Pats close to trading Vrabel to Chiefs

For what?!?!

WHY IN GOD"S NAME WOULD THEY DO SUCH A THING!!!!! THIS IS TERRIBLE, TOTALLY UNEXPECTED AND DEPRESSING!!!! MIKE WHAT IS THE REASONING FOR THIS????

What? For what, draft picks I presume?

I don't understand this one!

WOW! Making room for Peppers?

WHAT???WHY???

What? Man I hope they are getting something great in return...one of my favorite Patriot players!

Great news. Let's get younger at LB.

Love it, Vrable getting older, assuming that we get picks I love it.

what will this move save the patriots on the salary cap (assuming it is for draft pick(s) )?

huh???

That's shocking. They must have been looking at a hold out.

WTF????? Why?????

SAY W-H-A-T?????

Type your comment here...

WTF??

WTF?

What the heck??????????????????????

WTF?!?!?!?!?!

Wow, this is crazy. I'm interested to see what the terms of the deal are. Holy crap, I don't know what to think.

Wow.

?????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

?????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hate this idea.

WTF Why? unless this is part of a bigger deal I'm gonna be pissed.

End of an error!

Please don't say it is! Vrabel is part of the heart and soul of the defense. He is a consumate professional! I hope they get equal to better in the exchange.

Only two words will make sense of this: Tony Gonzalez

Jeepers!!!!

BUT. now. alhtough this is an end of an era, Vrabel just didnt get much pressure on the QB last year (after an awesome 07)..its very sad to see him go. I was just watching his SB touchdown catches last night in fact...but hardly anyone is as good as personel as BB, so maybe this is the first part of a longer story.
very sad to see him go, though. only bruschi left of the old skool!

All of you chicken littles calm down. BB has a plan. Vrabel will be perfect for KC and we get a draft pick. They'll prob go after Jonathan Vilma, who is 26 years young. They'll also draft a LB who BB just met and tested at the combine.

Vrabel being traded will clear about 4 million from the cap! I think they are making moves to sign Peppers :D!! Im in shock but it is what it is. I am thankful to have Vrabel on this team and i wish him the best of luck in KC!!!

Hey Mike what do you feel about this?

this is definately a move i did not see coming.. must mean the brass in new england is ready to start someone new at olb alongside adalius. I don't know if i have seen anyone ready to start.. maybe crable looked better than i thought he did last year before the injury. the only trade option is gonzalez or LJ but having just signed baker and fred taylor i don't understand why you would try and trade for a old TE or a RB that is going to be a headache. gonzalez has still been elite but i don't know how much tread is left on his tires.... definately an interesting move depending on what they get it could be good value or it could just be because vrabel has 1 year remaining on his contract and they don't plan on resigning him after this season.

That'll open the way for Terrell Suggs.

In another move, they threaten to make reindeer burger out of Rudolph. But that was more popular with the fanbase.

i was worried that someone might get shipped out soon... with all these signings I was worried someone would go

i love vrabel but someone had to go

This is a fantastic move. He's getting old and has lost a step off the edge. Not to mention that he makes too much. Let's not get sentimental.

I wonder if this is part of a Cassel deal?

We've got to get at least the Chiefs' 2nd round pick for since it's almost like a #1 any less I will be disappointed. Vrabel was a good guy. He graciously did an autograph signing and was very polite, this was the day after the Steelers loss. Class act, wish him well in KC.

younger players, save cap space. thanks for the good year Vrabel

Depressing to see Mike go. Loved his work ethic, ability, brains, and hard nosed approach. He will be sorely missed. I hope they get a first round pick at the very least for him. Thanks for the memories #50

Hey Idiots, Vrable is old and getting paid too much, trade him get younger, now we have more room in FA, thus dont you think this may help move Cassel too. Vrable isnt getting any better or younger, Pats need to change up the LB corps, I hope Bruschi is next!

younger players, save cap space. thanks for the good year Vrabel

THIS SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is awful! Vrabel is a great player! Why would they do this??

If true, has to be part of an even bigger plan. Like the Cassel for Peppers trade. This could get really interesting!

I'd love to follow this move up with 2 others ... sign Derrick Brooks to a 1-2 year deal and swap Cassel for Julius Peppers ....

