Matt Cassel analysis

For a 2nd round? oh my...SP sure knows how to do business with BB.

I truly hope the rumor of the Krafts being mad at Vrabel due to his comments about Patriots Place has nothing to due with this deal.

The heart and soul of the defense, a top 10 quarterback for a #2 doesn't make sense.

The Kraft's did a favor for Scott Pioli in highly recommending him for the position at KC, and so he could be returning the favor by taking Cassel. However I don't understand the Pat's throwing in Vrabel, even though the Pat's pass rush last season was woefully inadequate. Since the Boston Globe has so far been totally scooped by other sports media on this trade, perhaps they could dig up some details on what the thinking was there. Also what’s the scoop on Jabor Gaffney, who did a very credible job for the Pats?

I would assume it is a 2nd this year and another pick in 2010

Everyone needs to take a step back...Adam Shefter has mentioned there's potentially 37 players with first round grades in the upcoming draft. This would give the Pats 4 picks in the first 2 rounds and will enable the Pats to keep a bunch of their '10 free agents as well as find very good value with short money in this years draft. The #3 pick comes with too hefty of a contract especially after Matty Ryans contract last year.

It seems like a smart deal. Mike Reiss also looks like a genius for his projection. Expect the Patriots to move up and around the board on draft day and wreak havoc on the rest of the league with (likely) 6 picks in the first 3 rounds. I am very curious to the whereabouts of Tony Gonzalez right now. He would seemingly make this deal more even, though it may not be in the cards. With $17.7 milion in cap space freed up, expect to see long-term deals for Wilfork, Mankins, Gostowski, and Seymour coming in the future.

This s only the beginning There is more to come. You will not be disapointed.

I'm hoping BB goes after Ray Lewis with the 15+mil in cap space.

To get a 2nd round pick, for a guy we ALL wanted cut during last year's pre-season games is, beyond awesome. People need to get real. If you were a KC fan, would you give up the 3rd overall pick for Matt "freakin" Cassell? Hell's no! (throwing away Vrabel for nothing stings at little though. I know he's old but a 6th or 7th would have been good)

Clearing the money off the books now allows the Pats to sign Vince Wilfork and Seymour. Good move.

Stunning that Vrabel had to be apart of deal to get a 2nd round pick.

Pats get a high #2 plus $18 million in cap room? That's a good trade for both teams really. Pats fans might have a major man crush on Cassel but too many questions remain. They can get their LBs, SS and CB positions handled while adding other depth. Plus, they are a very desireable destination for veterans so there are always talented guys out there. Lots of money for Wilfork and some O-line signings

"The Patriots could not keep two quarterbacks on their roster that took up $29.2 million of salary cap space"

Bang. That's the crux of the whole deal right there. Anyone who claims that the Pats should have held out for a better deal is ignoring the obvious. The Pats needed cap space, and there are only a couple of teams that would be interested in Cassel. Saying that 'The Pats should have gotten more' is like saying, 'I know my house is worth half a million, 'cause that's what my neighbor got two years ago'.
Sure thing, buddy. Hold out for a better price.

I suppose Matt can now personally thank Bernard Pollard for the hit that launched his career.

a 2nd round pick only is an insult

It looks like Jim Miller knew what he was talking about, eh?

what is thius...Goodwill for Scott Peoli?

look, im not looking for their first round pick, but maybe a second this year, and maybe a second next year, or some lower round picks this year.

and then to throw vrabel in there too?

seriously...this was charity work being done for peoli

This also implies that the team is confident enought that Brady will be healthy.

Two starters for a second round draft pick? And one could be a franchise QB! there has to be more to this, the Patriots did not get fair value.

Why throw money at Seymour? What has he done in the past couple of years?

I keep reading about how the Pats unloaded Cassel's huge contract -- the one they initiated when they tagged him. Okay, I get Cassel for a high second round pick but I still don't understand why the Pats agreed to part with Vrabel in the deal. Another pick would have balanced this trade.

