I would think that’s a gift since he would get a severance package. You can’t just fire somebody without giving any warning otherwise the employer can get sued (happened to my friend).
I understand, I believe most states are at-will. Just because you signed an agreement to be terminated at will doesn't mean there are no loopholes. My friend got fired for poor performance (bad worker) but then ended up suing them and won because they didn't have proof.