Hmm . . . maybe Peppers is coming to town?

It makes since, Peppers would be a OLB in the 3-4 and Vrabel would have to move inside, which he can do - but he's not as effective inside as he is out. A.T. takes up the other side and probably can't be moved due to the CAP hits.

Vrabel gives KC leadership on a young team, and gaurenttes him a starting OLB position. If Peppers does come to NE, Vrabel would be splitting time with someone, either on the inside or outside.

This is a shame...

let's look at this logically. First Varbel is getting older on an old team. Second, if they can get a couple of high draft picks from a crummy team..well, that might be good if they the crop of collegians is really good. Third, something needs to be done to shake up the defense and this might be ti.

This is a terrible idea

This is a terrible idea

See ya Vrabes. Time to get younger at LB and not enough big plays last year. In BIll we Trust.

They must know what they are doing! They both know each other.

There must be another move behind this one - at least I hope. The chess game begins ... if it is true.

This is not surprising in the least. Vrabel had lost his closing burst and was playing with a bum shoulder last season. His best days are behind him, KC can use him for leadership. He was close to being done here, getting a draft pick in return is excellent work by the front office. I'll guess they got a 4th or 5th round pick for him. The money that's freed up here should help to resign Mike Wright, and maybe bring in Bodden. #23 in the draft is probably going towards an OLB, I would imagine.

What happened to in Bill we trust????

For what!!!! WHo are they going to get?

Who needs Vrabel when you can just sign a 65 year old Junior Seau for $11K next year........Maybe Randy Moss can play a little Linebacker.........Giselle??

Makes perfect sense, MV is getting older, Pats need to get younger.
He is a GREAT leader, but his perfomance on the field was down from 2007.
Hope they get atleast a 3rd rounder.

Vrabel has been terrific over the years, however he's well past his prime. I'm sure we'll receive appropriate compensation for him. Pioli needs leadership on Defense, and he's willing to pay for it by way of a starting CB/Safety and/or draft picks.

We'll miss Mike Vrabel, but let's rebuild with younger talent while continuing our winning ways.

Didn't see this coming.

I really, really hate to see this but...Vrabes is 33. We desperately need younger LBs. If Pioli was willing to slightly overpay for some veteran leadership, I understand it. I don't like it but i understand it.

Call it the Cassel efect. Belichick had to dump some salary cap. Anyone know what Vrabes cap hit is/was for 2009?

Good move, he clearly has lost a step. He had some great years for the patriots but his game has been in decline.

Before all of you head to the Tobin let's see what the deal is. This is the Pats, it's a business and remember "in Bill we trust"

This better be worth it because super bowls depend on it. Better be getting Ray of or somebody.

Its business baby, let him go, no different then Willy Mc.
Get the picks, draft some fresh legs
Sure, everyone loves Vrabel, wasnt it the same with Law?

In related news, the above people were all upset when both Laywer Milloy and Ty Law were released.

Peppers in NE is seeming more and more likely.

The report says "draft pick"

4th maybe??

This is a business. Vrabel is getting older and in the last year of his deal. But he still performs at a good level. In value terms, he is perfect for a younger team looking for veteran leadership. We need to make room for younger ILBs.

The deal makes sense. I just can't imagine what the Pats are getting in return.

I cannot understand this. Mabe we really are moving on. In BB we must trust.

Think Bruschi retires now?

This bites!! The guy was a threat on both offense and defense. They better be getting something really good in return.

WTF??????

damn man this is stupid he is so GOOD. better get a 1st round draft pick

Don't like seeing vrabel go but look at the facts, the pats have the second least cap space, vrabel, who has a high cap number, isn't getting younger and this draft is very deep with outside linebackers. Vrabel is also coming off one of his least productive years since coming to the pats. hopefully woods or crable will be able to step in.

Who is going to catch all those sure goal line TD's like Vrabel did over the last bunch of years???

RUMOR JUST IN!!!

Giselle is filling in the Vrabel Spot (FYI she is playing naked as part of the strategy!)

IT WILL VERY HARD TO SEE MIKE IN ANOTHER TEAM.NOT FAIR TO TRUE PATRIOTS FANS.

