Insight from Belichick
The Denver Broncos might have wanted Matt Cassel to replace Jay Cutler, but they weren't nearly as aggressive in pursuing the quarterback as some reports have suggested, according to Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
"They never made that offer to me," Belichick said when asked on sports radio WEEI's "The Big Show" this afternoon whether the Broncos had offered first- and third-round picks for Cassel.
Belichick who spoke to WEEI via telephone while on what he said was a college scouting trip, was uncharacteristically candid regarding several topics, including:
Here are a few of Belichick's more notable comments from the wide-ranging interview:
On whether receiving a second-round pick for Cassel was his expectation after he was designated the team's franchise player:
Belichick:"We put the franchise tag on Matt because we felt he had value to our football team and we wanted to protect that value. If that was with us, fine, and if it wasn't, then that was an option too. We were prepared to have Matt on our team this year, and we would have welcomed that. By rule, you can't trade a player who's not under contract, and when we tendered Matt in early February, that didn't give us the right to do anything. Now, in discussions with Matt and his representatives, he ended up signing a contract [at the end of the NFL Combine]. It was actually hand delivered by his representative. Once we had a signed contract in place, we could technically talk about trading him.
"Not to digress, but with the Julius Peppers situation, I've read things out there about, 'Well, there's trade talks going on.' There's no trade talks going on with Carolina. They don't have a signed contract [because Peppers has not signed his franchise tender]. They can't talk about trading a player who's not signed.
"So [trading Matt before he was under contract] wasn't an option. So in that time period [after the Sunday when we got the signed contract at the Combine] we talked to some teams about Matt's availability, and teams had contacted us. But again, because he wasn't signed, we really couldn't talk about that [before then]. Once he was signed, we followed back up on some of that interest, and by the end of the week, we ended up getting the deal done with Kansas City. But a big component of that was that Matt was under contract.
"And again, you look at it through the Peppers situation, and as we all know Peppers is a great player, still a young player and has a good future in this league, [but he] isn't under contract, can't be traded by Carolina, and is taking up a lot cap space on their roster, which is forcing them to a lot things on their roster . . .
"[With Cassel] in the end, when you trade a player who has only one year on his contract, we weren't in position where we could offer Matt a long-term contact, that just wasn't something that we could do . . . When you trade a player who has only one year left on his contract, that's a lot different than trading a player who has multi-years that a team can commit to. In another situation, we might have been able to get more for a player. So the same player with three years left on his contract is probably worth more in this market than a player with one."
On why he didn't wait longer to make the trade:
Belichick: "We pretty much had the deal done with Kansas City because there really wasn't any interest. And some of the teams said a three-way trade and that kind of thing, and those teams -- and I don't want to get into specifics -- but believe me, those teams I had contact with 24-48 hours before confirmation of the trade with Kansas City and those teams said they had no interest in the player. And you know, all of a sudden, we've got a situation at the last minute, 'Well, we would have done this, we would have done that.' There was no offer. I think there's speculation as to what a team might have been willing to trade.
"What I didn't want to do in the whole situation was to have a trade that dragged on. . . . And at the same time, we saw an opportunity to improve our football team, and when we made the trade for Matt, that brought us a draft choice, and it gave us the chance to sign some players that we think will give us some good depth and good quality on our team. . . . A lot of the talk I've heard out there about what would or wouldn't have been done is a) after the fact and b) conditional on a lot of other things working out. And there's not guarantee all of that would have come together.
"The bottom line is it was never really there, presented. It was like, 'yeah, maybe this could happen,' but it was never presented like here's a firm offer."
On whether the Patriots would try to work out a deal for Peppers through his agent if the player and the Panthers come to an agreement that he will be traded but he doesn't sign the franchise tender:
Belichick: "I think it would probably be possible for a team to . . . well, I think essentially what you're saying is we work out a trade through the agent. They can't talk to the team, they can't talk to the player, but the team could talk to the agent and try to work the trade out through the agent. I mean, I guess that would be possible, but I don't think that's a good way to do business. I personally would not do it that way. I think if a player wants to be traded or wants to be in a position where he could be traded, then the best thing for that player to do is do what Matt Cassel did, sign the tender, be under contract, and then go to the team and say, 'Okay, I don't want to be here, trade me, this is where I want to go.' I mean, that was essentially the Deion Branch situation.
"But you can't trade a player that's not under contract. That's a simple rule. And I'm sure Carolina hasn't tried to do that."
