Option 3: Free agency

The Patriots simply might decide the best business decision is to let Cassel walk and explore free agency. While some might say the team didn't receive a return on its investment, Patriots officials could simply point to the 2008 regular season as the main return. Who thought Cassel would produce this type of season? The team would then likely receive a high compensatory draft choice (third round) in 2010. Compensatory draft picks are awarded to teams deemed to have a net loss of compensatory free agents from the prior season, and are determined based on a complex formula by the NFL. Odds of happening : 30 percent.
The Patriots simply might decide the best business decision is to let Cassel walk and explore free agency. While some might say the team didn't receive a return on its investment, Patriots officials could simply point to the 2008 regular season as the main return. Who thought Cassel would produce this type of season? The team would then likely receive a high compensatory draft choice (third round) in 2010. Compensatory draft picks are awarded to teams deemed to have a net loss of compensatory free agents from the prior season, and are determined based on a complex formula by the NFL.

Odds of happening: 30 percent.
(Matthew J. Lee / Globe Staff)
Taking stock of Matt Cassel's progress
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Taking stock of Matt Cassel's progress

Thrust into the starting quarterback job after Tom Brady suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Matt Cassel has had some big moments and some bumps in the road.