Sounds like a good move. Vrabel definitely started to show signs of aging last season. Now we just need to unload Bruschi who is way past his prime. Our linebacking corps should be built around Thomas, Mayo and Crable/Guyton with maybe big free agent (Peppers?) still to come.

How Else is Ray Lewis Gonna Suit up in a Pats uniform? We need the room

WAT THE HELL ARE THEY DOING

Maybe Vrabes is part of deal to trade Cassell?

stop all the crap! have they been wrong yet? this is the best franchise in football. they KNOW what they are doing. stop all the whining!

Great news!!!

What do you mean for what? I dont think this trade will only involve vrabel. I bet Cassell is packaged into the deal and we will be getting their first round pick and a player(s), more picks, and or both. Everyone knows that the chiefs need a QB.

Mike: can you offer any insight as to why they would ever consider doing this??? I know Vrabel will be closer to home but I just can understand this one. Is it just salaray cap or are they creating room for another player??

huh???

Come on Guys!!

In Bil We trust

Mike, can you give us some info on Vrabel's situation, i.e cap numbers, contract status, and some indication of productivity over the past few seasons (did his tackles/sacks decline significantly this year?).

Vrabel has not had one productive game since the day in 2007 that Colvin got hurt and went on the IR. Anything with get for Vrabel is a major plus, we do not need a leader who is bad at football, but KC really needs a leader.

ESPN reports Vrabel for "undisclosed draft picks".

Mike, what are we looking at here? What would the Patriots motivation be to trade Vrabel? What type of draft pick could we expect to get for Vrabel?
Some analysis please...

He wasn't exactly a playmaker last season....or the season before for that matter.

We demand more information immediately!!!

They'll save over 3 million on the cap, and KC has a minor log jam at safety. Jarrod Page is a fast 225 lbs. Could they be getting him?

All depends on what they get for him and who plug in.
Right now this just makes a huge hole on D

Hey...In Bill we trust...(gulp)

This must be part of a trade involving Cassel, right? In general I think Vrabel was mostly done and this is a good idea. Maybe they can find some way to through Bruschi in too...

Love it Crable for Vrabel

Why would anyone be shocked or upset about this? Vrabel as good as he is has one or two good years left. Why not get rid of him when he's got a high value and there is a good chance they'll get a great deal from this. Pioli needs to make a big impact in KC and get them to at least 6 or 7 wins this year. Belichick will get plenty of value for him. He got a 1st rounder for Branch and got Moss for a 4th rounder. Lets not think this is going to turn out bad.

Is Bill smoking something funny?

PEPPPPPPERS

Part of a package deal? Cassel+ Vrabel=number 3 pick? I like it.

You have got to be kidding

The league is moving to 3 -4 defense. Only the Steelers have been successful in finding the right pieces. Patriots will be a 4 -3 team next year, mark my words.
This gives them leverage with Wilfork as well as they no longer need a pure 2 gap tackle in a 4-3 scheme.

if it's true - he will be missed both on and off the field. He's a good guy and I don't understand why either side would want to end his time here.

Once again you the Globe is late to the party. The deal is done. Good move by Pats and Chiefs. Win-Win for both

If Vrabel goes to KC, we must have Ray Lewis...... But i also hate this idea

PatsCap.com has the tax savings calculated above 3mil. I love the trade, it means we are getting younger and hopefully better at OLB.

Vrabel is awesome but he had to leave at some point. Better this way than releasing him.

Horrible, Horrible, Horrible idea!

I imagine the Pats have their eye on a few can't miss prospects. The NFL network has mentioned there are 37 players with 1st round grades. I bet they'll use this pick and package a deal to move down into the 1st round.

Also, Pioli needs Vrabels leadership to set the tone within the organization and locker room.

Good Move, he is old and his production is slipping.

Let's see, Thomas from one side, Crable from the other, Mayo and Bruschi in the middle with Guyton, Redd and Tully Bunta-Cain as backups.

Looks like a much younger and more versitle Patriots LB core to me.

Hate to see Vrabel go....but if they got something decent for him, might end up being the right thing to do.

Let's wait and see what they get for draft picks before we condemn the trade.

This is sad to hear, but i have faith in the Pats. Something good (hopefully) will come of this, might as well move him while he has value. Still, it's sad. I like the idea of opening cap space and getting picks.

