FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 21: Kyle Van Noy #53 of the New England Patriots celebrates during the first half against the Buffalo Bills in the game at Gillette Stadium on December 21, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
Winners sign free agents for a discount, losers have to pay a substantial tax.
The New England Patriots organization has been able to sign free agents at a lower cost than losing teams over the years because of the reputation they have earned as a superior working environment.
The allure of playing in New England is not limited to the sheer pleasantness of subzero weather in November and December in Gillette Stadium.