getty Robert Kraft, New England Patriots owner
Can we all just get along?
The answer to that question is probably no, at least as it pertains to billionaire NFL owners who all have their agendas. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones were involved in “a heated exchange” on Tuesday, October 18, according to ESPN’s Seth Wickersham and Don Van Natta Jr.
NFL owners came together to vote on a new contract for commissioner Roger Goodell. The measure was passed to begin negotiations with Goodell on a new contract by a vote of 31-1, Wickersham and Van Natta reported, but sources told them Kraft and Jones exchanged words in the process.
Jones was one vote not in favor of re-upping with Goodell, at least at the current or similar terms, according to ESPN. Jones wants a more incentive-laden deal for Goodell, Wickersham and Van Natta reported, while the other 31 owners voted for the negotiations in what is being perceived as support for the commissioner.
According to ESPN’s sources, Jones told Kraft, “Don’t f*** with me.”
Kraft replied, “Excuse me?” the outlet reported.
Jones toned his response down a bit, according to the outlet, saying, “Don’t mess with me.”
According to the ESPN report, representatives from the NFL and the Dallas Cowboys declined to comment, and the Patriots’ reps hadn’t responded to a request for comment.
What’s the Beef Between Robert Kraft & Jerry Jones About?
According to ESPN, sources said Jones believes the incentives attached to Goodell’s contract are “too vague and not connected to a strict set of financial goals and metrics without a more rigorous review.”
A source told ESPN that Jones “believes in corporate good governance and wants accountability on the financial goals tied to Roger’s bonus. He is sensitive to awarding a big bonus to Roger before he performs and earns it.”
The New York Times reported in October 2021 that Goodell earns a whopping $63.9 million per year in his role as the commissioner of the NFL for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 season.
To put that into perspective, the highest-paid player in the NFL is Green Bay Packers‘ future Hall of Famer and reigning league MVP Aaron Rodgers. The soon-to-be 39-year-old quarterback’s average salary is $50.2 million.
What’s Next for the Patriots?
New England will face the Chicago Bears on Monday night, October 24.
The Patriots are on their first win streak of the season behind the play of a stingy defense and the performance of rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe in the last two weeks. New England may be facing an old castoff in wide receiver N’Keal Harry.
The Patriots traded Harry to the Bears during the offseason for a 2024 seventh-round pick. Shortly after the deal, Harry suffered an ankle injury that landed him on injured reserve.
While he practiced most of the week ahead of the Bears’ heartbreaking loss on October 13 to the Washington Commanders, Chicago didn’t activate the 24-year-old. However, it appears he should be available to the Bears, and it should come just in time for him to attempt to put together a revenge game.
The Patriots’ secondary should be prepared for an inspired effort from a talented player who has everything to prove in his first game with his new team, which happens to be happening against the squad that gave up on him.
The Patriots come into the game 3-3, while the Bears are 2-4. It could also be a battle between two quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft.
If Mac Jones returns to the starting lineup, he’ll go head-to-head with Justin Fields, who was taken four spots ahead of him last year.
Lastly, Bill Belichick has a chance to move into sole possession of second place on the NFL’s all-time wins list for head coaches. That would be a huge accomplishment, no matter what team the Patriots faced. However, it is even more significant because Belichick is currently tied with NFL pioneer, Hall-of-Famer and Bears legend George Halas. To pass Halas with a win over the Bears would be special.
Clearly, there is no shortage of storylines and intrigue.