A bit of a surprising move, but I have a hunch Bill has something up his sleeve. Mike do you have any input on what the trade might intail ?

WHY?

This is awful news....I know we've got Shawn Crable, Gary Guyton, and Jerod Mayo from last year's rookie class, and that's on top of Adalius, Bruschi, and the resigned Alexander and Woods, but Bruschi is in what is most likely his last year, and we don't know if Crable is up to it. And really, Alexander and Woods are situational/back-up players....

This is not good news.

R I D I C U L O U S !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

let's wait and see the other half of the deal...

What the heck? Vrabel? Our Vrabel? Going to KC? Say it isn't so! Is this something he initiated or is it Big Bill's idea? Can't wait to see how this plays out, but geez, I think the team will miss his flexibility - just for starters.

Damn, I'll miss Vrabel.. the Pats are up to something.. Ray Ray? Vilma?

I hate to see him go but if it's for youth/picks, you have to do it. He is going to be34 at the beginning of the season. Should be interesting to see what we get.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WAA WAAA WAAAAA

All of you cry a river.

He has done Patriot nation proud for 8 years and won 3 SBs with the Pats. But he is not irreplaceable. BB clearly has a plan, let it unfold.

Jonathan Vilma maybe?? 26 years old, proven talent.

if it is for gonzalez i am ok with it... vrabel was in the last year of his contract he will save a little room on the cap and gonzalez is still an elite TE for atleast 2 yrs. It does seem odd though to trade for gonzo if we signed baker earlier. not sure what this move is for but it certainly seems like the pats are making dramatic changes. I will miss vrabel but he certainly looked like he had lost a step or 2 last year. Will miss ya vrabs, thanks for the memories.

So far, I'm very confused by the approach that has been taken by the Pats. They sign two players out of the gate on offense and lose a key member and have not addressed a single need on that side of the ball. The offense will be championship quality, but the defense will be a turnstyle if there isn't more to come in the way of help......and 15 rookies on defense is not the answer.

Let's hope this is the beginning of an elaborate plan that is going on behind the scenes.....

maybe their getting the tight end tony g.

do you think I'm cute?

this just proves that cassel is also going to kansas city. i love it

this just proves that cassel is also going to kansas city. i love it

Great idea! We need fresh legs at LB. Cassel can't be far behind. In Bill we trust!!!

Love Vrabel, the epitome of Patriots football. That being said we are getting OLD AND SLOW at linebacker so if this nets us some pics or opens the door for another signing or trade I think you got to make it happen because our LBs do not have the speed to keep up with other teams.

guess I have to buy a new pats jersey for next season

I'm perfectly fine with this. We need to become younger and faster on our defense and BB finally realized that these young kids can handle it on defense. Vrable is and probably always will be a fan favorite but he is close to retirement and was around a 3-4 million dollar hit against our cap which isn't good in these uncapfriendly times. While he will be missed i think we could use the pick(s) and cap space more. Vrable will be huge for the KC defense which is trying to switch to a 3-4 style D and give them much needed leadership over actual play.

Cassel and Vrabel will go to KC for picks picks picks... And the Pats will free up 14 million from Cassel and 3.5 million from Vrabel. 17 Million to play with coming up in the draft and having the #3 pick. Not a bad situation to be in. I love Vrabel but you must always think future. Belichick is working 24/7/365.

I love Vrabel but his best days are behind him. He wasn't getting to the QB at all last season. Let's see what they get for him, but on principal I like this idea - the Pats have to get younger and quicker on defense.

Vrable & Cassel for the 3rd Overall & a 4th Rounder... I like it....

He might be getting older, but Vrabes can still rush the passer. He's as much of heart and soul of the Pats as Bruschi and this decision just stinks.

In Bill I Trust.

I bet Cassel goes there also and in return we get their 1st round pick. A genuine stroke of genius !!!!!!!!

That sucks but lets remember people there is a much smarter man than anyone here who is pulling the strings. Im betting on him

Matt Cassel at 14 mil has to be on the field somewhere. Moving him to OLB.

who is gonna do the friendly inside the huddle on comcast he he he he

We need to get younger at LB for sure, but I'd rather see Bruschi go than Vrabel. Vrabel was such a force coming from the outside and rushing the passer. The only way I'd support this is cap space is being cleared for one hell of a pick-up.