Something stinks. Stafford from GA is going to be a top 5 pick, but MC is not worth a first rounder? KC gets a franchise QB and a veteran leader on defense for a 2nd round pick? What a joke. Bill has some explaining to do, because Peter King is even questioning this one.

Wait do the patriots get the two first round picks fort cassel to because he was franchised or did we just give up a proven veteran linebacker and a young proven quarter back for only a second round pick. I hope not, i hope the second is in addition to the first round pick because if not that was the worst trade belichick has ever made id rather see we cut cassels ass then lose vrabel to. We gave up a 2nd and a second for Wes welker 2 years ago and ya now hes amazing but if we just gave up two guys for one pick i am sorry thats just not right.

It's okay to admit it, it doesn't mean you don't love Bill Belichick: The Pats got hosed.

Look on the bright side: this means Brady is good to go (if Gisele doesn't wear him out).

I hope they don't pick up Ray Lewis!!!!
I don't care how good he is, I can't stand him.

A second rounder for both!!!! Not nearly enough. The second rounder is not enough for just Cassel. Both players, deserve, 2 picks. I guess the Pats were in a hurry to clear up cap space for FA

The Pats have been trying to unload Cassel sice they drafted him. Showcasing him in preseasons but he stunk it up. So he does a great job in place of Brady and after all these years they sill get a good pick. They have money to sign more important players. They got what they wanted, just 4 years later. C'mon, Cassel is no Tom Brady. He's not even a Donovan McNabb! I say great move. They will get younger, stronger and better in the long run...

Why did we have to include Vrabel in the deal? A high second round pick for Cassel would seem to be a good trade, but to include a defensive leader when we were already thin on defense seems foolish.

Cassell is a back up qb Vrabel is a 34yr old player. Patriots got a steal. Now they can sign players and fill the holes that they have.

Okay, Cassell for a very early 2nd round pick - I am okay with that. Bill doesnt like top 10 picks anyway (Cap Hit). But its odd that Vrabel was thrown in this deal, I guess to clear cap space. Lets not jump all over this deal until we see the results of the entire offseason. A few things to consider - we have some resignings on the D-Line that we need to get done. There are some nice veteran players on the market, and we have room now.

This is one of the better moves from NE from start to finish. I mean, where do you start? Everyone was calling for his Cassel's head in preseason. Cut him, blah, blah. Then, everyone wanted to kill him after he had a few clunkers during regular season games. Then, all of a sudden, it was, "Well, should we keep Brady or Cassel?" I mean, you can't vary your opinions any more than that. All during that time, one thing was consistent: BB. He kept sending Cassel out there, and they kept winning. He knew. Then, he franchised Cassel. And that brought more speculation. Of course, BB knew. He knew that he could get SOMETHING for Cassel. He knew there were two choices: 1) Keep Cassel, sign him to a long-term deal, and he's your QB. With that in place, they'd have to cut or trade Brady. That's not going to happen. 2) Trade Cassel. So they went with option 2. Under any scenario, whatever you get for Cassel, is a WIN!! It's a WIN. Simple as that. He was going to leave and the Pats would be uncompensated. Bang-franchise tag, and that 6th round pick a few years ago, now turns into an 11-5 season AND a second round pick this year. How did NE get "hosed" under those circumstances? Didn't they improve 4 rounds? Didn't they clear space? Can't they know talk to Wilfork & Seymour about extending? And even after that, don't they still have room and 4 picks in the top 70 or so? Geez!!

who here knows the final terms of the agreement? No one, but we can all try to intelligently speak of it? If true, having three number 2 picks is amazing and I am sure BB can do a lot with that. Also, getting that cap space for 75 70 93, etc... is HUGE. At beginning of last year, did you think Casell could help bring No. 34, in the draft? The best trades benefit both teams, maybe not always directly. Let's see what happens before we close this chapter. By the way, I love 50, but 4 sacks last year? He has lost a step or 2, and BB got more salary cap space. I laugh when people mock BB - yeah they know more about the business than him!