On whether he is handling more of the personnel work now since Pioli's departure:
Belichick: The combine, and all the free agency preparation and draft preparation, we're kind of on the normal schedule there. I guess what is a little bit different this year is that internally, with the new people on the coaching staff and the new people in scouting, we've spent more time probably meeting and going over things and just all trying to get on the same page and making sure that everybody kind of sees things the same way. . . . Otherwise, I'd say it's about the same.
On why Vrabel was traded:
Belichick: "Again . . . you do what you think is best for your team, and Kansas City did what they thought was best for their team. We reached a point of agreement."
On the accusation that the trade to the Chiefs was a favor of some sort to Pioli:
Belichick: "Uh . . . look, I have all the respect in the world for Scott Pioli. He's a great friend, and he's a terrific executive and personnel manager, but I work for the Patriots, I have no loyalty to anybody or any team other than the New England Patriots. Everything I do is for our team to win and be successful. And that's what my commitment is."
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Hmmm, BB mentioned Peppers a lot here. He sounds like he's pretty high on him and who knows? The Patriots have the cards to deal but, Wilfork signing HAS to be done and it should be done before a trade (if done) is made for Peppers.
Personally, I hate to see us give up 2nd round picks for Peppers. But, if we can land him and Clay Matthews? Good Lord, the LB crew would be unreal. Get Chung too and man, I like!
Nice try Bill.... " When you trade a player who has only one year left on his contract, that's a lot different than trading a player who has multi-years that a team can commit to.".... What kind of nonsense is that?! Teams are far more receptive to a guy who has the one year deal because it gives them the chance to negotiate a longer deal on THEIR terms. There may be exceptions, but this was not one. Spin it however you want, the fact is you could have gotten the Chiefs #3 for Cassel and Vrabel but gave your buddy Scott a going-away present instead. I still love you Bill, and I'm all for helping friends, but you set up the Chiefs when you are getting paid to set up THE PATRIOTS. I hope we win big this year, that's all I can say.
This is exactly why the people who speculate (in the media or elsewhere) don't have a clue about reality - especially with Belichick who doesn't spoon feed his media contacts.
With Belichick this organization will always be in great hands. Great stuff and this interview makes look forward to next month and the season even more.
Why didn't they ask him what he plans to do for a QB this year? I don't think O'Connell is ready yet and I am not sure we're in a position in the draft to pick up a true stud. I wonder if they plan to work out Joey Harrington and if he is an option or not. He's not the best QB in the league, but he's good enough until the young kids are ready.
Nice to finally hear the story behind the story on what did or did not go on.
I love and respect Belichick, but this is just glorified BS, and everyone knows it.
he did mention Peppers alot, but only because the big O kept bringing it up
Why are you people never happy? He doesnt talk, you get annoyed...he gives us some perspective, you get annoyed!
Jax....no way BB even wanted the #3 pick. Way too much money, he knew what he was doing. Teams are not always receptive to negotiating on their terms, because their terms may not work! BB had to trade cassell soon to clear room on the cap to sign Taylor, Baker, Sorings and Bodden! We will be fine, BB will probably make a play to sign Jason Taylor and use the picks for defense help, or maybe try to trade up into the first round for next season/get Peppers
In BILL We Trust !
"I work for the Patriots, I have no loyalty to anybody or any team other than the New England Patriots. Everything I do is for our team to win and be successful. And that's what my commitment is."
I love Bill Belichick. Whoever doesn't think he's the greatest coach in history is crazy. Sean M, you are way wrong.
Bill B is so awesome at how he conducts interviews. If you take notice in what he says, he is basically talking through the media right to Julius Peppers and saying sign your tender, and tell the team to trade you to Us, and will come and get you. And about the Cassel deal, lets face it, he is right on! A player with a one year contract isn't as valuable as a player with three despite what jaxpatriot says above. Thats how it has allways been. A year from now, Matt may be in free agency, and KC could be without a QB. Now why would they give up a first round pick? No one would for a one year deal. It's insane to actually believe the media reports that such was on a table
Sounds candid but I agree with Sean M, he is saying only what he wants to say and he is revealing nothing. Still, given his track record, I have all the faith in the world in the guy.
in bill we trust. period. and everybody else can go bleep themselves
Dear JaxPatriot,
You have demonstrated the type of football personal knowledge that would work well in Detriot. Belichick said in the interview that no NFL team wants a top five draft pick because you would be paying a rookie who has proven nothing as if he's the best player in the league at his position. As for your other point I'm sure every team in the league would love to trade for a player who has a one year contract worth 14 million dollars over a player with a longterm deal. Makes total sense to me. Any other football knowledge youd like to contribute to this discussion?