I understand trying to get younger but you don't do it with one of your best players and a team leader. Think of how many huge plays this guy has made for us over the years. I can't see a good outcome from this trade unless the Cheifs are really willing to overpay and with Pioloi in charge I don't see that happening

Hmm...part of a bigger deal for Cassel maybe? This is interesting!!

Blasphemy!

Great move. Sell high to a team that needs a veteran 3-4 linebacker to help the transition from the 4-3. The Patriots can now use this draft pick to get younger on defense and make some more smaller moves in free agency. Now, maybe this will continue the tumble towards the Cassel trade?

This has shades of Lawyer Milloy all over it. Seems to me Vrable dropped off a ton last year compared to his 2007 performance. I love his versatility, and who doesn;t love it when he snags a TD pass in the goalline set, but this kind of move is what Coach Bill does...he trades old for new, fading for rising. If this deal goes through, then my thanks to Vrable. I've loved cheering for him.

Good idea. Now let's get rid of Bruschi and get Peppers.

smart,get younger,free up some cap space.he had one sack last year folks.
a great warrior,but bb,knows when the time is right

Hey Vrable is one of my favorites but he is getting older and you have to remember the football mind that brought him here and found value in him (when most did not) is making the decision to move him so in the end I have to believe it is for a good reason

#5 nailed it. We get picks from Chiefs, and then pick a Pepper with Carolina for Matt C.

This is a tough one to take. I assume Bill feels like they need to continue to get younger on D and they muct be getting back some decent draft picks.

Vrabel is 33 and was nearly invisible last year. How old is Rosie? Maybe he is 100% healthy and coming back. I'd take a healthy Rosie over Vrabel's 2008 season anyday. Plus they tendered Woods, Crable is coming back, and they'll be stocked with picks after this trade with KC and compensation for Asante Samuel.

It is a shock but let's count to 10 and chill. I'm sure BB has a plan.

So thats the way its gonna be now???
Bill and Scott swapping players..

So thats the way its gonna be now???
Bill and Scott swapping players..

Relax people. Relax. When was the last poor move the Pats have made? Give this thing time to sort out before you go hyperventiating.

Wait and see. How can anyone have an opinion without knowing the other half of the deal...

Don't get overly excited about this one, Vrabel has been on the decline as he was virtually invisable once Thomas went down.

Has to be a move to make room for something upcoming...A FA signing or a draft pick, but you can be sure the Pats are adding another OLB soon because TBC, Alexander and Woods are not the answer there. Maybe they think Crable is going to be something.

Why didn't they trade him for the T.E. Gonzalez that K.C. just traded to Tampa?

Duh gee Tennesse let's go see Mr. Whoopey.

ESPN says Vrabel was traded for picks. Doesn't say how many or which ones.

This could be a good move if all our young LBs are starting to look good to Belichick. Depends on what picks the Pats get.

I don't like losing a team leader any more than the next guy, but it's got to happen sooner or later.

ESPN reports it is for an undisclosed draft choice and In trading Vrabel, the Patriots cleared $3.35 million in cap room.

Peppers!!!!!

How many moves have the Pats made that have backfired? We should all know by know that they make the right move 90% of the time. I'm confident they are making this move to make room for Peppers or Bart Scott.

They better have the greatest excurse for that!

He has seen his better days. Frees up salary room

I am personally horrified. It appears that 1-22 feels the same.

Scott Pioli must have candid shots of Kraft and Belichick together in the teams training tub...

Awesome trade...assuming we get something good in return...even a 3rd round pick would be great...

loved vrabel ....thanks for the memories....but let's move on....need to definitely get younger at linebacker....an old defense is the reason the patriots lost in indianapolis and in glendale.....hopefully bring in peppers in a cassel trade now

I don't think its such a bad idea. But as if there was any more reason to believe they will take a linebacker at 23, this is it.

This would be like the Sox trading Youkilis... I don't get it.

I love the guy too, but if you take the emotion & nostalgia of superbowl victories out of the equation, I think it's a pretty smart move. They have to get younger on the defensive side of the ball. Of course, it remains to be seen what they're getting in return.