This was a good deal for the Pats. They get the 34th pick who could be an impact player at some time, they get some cap relief, and I don't think the dealing and signing of players is anywhere near done. Some think that Cassell was worth a first round pick and that is foolish thinking. A first-rounder will have a huge signing price tag and, in fact, don't be surprised to see the Pats trade their own first rounder for a second and third pick from someone.

What more do people want.. a 6th round pick? Frees up cap space.. to sign Vince Wolfork.. that's the key to the deal. No way the Pats could have afforded a #3 pick.. with Brady's and Seymour's astronomical salaries. 4 picks in the top 55... gives them flexibility.. and at worst, 4 young players at high skill level. Sorry to see Vrabel leave, that said

If you think Vrabel is worth anything at this point your crazy. BB probably made Pioli take him off his hands. Now they can finally start getting younger at LB.

It was strictly money, cap space. We better hope that Brady is fine,or it could be a long season!

a starting OLB who dcoesnt make a ton of money, and a legit QB.. not a HOF QB but matt cassell is better than alot of starters of there (look at Washington, Miami, Carolina, San Fran, ETC) a 2nd round pick is a JOKE. Piolo was a personal guy, and he just took advantage of BB. this sucks. Shaub got 2 2nd round picks for him, and he didnt have a year like Cassell had.. and again,.., a good, affordable OLB thrown in there... we didnt get enough

Brutal. Absolutely brutal. A 2nd round pick - are you kidding me. I don't belive there wasn't a better deal out there. This is all about BB looking out for SP. BS! Look again folks at the first year numbers between Brady & Cassel - not that different. Brady's mobility really concerns me going forward. Give me Cassel with 2 good knees, the ability to pick up first downs with his legs, Vrabel, and the compensation you could have gotten for Brady instead. Anyone see BB coaching KC some day?

Hank, do your research, Brady is the cheapest QB for what he accomplishes in the league. there are 6+ QB;s that make more money. Dont write if you dont know what you are talking about..

Hank, do your research, Brady is the cheapest QB for what he accomplishes in the league. there are 6+ QB;s that make more money. Dont write if you dont know what you are talking about..

The salary cap is evil.

If the Pats get only a second round pick for Cassell and Vrabel, they got robbed. Pioli picked the Genius's pocket. Unless there is more to it.

Pats did what they could but please don't say they got a good deal with the 34th overall pick this year. They only good is an ok pick and the J E T S couldn't sign him.
What big FA are they going to sign this year?
A backup like cassel is important.
Vrabel added leadership and depth and can't the pats replace that?
If a washed up WR in R.Williams is a 1/3/6th then Cassel is worth a LOT more

You can't have two top five paid QB's(the highest paid position) on your roster. The fact that they were able to get a high 2nd round pick when only a few teams need QBs is acceptable. Fact is Cassel was a free agent, they found a way to get some compensation for him. And he wasn't even worth a second round pick, they had to throw in Vrabrel. Why? Because Cassel will be a free agent again next year.

Cassell had a great year under those circumstances last year! But, throwing to the KC WRs is not like throwing to Moss, Welker, faulk, ........time will tell about trade. Looks like a smart move for NE.

Forget the fact that everyone wanted to cut Cassell in pre-season; not relevant; he proved himself worthy of a first rounder in the regular season; adding Vrabel to this trade moves the needle from the "poor" category to the "reamed" column.

I didn't like this trade at first since I was hoping for a number 1 pick for Cassel. When Mike R. said Cassel was worth a second rounder I thought Mike was talking down Matt's trade value. And if you subtract Vrabel's trade value then it 's really worse.

However, if you asked me during the season about these guys being traded I would have thought a second rounder didn't make sense for Cassel since he was becoming a free agent (and of course, that Vrabel shouldn't go!).

So a #34 pick might have been a swindle for QB who was a free agent (before he was player with crazy $$$ one-year contract) and a aging guy with a high cap charge in his final contract year.

Lets get something going in the defensive backfield. Is Julius Pepper still out there?

