewater in free agency, or might give youngster Jarrett Stidham a go. This team still won 12 games with Brady being so-so. He might opt to bring the band back to get with Brady (probably the best option) or move on with someone else, but Belichick retiring seems very unlikely.

In 2009, Belichick has spoken about possibly hanging it up when he gets to his 70’s but he’s still just 67. He’s third on the coaches all-time wins list (45 behind George Halas for second place), so don’t expect him to call it quits just yet.

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