You can add the "I don't think O'Connel is ready yet" to the same pile of opinions as the multitude of "No way will the Patriots go with just Cassel" "It was a shock that Guiterrez and not Cassel was cut after pre-season" and other crap.
If you think for a second BB would take less of a deal to help out Pioli you are extremely naive. Belichick is one of the most competitive coach's ever (and his competitiveness has unfortunately got him in trouble, let's not forget). Not only do I believe what BB said, it makes a lot of sense and highlights Bill's business acumen. Of course a good player with a 3 year contract is more valuable than a good player with a 1 year contract; that's a no-brainer. Belichick is not anyone's fool - that I know. Just look at his record.
Wether it's BS or not BS the trade has been done. I don't get why fans of other teams get so defensive when BB makes a decision. I mean it isn't your team thats making the trade, wouldn't you be happier that we (the patriots) got ripped off? I'm a die hard patriots fan, and I don't know what to think about why we only traded Matt and Vrabel for a 34 overall pick, but I would hope it was to clear up contract space, which with Matt and Vrabel gone has cleared up a portion of money.
But anyways, it's nice to hear about the whole situation from BB, i've been curious for weeks about this. Thank you very much!
Outstanding commentary by Belichick, but after reading the comments it amazes me that he bothers to open his mouth at all. Some people already have their version of how the deal went down and their minds are already made up - after being fed heaping doses of media speculation first of course. Amazing.
jaxpatriot: The problem with your argument is that Cassel's franchise tag is *guaranteed salary*. In other words, unless you renegotiate a long-term deal (which he has every right to refuse to do), if you trade for him under his current contract, you are *obligated* to pay him $14.6M for 2009, no matter what happens. If he had three more years at, say, $3M a year, there would have been significantly more interest.
"Rex Ryan": They had enough faith in Cassel that he was Brady's ONLY backup in 2006, so I see no reason to automatically assume O'Connell can't be the main backup in 2009.
Where are the insights? This is typical BB-speak, where the intention is to deflect from the question and misdirect. For example, why was Vrabel traded? How does it make the team better? There were no specifics.
"I personally would not do it that way" and "the best thing for that player to do is"
...Translation....Julius, sign the tender and demand that the Panthers take my offer.
God, I love Bill, he makes you so confident. Don't you think that he could pretty much overcome anything that happened to the Pats.
Did anyone expect Bill to give away anythng? Close to the vest as always. Repeatedly said Peppers is not under contract so we can't trade for him. Cassel trade brought the best possible value. Do you really think he was going to say Tampa or Denver was going to offer more? The way he has overhauled this team is complete genius. I can't wait for the draft.
Another mundane transaction where Belichick tries to do what is best for the team as a whole, and have the media and Patriots nation go into some tizzy with all sorts of grand conspiracy theories. Next thing they'll do is make a big deal out of a handshake on the field after a game.... oh, that's right, that's a big deal too. :-)
Dear Rex Ryan,
It's a closely kept secret, by Mr. Bill himself, but the New England Patriots actually plan to start this guy named Tom Brady in 2009. I have no idea why... he was a sixth round draft pick eight years ago now, and hasn't shown any reason to keep him. Bill showed that this was a rebuilding year as soon as he traded Cassel away, but hopefully we'll go 0-16 and get the #1 pick next year, to pick up a real true QB for the future.
Did anyone else not read that Belichick was basically saying to Peppers to sign the contract so they can make a trade offer and that he doesn't want to deal with any of this agent crap?
I think Belichick was smart in dealing Cassel quickly for what ever he could get. Look at who we have signed since then. And notice how he comments on how the Panthers are hamstrung by Peppers not signing the contract and getting his trade.
Belichick is the king!!!
In Bill We Trust!
Rex: Some guy named Brady. He's probably no good though.
I listened to the whole interview and it was my impression that BB has no interest in either Peppers or Taylor.Peppers wants a long term contract at big money and Taylor is the same boat as far as money goes he's not giving any discounts out..So I see BB waiting until the last minute on one of these guys if at all.With that said I wouldn't be surprised if Bill drafts a player that'll fill that OLB/DE role.It was the most open BB has been in regards too his activities.
in Bill we trust man..in Bill we trust !!!, he gives me the that something big is coming up...
Until last year I used to be scared if something happend to TB what would BB do? But now as long as we have BB thats all that matters...
In BB we Trust!!!
