No longer able to flaunt Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and semi-annual Super Bowl berths, the New England Patriots aren’t as attractive a free agent destination as they once were.
Making matters more difficult: Their home state.
Massachusetts residents — especially those who make seven figures — are well aware of the state’s heavy tax burden. And, during a recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Belichick admitted that Massachusetts taxes can negatively impact the Patriots during NFL free agency.
Bill Belichick Opens Up on Why Patriots Struggle To Add Top Free Agents
It’s difficult to know how many players truly denied the Patriots over income taxes. The most recent example is Calvin Ridley, but familial concerns also factored into his decision to sign with the Tennessee Titans over the Patriots this offseason.
Here’s what Belichick said when asked about the so-called “millionaire tax,” which is a recently instituted 4% surtax on Massachusetts household income over $1 million:
“That’s Taxachusetts,” the Patriots legend said. “Virtually every player, even the practice squad, even the minimum players, are pretty close to $1 million. Once you hit the $1 million threshold, you pay more state tax in Massachusetts.
“Just another thing you’ve got to contend with in negotiations up there. It’s not like Tennessee or Florida or Nevada. Some of these teams have no state income tax. You get hit pretty hard on that with the agents.”
Bill Belichick calls Massachusetts “Taxachusetts” and says state taxes make it harder for the #Patriots to sign free agents.pic.twitter.com/DBrh27aU0o
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) August 26, 2024
Fans and reporters have often speculated about Massachusetts taxes potentially dissuading players from choosing New England over teams that play in states free of income tax, such as Nevada, Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. So, it was interesting to hear Belichick speak candidly on the topic.
Belichick’s comments made it back to Patriots defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, who offered his take on the subject.
Patriots Veteran Opens Up on Massachusetts Tax Burden
Godchaux welcomed teammate Keion White for the latest episode of his “Chaux Down” video podcast. The two touched on a variety of topics, including Belichick’s “Taxachusetts” remark.
“Nah, you know what pissed me off too? When I got here, they got that extra 4% millionaires tax out here, too,” White told Godchaux. “That’ll get you too.”
Godchaux’s response: “Absolutely. Massachusetts is bad with state taxes, too. It’s terrible. It’s right up there with New York and LA. I just heard Bill Belichick spoke about it … how it was tough to sign free agents in Massachusetts because of the state tax.
“I mean guys these days, if you can sign with a team with no state tax, then go ahead and sign with them because that’s more money you keep in your pocket.”
You can watch a clip of the discussion in the X post below:
#Patriots DL Davon Godchaux and Keion White discussing Massachusetts’ state tax and their opinions on Bill Belichick calling it “Taxachusetts.”
White:
“Nah, you know what pissed me off too? When I got here, they got that extra 4% millionaires tax… that’ll get you too.”… pic.twitter.com/QqBzoO17ok— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) August 28, 2024
Ultimately, the Patriots can’t do anything about Massachusetts taxes. And if you somehow believe the Kraft Family has influence on Beacon Hill, look no further than their failed attempt at putting a New England Revolution stadium in a Boston suburb.
That said, many players gladly sign with teams in California and New York, especially if they believe those teams can help them win a Super Bowl title. If the Patriots reestablish themselves as contenders, they’ll find it much easier to lure star players.