Did you know Belichick has been traded before? In fact, that's how the Pats acquired him back in 2000. That deal, which came following Belichick's abrupt resignation from the New York Jets, cost the team a first-round draft pick.

Since then, the Tampa Buccaneers gave up a first-rounder and more to the Oakland Raiders for Jon Gruden in 2002, and the New Orleans Saints got a first-rounder from the Denver Broncos in exchange for Sean Payton just this year.

There have been other deals involving venerable coaches, but those are the big three since the turn of the century.

It's entirely possible Belichick could make it four while starring in two of those.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Belichick is contractually "locked up long-term," which means the Pats would be silly to give him up to a competitor for nothing. So if the man still wants to coach, this is likely the route.

Oh, and if anyone's willing to pay up for his services.

Who might those teams be? If you're considering it, you've realistically got to be somewhat of a contender. That theoretically makes the draft capital investment less harmful, and there's a good chance Belichick isn't interesting in partaking in a rebuild or a celebration of mediocrity anywhere else.

The Los Angeles Chargers immediately come to mind. Great young quarterback in a hot market, plenty of talent around said quarterback, and the results just haven't been there for current (outgoing?) head coach Brandon Staley.

The Carolina Panthers aren't remotely a contender, but their name has come up a lot, because it doesn't take long to make that turn in this league and Carolina at least has a shiny No. 1 overall pick in quarterback Bryce Young. Plus, they obviously have a vacancy already following Frank Reich's firing (so do the Las Vegas Raiders, but with less talent under center).

Competitive teams with established coaches probably won't want to mess with what ain't broke, but might Pittsburgh Steelers brass decide that the Mike Tomlin era has gone stale? If that team continues to spiral, it's not completely out of the question. Ditto for if the Dallas Cowboys fall short again in January with Mike McCarthy and Jerry Jones decides to go YOLO. And then you have to wonder if Belichick would go full circle and land with the Jets to coach Aaron Rodgers for a wild dual swan song, although that's far-fetched considering Gang Green and New England share a division.

Regardless, there are plenty of intriguing potential trade avenues.