Cassel may be tagged
Report says team will franchise QB
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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - NFL teams can place the franchise tag on players from Feb. 5 to Feb. 19, although that hasn't stopped speculation from buzzing regarding the Patriots' intentions with quarterback Matt Cassel.
ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported yesterday that the Patriots intend to use the tag on Cassel, although that could not be confirmed.
Teams can use the franchise tag to help retain players who are scheduled for unrestricted free agency. The Patriots have utilized it on players such as cornerback Asante Samuel, kicker Adam Vinatieri, and safety Tebucky Jones.
A player who is assigned the franchise tag still can be signed by other teams, but those clubs would surrender two first-round draft choices if the original team does not match the offer. Because first-round draft choices are so valuable, it is unlikely a player assigned the tag would be signed by another club.
In the case of Cassel, he would receive a one-year tender offer that is the average of the top five salary cap charges among NFL quarterbacks. The figure for 2009 is estimated to be around $14 million.
If the Patriots tag Cassel, it would mean they have approximately $29 million of the $123 million salary cap tied up between two quarterbacks, Tom Brady and Cassel, which could hinder other moves.
The salary cap was at $116 million this season, so the rise to $123 million presumably would help the Patriots absorb such a hit. At the same time, it seemingly would buy some more time before the start of free agency Feb. 27 as Brady rehabilitates his injured left knee.
Players, on the other hand, generally dislike the franchise tag because it prohibits them from signing a long-term contract with a large up-front bonus. NFL contracts aren't guaranteed, so up-front bonuses are considered crucial to players.
Cassel would be guaranteed approximately $14 million once he signs the tender offer, which could take some of the financial sting out of the move. At the same time, he also presumably is interested in becoming a clear-cut No. 1 quarterback, which he wouldn't be in New England.
Harrison, who suffered a season-ending quadriceps injury Oct. 20 against the Broncos, is an unrestricted free agent. Harrison continues to train and rehabilitate as it doesn't appear retirement is on his mind.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels interviewed for the Broncos' coaching vacancy yesterday in Providence. Adam Schefter of the NFL Network and NFL.com reported that McDaniels is considered the leading candidate for the job. After interviewing McDaniels, the Broncos have moved up a scheduled interview with Buccaneers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris to today. It had been scheduled for Wednesday. A Broncos spokesman said last night that the interview was moved up because of a scheduling conflict Denver owner Pat Bowlen had. Interviewing Morris will put Denver in compliance with the league's "Rooney Rule," which requires teams to interview a minority candidate before making a hire . . . Vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli is scheduled to interview with the Chiefs about running their football operation. He previously interviewed with the Browns for their vacant front office post. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns have received permission to interview Ravens director of pro personnel George Kokinis for their GM position. Kokinis, who began his NFL scouting career with the Browns in 1991, when Bill Belichick was Cleveland's coach, is the reported top choice of former Jets coach Eric Mangini to run the Browns personnel department if Mangini is hired as coach. Christopher L. Gasper of the Globe staff contributed to this report. 