The deal is all about capspace value. The team needs to add depth on defense. A first round pick might get a great player, but at what expense. A first round corner that is going to command big money, that will limit the ability to add depth to the LB core. If they cannot stop the run, A shut down corner is useless

The deal is all about capspace value. The team needs to add depth on defense. A first round pick might get a great player, but at what expense. A first round corner that is going to command big money, that will limit the ability to add depth to the LB core. If they cannot stop the run, A shut down corner is useless

The 34th pick overall is as good as a 1st round pick! The Patriots clear major payroll on their cap hopefully they will sign Vince Wilfork with some of that cash. I think it a very fair deal. Apparently there was not as much interst in Cassel as we Patriot fans thought there would be? Good deal for New England let's see what else Bill has in store as we move on!

Great day for KC. We have 2 guys that can play QB on our roster and a solid veteran linebacker to help us move to the 3 4 d. "and with the 3rd pick in the draft the Kansas city Chiefs take ILB Aaron Curry"
If we can get some free agent offensive line help this could be a quick turn around.

We all understand you can't have two QBs with high starter salaries on your roster and KC understood that too, that's why the Pats took it in the tush. While it would have been great to get a 1st for him let's face it, Cassel wasn't worth it. But at least the 2nd rounder this year and a 2nd next year I could have felt good about. This may have been the best they could get but I am extremely disappointed at this stage. Let's hope BB can make magic with this pick.

Was this a great trade for the Patriots? Time will tell. Is Cassel really that good or just a 1 year wonder? 14 Million would be an expensive way to find out. The only way this trade was getting done was to throw in Vrabel. I would have rather seen the Pats throw in Bruschi instead of Vrabel (IMO). The market for Cassel was small. If not,then more teams would have traded for him already and given up more than a 2nd round pick. Which by the way, the 34th pick is like getting a 1st round pick without the price tag. What would you rather have had? Cassel and Vrabel still on the team with little cap space or this trade that frees up about 17-18 Million to sign our own upcoming players or sign to sign some other free agents.
TheThe

This was undoubtedly the best deal BB could make. Given this draft , it provides a true first rounder at #34 which added to existing draft choices gives BB a chance to wheel and deal and/or stock up. And that salary cap space will help now and in the future. BB has too good an overall track record to second guess his view of the big picture.

All of you who scream "2nd Round Pick only!!" have missed the entire point. The signing money for the draft is pegged on where you are drafted, so the first rounders get X money and the second rounders get Y money, even if they are, oh the 34th pick versus the 31st!

BB got a player who could contribute right away, i.e. first round impact, for second round money. He's traded *down* before, only 3-4 places, in order to have more cap flexibility.

Right now he has a #1, three #2's and 2 #3s...talk about an abilty to make deals on draft day.

Saint.

Pats defense needs to get younger and faster at linebacker. Tedy is only a back up now.Vrabel was slowing down. Even Adalious Thomas is slowing. The trade is good for both teams. But, if I were Bill, the # 1 ppriority I would make is a replacement for Matt Light. Why? Light is ok on the run,but he's awful on pass rush protection. Its not about Light as much as it has to be ...."Protect Brady".

No.... a perfect fit would have been Minnesota. Instead, the Vikes pick up yet another back-up QB, this time one named after an herb.

BB- NO MORE "BOTTOM FISHING" FOR FA D BACKS!!!! DIDN'T YOU LEARN YOUR LESSON LAST YEAR? QUICK, NOW THAT HAVE MORE MONEY, SIGN A HIGH PRICED FA D BACK, IF THERE ARE ANY LEFT. THEN DRAFT ROUND 1- A OLB, ROUND 2A, CB MIKE MICKENS , ROUND 2B SS RASHAD LANGFORD, NICK HARRIS, OR CHIP VAUGHN, ROUND 2C FS LOUIS DELMAS OR COURTNEY GREENE. THEN A WO, AND O AND D LINEMEN.

Ive thought for awhile.. and i know its sacriligious... but Brady should have been the trade... and Cassel should have become the number 1 guy.... Brady is not the same Brady who has led the team in the past... and its going to take this coming year to show it.