He absolutely gives you the feeling something else is coming. I can't wait til draft day. I'm thinking it's going to be all about defense - setting the Patriots up for the next few years.
But what do you think is going through the heads of the other AFC East coaches - Brady back throwing the ball to Moss, Welker, Galloway, Lewis or Baker. And, oh yeah, Fred Taylor, Morris, Faulk, Maroney and/or Boston Legal out of the backfield. This offense could really be sick in 09.
And I still think the Cassel trade made the AFC West weaker. Even before the Cutler train wreck, you'd have Denver and a better KC beating the snot out of each other and both of them making life tougher for San Diego.
Add Peppers and/or Jason Taylor to the D.......
Definitely, in Bill we trust!
Given the economic situation that our federal government has put us in over the last 4 years or so wouldn't it make sense to impeach Barrack Obama (WHO I LOVE) and hire Bill Belicheck as our President because it is very obvious he is a f u c k i n Genuis... Its sooo easy being a fan of this guy everybody else is just jealous
Peppers has not signed the contract. This is a telltale sign that he only wants to be a Patriot. He does not care about the salary. He made 14 mil last year - money is not the concern of this young man at this point in his career. He wants to play with the premier organization of the NFL...period. He wants to see guys like Brady, Moss, Thomas, Taylor, etc. in his locker room,...end of story. Bill is simply "advising": him on how to do it. This deal will get done. If not, the Pat's will have four, very good, young players on their roster as a result of another front heavy draft. Everyone else is jealous because Bill and Co. have all the chips. SUCK ON IT! I love being a Pat's fan!
Why do people criticize Belichick? I really don't understand. I mean, wasn't anyone else paying attention when we won 3 Super Bowl? How about when he decided to bench our star QB for a 6th round draft choice (that he selected) who will one day enter the Hall of Fame? Oh yeah, and what about that perfect regular season? Yet, people still bash every decision he makes and they know absolutely nothing that went down. I won't call people out, but do you folks really think you know more than Belichick? I'll say it again, if you really believe he's not doing what's in the best interest of the team, you haven't been paying attention.
i heard the interview too...my take was, why would belichick talk so openly about the peppers situation if he was really in the middle of negotiations with peppers? we know belichick likes to play things close to the vest. i think he would be much more willing to give his take about something that he's *not* involved in.
the amount of detail he was going into the various different scenarios that peppers and carolina could pursue sounded more like a neutral third-party observer commenting on the intricacies of nfl wheeling and dealing rather than an active participant.
on the other hand, when jason taylor was brought up, he reverted back to his, "i don't want to comment on players not on our team." hmmm....
"I wonder if they plan to work out Joey Harrington and if he is an option or not. He's not the best QB in the league, but he's good enough until the young kids are ready.
Posted by Rex Ryan M"
Dude Joey Harrington? Come one man you gotta do better than that if your gonna post. Maybe they would consider Leftwich (longshot on its own) but Harrington??? Are you clueless? The dude is a pick machine and Belichick values completion percentage/accuracy as the staple for all his QB's.
This has to be a joke right? some disgruntled Jets fan or something. I would hope Pats fan cpould come up with something better than that.
For one, if we had landed the no. 3 pick, we could have traded down for more picks, be it for now or in the future. Secondly, Bill gave no reason for having Vrabel included in this situation. Throwing Vrabel in diminished the value of the Cassel deal. Even if it was Cassel for the number 2 straight up, it wasn't enough. The Patriots panicked..they could have waited a little longer. I don't think other teams expected this to happen as fast as it did. So, it may have appeared as if there was no interest. Unless we get somebody REALLY good for that No. 2, we will have choked that deal. Maybe throwing in Brady in that deal along WITH Cassel and Vrabel would have brought more compensation. Bill IS human..No one is God
Folks have to trust what Bill does. Because he made Cassel, who he is today, as he made Brady one of the best Qb's out there. Remember Bledsoe was one of my favorite QB, but he knew something about Brady. We need to trust what he is doing. Love to see what he does for the draft. Before BB, NE never won a superbowl. With him, we won 3.
A lot of BS
Yep, "In Bill We Trust" - signing a 38 year old wide receiver. Wake up people, the run is over. The Pats are old and getting older.
He sounds pretty straightforward and coherent to me.
I don't understand what some of you guys are looking for
There are some things that he or no other coach will say, such as the Vrabel deal where it's clearly a case of letting go a year early instead of waiting a year too long.