I think I just threw up in my mouth.

putting sentimentals aside, i think this is a great move, vrabel can still play but he has slowed and if we can get something for him and clear cap space i think this trade is great. now only if we could trade away cassel and maroney

I say its for a 3 rounder.... and they arnt going for peppers just clearing the cap.. saving 3 mill

Sad news.... Vrabel is probably my favorite player on the team and is definately a fan favorite. I wonder whats behind this one. He didn't have a good year last season, so I guess BB just thought it was time to shave some money off the cap and get younger (like with Lawyer Milloy in 2003).

Still a sad day in NE seeing a fan favorite leave town.

All you people typing WTF do realize that he provided zero in the pass rush last season and there was never a whisper of an injury or anything.
Right?

Great player, sad to see him go. But the only way they are going to improve the DBs is to improve the pass rush and if Vrable cannot do that anymore than what is his value?

Continue the youth movement at linebacker, they are the lifeblood of the 3-4

I love it, defense gets younger, maybe cassell is involved someway. Vrabels value couldn't be higher if you think about it, only will go down. Great Move!

I like it, Vrabel had a down here and is at the end of his career, you can't hold on to glory from past years as a driver going forward, wake up people, you keep complaining the Pats D is getting old and not getting off the field on 3rd down, the lack of speed is everywhere and needs to be addressed.

Vrabel gave 100% of it while he was here, and I wish him nothing but success in Kansas City (unless, of course, he's playing against New England, which thankfully will not happen in the 2009 regular season). And Todd Haley--DO NOT use him as a receiver outside the end zone. At least let him have that piece of NFL history.

The move saves New England about $3M on the salary cap, but it also means the end of an era.

no reason to live anymore

In Bill we trust. Thanks for everything Mike!

what ??...trader for what ??, i hope at least a 2nd round pick...AT LEAST!!!

I think its a good move. Trust me I love Vrabel and what he has done for the organization but this past season his stats were down, he was starting to show his age and if we can get a solid draft pick or two for him it will help us get younger on defense for the long term future.

Making room on the roster for Giselle......

Nice to know that the Patriots brass are smart enough to know what it'll take to continue to be a contender in the NFL.

Chalk this one up with Pedro and Johnny Damon.

Seems odd but I guess we will have to see their next few moves before we can evaluate it.

this is crazy! Vrabel is/was one of my favorite Patriot players. I counted on him as a Pat.......Vrabel, Bruschi and Harrison.....I understand they're older but............

Saves cap money. Trade Cassell, relieve cap space and sign Terell Suggs. Done.

I'm as big a Vrabel fan as anyone, but if you have not noticed a steep decline in performance since about the 10th game of 2007, you have not been paying enough attention.

2.2 mil freed up. you can now afford two 1st round picks.

I'm with UMA. Making room for Peppers

I think it is great. We know we have to get younger - Tom can't throw like he did all the time and we will need D to win games. Now it is great time IMO to stack up through the draft and train the younglings while Brady can still throw enough to win games without too much strain on the D. It wouldve been horrible if it is 2 years down the line when Moss is gone, brady ls less effective and we would have to have new D guys then. Plus BB knows what he's doing so dont jump on the hate wagon yet...

I'll bet the house that this is, at some level about MV's union position and his comments about the Kraft's new mall and its exclusion from the salary cap equation, this could get ugly...or maybe it's just part of the eventual Cassel deal.

Terrible but, make no mistake about it, there is no loyalty with the Krafts. Once you dip below being worth 100 cents on the dollar you are gone. No sentimentality, No nothingl

WTF?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?

I can't understand why everyone is so upset. Vrabel had a great career with the Pats and now at his age and diminishing skills (see last season's contribution or lack thereof) BB had to make a choice to get younger. To me this means that some of the young linebackers that they brought in are just about ready to take over on the outside. Besides this not only frees up cap space to make other deals but also seems like a win/win situation for both parties. The Chiefs get a mentor/leader for their younger players and the Pats get an opportunity to pick up someone with the acquired draft pik. Having read in the past that Vrabel was interested in coaching when his playing days are over, this may be a good opportunity for him. I forsee some other moves such as the team not resigning Izzo and Harrison. Remember that most fans keep crying for the team to get younger on defense.

ortuni

I think it is funny that none of you have any confidence in the front office - the Patriots have performed at a higher level than the majority of teams for the past decade - there have been other moves in the past that have been questionable at first but made sense later on....give the move a chance and see what else happens during the off season.

