The cracks in Tom Brady’s and Bill Belichick’s two-decades-long partnership had been splintering long before the quarterback left the Patriots in free agency. When reflecting on the developments of this year’s NFL free agency in his 199 newsletter,

Tom Brady’s recent revelation about his departure from the New England Patriots has many rethinking one of the league’s longest-lasting dynasties. Stephen A. Smith raised even more potential questions regarding Bill Belichick’s handling of the end of the era with another eye-opening disclosure.

Tom Brady has reflected on the "tension" he experienced with Bill Belichick toward the end of his career with the New England Patriots.