Patrick M - that is exactly what I think he is saying along with telling his own players, in the future, Cassel handled it right. My guess is Cassel's rep is not a top dog in the league but he hand delivered it because it could be a break through, not only for Cassel, but for him as well and he wants to show his professionalism. I really do feel so happy for the guy, his family, his rep, etc.
The Pats have made nothing but good moves this offseason. Don't get me wrong...would I have preferred if the Pats had gotten a 1st rounder for Cassel/Vrabel? Sure....but so what? They moved them quickly (and WITHOUT a long term deal being worked out for Cassel prior to the move, which is huge and could have derailed any trade attempts if a team had made a long term deal a precondition of the trade [which I would assume everyone else would have done], especially if Cassel wanted to cash in [and why wouldn't he?]), but they got a good pick for it.
The signings: Springs, Bodden, Fred Taylor, Baker, re-signing Sander, Tank Williams, Hochstein, signing Galloway (who will probably only be a factor for a year or two tops...but still), trading for Lewis (he gave up a measly 5th rounder for a guy with starting experience. What percentage of 5th rounders start over 16 games in their CAREER? 5%? Less? Also, they picked up a 7th, so it's basically a wash)
Also, if they trade for Peppers, I think that would be awesome. If they sign Taylor, I think that would also be awesome. If they go into the draft holding all their picks with Taylor unsigned, I think that would be awesome also. Basically, Belichick has given the Pats so much flexibility and firepower that they really don't have a bad scenario. They will come out of the draft with at least 1 or 2 starters (if not immediate, in the future), whether through actual drafting or trades, they'll probably come out with a high pick or two (top 3 rounds) for next season, and the machine will keep right on rolling.
Saul,
I'm sure you would do a much better job then Bill. I'm sure you are wayyy better at your as well...The Pats will be in the hurt for the SB again. Thanks for playing
hey jaxpatriot- you obviously didn't understand anything of what you read? Especially the last statement...idiot
Rex Ryan - uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh, this kid named brady was seen boppin round the locker-room...I think there might be a jersey that fits him already too
Manman - that's exactly why he did open up his mouth, duh...he's cleared the air, showed don't believe most media speculation (thank Mike Reiss for not being among that crowd)
Walter - you're just plain nutz...#3 pick is way too much money for unproven rookie...instead we got 34 (great spot pick & money-wise.) we have 23, 34, 47, 58, 89 & another pick in each of the 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th. We can deal fine to "save" for next year or load-up big-time right now. Vrables money already paid for FA's we picked up. Without trading Casell we would've lost out on some great deals we already made. BB knows Pioli knew that & it's why Vrable was sacrificed. It was the offer BB got and he took it to make HIS team better. Without it, we still have Cassell & DON'T HAVE Taylor, Springs, Bodden Galloway, Lewis, Baker, Lisorti, etc.
Saul - LOL...all I can say here is go back home and wrap your head in your diaper...
jaxpatriot,
WOW, I'm glad you don't work for the Pats personnel dept. One year 'guaranteed' for 14.6 mil doesn't have the same leverage for the Pats as 3 years on a contract. As another poster stated, that level of understanding and logic could earn you a front office position in Detroit!! Great line.
Walter,
if they didn't move quickly on the Cassel deal, the pats were handcuffed to make other moves and re-sign the players they did. They had no room under the cap.
BB thought Vrabel wasn't worth the salary and only time will tell. I expect big things from Crable in '09. Mark it down.
Walter, No one wants the #3 pick! Its wasted value...no one is going to trade up to get that pick because of the financial ramifications of doing so. They did not panic, there were no deals out there to take on 15 million of Cassel's salary and Pats had to move to get under the cap to sign all of the free agents/re-sign Sanders and Wright, and work on Wilfork's extension. BB did not want to wait on these "what-if" deals and jumped at the chance for a great 2nd rd pick
The Galloway signing is great - hes a good player and is a great 3 receiver on this team!
Everything this man says is a lie! He caught himself though: ""I think it would probably be possible for a team to . . . well, I think essentially what you're saying is we work out a trade through the agent." Nice save, man!!! Of course YOU haven't been talking to Peppers, that would be illegal (eyes roll) Um, well um, see what ha' happen' wuz... Look you can have Peppers, but you better bring the picks. Your Jedi mind tricks won't work on the Panthers (or any other North Carolinian, for that matter) e.g."[Peppers] is taking up a lot cap space on their roster, which is forcing them to [do] a lot things on their roster . . . " Such as??? We've unloaded some dead wood, that's it. Let a team that actually MADE the playoffs (neigh won the Div) show you crumb-bums how to reload...See you in Foxboro, Beli-cheat!!...out!