I'll trust the hoodie's opinion over the fans. Remember how "stupid" Bill was to let Milloy and Vinatieri go? How about Brady over Bledsoe and picking Cassell in the first place? It's amazing how quickly Brady has been turned into a washed-up stiff by the fans and Bill has become a moron. PLEASE!!!

w bradford ... I have a tendency to agree with you, as many feel Brady career has been severly damaged by the injury and he will not be the same ... Casel is younger, undamaged ,and more versatile than Brady without the pocket prescence and accuracy. Moss never connected with Casel although there relationship blossomed 10-14 games into the season they are hurting at wide out also, with the loss of Gaffeny

ANYONE out there talking about Cassel over Brady is sooooo Football ignorant (or ignorant in general) that they should just shut their pie hole.

Many posts out there I see they THINK they know more than BB and staff just shows off your ignorance. The franchise tag garantees the player avg of top 5 QB. That reduced Cassels value considerably because the team who trades for him HAS TO PAY HIM a huge contract. Comparing the compensation of this trade to say the Shaub trade is ignorant because Shaub was UNDER CONTRACT, and was not making 14 mil/year. The Pats could not keep both Brady & Cassel and therefore were not in a good negotiational position. This was made worse because there was not enough other teams with strong intersest in Cassel.

With that considereed this trade makes perfect sense. BTW: Vrabel was not a THROW IN, the 2nd rounder is close to a first and Vrabel was added to make the trade happen. Simple as that.

Everyone is overreacting over this trade. Matt Cassel was worth more and along with Vrabel was definately worth more, but Vrabels age and declining ability, and Cassels inexperience and inconvenience of the Pats needing cap space created this forced trade. Now the Pats have the ability to use 6 picks in the first three rounds in order to seal up an aging defense. A few years from now the Pats D will be top 5 in the league and everyone will think back to this trade. They have money to sign Julius Peppers now. They have the ability with so many picks to trade up and get possibly another 1st round pick. But also they will b able to trade up if needed to pick a guy theyre after.

Are you aware you are the only public figure I've heard or read who thinks this is a good deal?? Honestly, your credibility is taking a serious hit. Mike
Smith says it a horrible deal, Adam Schefter says the Pats "only" got a 2nd. Your making yourself look like BB's toady. Get real or get honest you're way off base.

Are you aware you are the only public figure I've heard or read who thinks this is a good deal?? Honestly, your credibility is taking a serious hit. Mike
Smith says it a horrible deal, Adam Schefter says the Pats "only" got a 2nd. Your making yourself look like BB's toady. Get real or get honest you're way off base.

Let's say the Pats didn't franchise Cassel and he leaves for a starting position with another team. Then the trade turns into Vrabel for the #34 pick in the draft. Now they have 14 million in extra cap space and the draft pick to find a backup QB and a linebcaker. Doesn't sound like a bad deal.

what most people are missing in the deal is that Cassell was only signed for one year ay $14.5mm. Hehad huge negotiating power with any potential new team. Were he to not agree to a new deal, he would get one of the highest salaries in the league and be a free agent at the end of the year. This is why the patriots actually cut themselves a decent deal. he was just too much of an econiomic risk for any team to spend a first rounder or even a second. had the patriots signed him to a longer more reasonable deal, the probably would have gotton more. They did not and, as a result, took what tjhey could get

I'm a bit sad as he was certainly the 2nd best linebacker we had the past two years, versatile and person we can be proud of, a true and honorable professional. Vrable was probably not going to renegotiate for less money with one year left and is clearly not playing at the $3M level he once was. Would you rather he end up with the Jets, Miami, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, or Denver? Maybe you'd like to see another Lawyer Milloy situation?
All the yahoos who said cut Cassel and doubted Belichek now have the 34th pick and 11 wins to be thankful for. I think I'll trust the coach over you guys but enjoy the drama from all the hypocrital mouth peaces you have in the boston media.

This thread is a laugh riot! All these boneheads lecturing BB on what he should have done or what he should have gotten for cassel. Priceless!