DeAngelo Hall looked back at a missed opportunity not signing with the New England Patriots in 2009. Hall finished his first season with the Washington Redskins after being released by the Oakland Raiders. He was on the open market, as contract talks with Washington stalled.
Other teams showed interest, including the Patriots. But, the Patriots wanted the then-25 year old on a shorter-term deal. Yet, Hall was looking for a long-term commitment with financial stability. Instead, he inked a six-year, $54 million deal to return to the Redskins.
Hall revealed in an interview to NFL.com his regrets at missing out on a chance to be part of the Patriots’ dynasty, and possibly furthering his legacy.
“In my own contract discussions with the Pats, I recall Bill Belichick telling me they couldn’t give me the contract [Randy] Moss signed. Being a young and greedy knucklehead, I chose to stay in Washington on a long-term deal (six years, $54 million), which ultimately had me making the same per-year salary as Moss. Over a few million, I could’ve changed my legacy by being part of that dynasty. That was on the table for me, and I wish I would’ve made the decision to take less money and play for Belichick.”
Randy Moss had signed a three-year, $27 million deal. Hall got the similar payout he was looking for. While, he enjoyed relative success in the Burgundy and Gold of the Redskins, he never got an opportunity to seriously contend for a Super Bowl with Washington.
Thus, his career never quite hit the heights of its potential. The Patriots had just missed the postseason with an 11-5 record in 2008. Thanks in large to Tom Brady suffering a torn ACL in the season opener. New England would start its current 11-year string of AFC East division titles that ultimately led to six Super Bowl appearances and three titles.
Adding Hall could have helped lead the Patriots to the Super Bowl more often. They appeared in two Super Bowls, winning one (2014) during the span of Hall’s six-year deal with the Redskins.
Aside from the team success, Hall missed the opportunity to work under one of the greatest head coaches in NFL history, Bill Belichick. Playing in the Patriots’ system could have strengthen his career resume.
Meanwhile, Hall made one playoff appearance with the Redskins (2012) during his contract. He recorded 21 interceptions and three defensive touchdowns in the first five seasons of his deal — never missing a game. However, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the third game of the final year of his contract in 2014.
DeAngelo Hall played 12 games total over the next three seasons. He endured two torn ACLs before retiring following the 2017 season.
