So to keep Negan alive beyond this point of the show’s run would be a gigantic punch in the throat to everyone who experienced trauma over Negan’s actions, which is basically every other breathing character.
Let’s put it out there right now that if Negan does end up dying before The Walking Dead Season 8 has aired its final end credits sequence, it most certainly better be Rick doing the murdering.
(Or Maggie, if Rick can’t do it, but no other circumstances will be welcomed.)
Plus, he lit Rick’s fuse anew, and we all know Negan will be acting irrationally impulsive after dealing with Simon’s misbehavior and finding out about Gavin’s death.