It looks like the brains of the Patriots was in fact Pioli. This is a terrible sign for the future. The dumbest thing I could possibly imagine. The best defensive player we had on the team. Always healthy, very smart, tough as nails. Belichick is getting a wet brain.

I don't even know what to say...this is horrible news. Mike Vrabel has been consistent and is a stand-up guy on and off the field. This is appalling.

Who's next, Bruschi?

ARE YOU SERIOUS? WTF.
WHAT IS GOING ON HERE...BRADY GETS "MARRIED"
VRABEL GETS TRADED...
WTF

This better be good.

Wow! Change is a cummin'. Was bound to happen sooner or later. McGinest redux. If they have to move him, now's the time while he still has value. It should be interesting to see what they get in return.

Thanks for 8 great seasons, Mike. You were a great Patriot. Good luck in KC.

What's next at LB? Draft? Bart Scott?

FLIPPERS, FLIPPERS, FLIPPERS!!

I hope this will make sense to the rest of us in time... In BB we TRUST =]

LETS GO PATRIOTS! LET'S GO!!

hahahaha! Sometimes you have to do the hard thing.. and if trading Vrabel (whose on the other side of the valuable curve) to get a younger deeper team, then thats what needs to be done. I don't here anyone crying anymore when Law and Milloy were let go. Patriots improved with Samuel and Harrison.

Let go of your super star fears Boston Fan... its ok to trade players. Are you Patriot fans or just in love with the past??? I say, trade Vrabel if it means getting younger on defense, A CLEAR PROBLEM THE LAST TWO YEARS!!!!

I agree GO PATS!!! If they get that 3rd pick and select Curry, They would have our cornerstones on defense for the next 10 years!!! IN BILL I TRUST!!!

I'd love an explanation for this. If its about money then they should cut the useless Tedy Bruschi. Hopefully this is a precursor to something big and advantageous

Thank you Mike Vrabel for a classy carreer here in New England.
Now- would someone please pass the PEPPERS!!

Vrabel was a damn good Patriot. Thanks for the 8 fun years Mike...and good luck in KC. The Pats gotta move on folks!! Haven't won a Superbowl since before the Sox won 2 WS. Change is GOOD!

Me sad. Me cry.

Bruce ?
Tony Gonzo for Vrabel , what are you smoking? KC would never do that

I want to add my WTF...to the bunch

NO ONE DENIES THIS!

i said what what...in my but, you wanna do it in my but, whatwhat what

This is a surprise but everyone should take a deep breath and remember that Belicheck's track record in dispensing with veteran's who have passed their prime has been flawless. Before anyone loses their cool, try to remember a few names: Lawyer Milloy, Ty Law, Willie McGinest, Rosie Colvin, and Joe Andruzzi. Vrabel was a great player/leader and he will be missed, but let's put our faith in Belicheck on this one. I'm very interested to see what our compensation will be and how this fit into our larger plans in free agency...

I'm nervous. Scott Pioli is a VERY smart man, and he knows what he's doing. You can "never" get the better end of a deal when Pioli is on the other side of things.

I say we are TRUE BLUE PATS fans and saying that means we believe in BB & his decisions. Pioli and BB are on a wave length and I think they are still going to look out for each other.

Here is the other deal I see before this is over and done with between Denver and KC we are going to witness some interesting musical chairs =]

The word on the street is Cassell AND Vrabel to KC and yes TFB getting married has really messed with my weekend bliss lmao

The report says "draft pick"

4th maybe??

This is an outrage. Mike Vrabel was the heart and soul of our defense, just like Welker is for the offense.NO ONE DENIES THIS

Did anyone watch the combine? There was a lot of talent out there last week it makes sense to make room for the upcoming picks. Looks like a good Defensive Class this go around.

As for as just what draft pick? I think it reads "undisclosed draft pick" which in PATS Lingo translates to "We'll tell you when we are ready to tell you" hehehehe

Is this a salary dump? I wonder if the economy have something to do with it? He was one of my favorite Pats!

www.youcanneverbehappy.wordpress.com

I will now light myself on fire....