That first sentence hardly rings true, you are mostly there with the rest of your statement. The Pats under Belichick most definitely negotiated with a hard number in mind for their ceiling on every contract. As far as 'letting' them leave goes, it would be more complete to say if they knew there was no hope of an agreement they'd move a guy if they thought they could beat his comp pick value in a deal. As for the idea BB 'always thought he could 'easily' replace anyone who left, Thuney is a great example of that not being the case. The Pats would never have franchised Thuney if Belichick thought he was 'easily' replaceable. Thuney's departure definitely speaks to Belichick absolutely being willing to die on the hill of what he was willing to pay for a player/position.