Cohen’s fucked (legal term). He can’t afford legal counsel along the lines of the now departed McDermott, Will & Emery LLP. They were probably billing him six figures a month. But he needs that level of counsel because of the array of crimes and criminal acts he’s involved in.

It comes down to money, and Cohen doesn’t have deep pockets. He also may be realizing that cutting a deal will salvage something for his family.

While Cohen might think a pardon could help, it will end up hitting Trump even harder, because Cohen will be compelled to testify against those he worked for: Trump, and potentially Sean Hannity.