I dare you to post it...chump!
Pats sign a 38 year old as there third WR.
So the run is over?
Wow Saul you know your football!
1) Maybe by disclosing that there was no real offer from Denver it can help McDaniels with his Cutler issue.
2) Vrabel was going to be cut and you know Cleveland, Denver and the Jets were first in line. HAD to keep him away from them.
3) Everything a Head Coach says gets sent to the League Offices. Of course he has to self monitor what he says.
4) It might be fun conversation to question BB, but he's the Man, you know it. Wouldn't want any other coach. Come on, EVERYONE was ready to cut Cassel after pre-season. You didn't know Brady form any other 3rd stinger in 1999. Michigan didn’t even play him full time, and BB drafted him! Moss for a fourth rounder!!!! Welker for a second and seventh! How many thought Mayo was the best LB of last years class? Did McGinest, Milloy, Law, Branch, or Givens tear up the league after they left? Do you think, just maybe, the fans overestimated Vinatieri’s value? Wasn’t losing Romeo and Weis his downfall. When he had the team snap the ball off the goal post in the final minutes in Denver, thus giving away two points for better field position and ultimately the win, THAT made me a lifetime believer.
Most of you write and think like fools. You really need to listen to the interview in its entirety to come to any conclusion. Walter the pick is 2 spots away from a first rounder.... it basically is first round talent. Bill even said there isn't too much difference in talent between the spots #20-40 with the exception of more players to choose from. Also Walter Bill talked about how limited teams are that have the top 5 picks and how not many other teams really want to trade for that spot.
Some of you come off as so arrogant its pathetic.
Insights:
1) he prefers to pay a high fixed salary like a franchise tender rather than allowing the league to take away and assign compensatory draft picks (for example, if he were to sign Peppers now). He puts a high price on certainty.
2) he likes to resolve players who don't fit into the future. Note that he said in relation to Vrabel that he was doing what was for the best of the Patriots. Also, once Cassel was signed, he wanted t move fast to trade him and free up the money to sign others. Bottom line, Bill's slogan might be time is money.
Wah' Waw,
I know North Carolinians pretty well (went to Duke) and I can honestly say that Southern people are a little.....slower? Is that PC enough?
The Panthers, master negotiators that they are (Jenkins for a 3rd and 5th....right. Fair value there. 3 time probowler, 2 time All-Pro...and he wasn't playing under the franchise tag), would be idiots not to make this deal. The onus is on the Patriots and Peppers to come to an agreement. The Panthers accepting compensation is an afterthought. They either have a guy who will hold out until the beginning of the season and probably mail it in for at least 4 or 5 games, maybe get a lame injury and sit for a few weeks, and then come on strong at the end of the season and tear it up to show he still has it....or they get a rookie at reasonable money.
Also, let's ignore the salary cap and look at real dollars for a second. The Panthers probably aren't doing too well financially (Panthers fans are notoriously fair weather and people from North Carolina aren't particularly good NFL fans anyway), and they might want to hunker down, economy being what it is, and try not to spend big. We'll see how it plays out, but the Panthers would probably be too eager to take the 34th pick and call it a day, and they'd have good reason to do it. They'd only be stupid if they tried to hold out for more.
Good to hear from you Bill. Not good to hear from so many comments.
Ya - we'll miss Vrabes, not near as much as we miss Willie. But he is not in charge, Bob and Bill are. And yes, we trust Bill. I feel pretty darn good about the sum total of the offseason moves.
PS - *preview!*
The Pats were pressed for time on the Cassell deal because of the impending Vrabel bonus and the cap space that was tied up by both players, which was needed to aggressively pursue free agents. Bill went with the sure thing, as usual, and will get, at least, an affordable blue chip rookie for what was a late draft pick QB that almost didn't make the roster. To whomever claimed that we whiffed on this one doesn't understand the economics of football. We will revisit this matter following the 2009 season once all deals are final, players have played, and Matt Cassell has tossed more interceptions than touchdown passes for the lowly KC Squaws.
Yes, In Bill we Trust.
The doubters are fools without facts.
Peppers wants big money. Patriots don't want to pay him big money, therefore he won't be coming here. We'll see him in Washington or Dallas before long.
"One year 'guaranteed' for 14.6 mil doesn't have the same leverage for the Pats as 3 years on a contract."
"The problem with your argument is that Cassel's franchise tag is *guaranteed salary*. In other words, unless you renegotiate a long-term deal (which he has every right to refuse to do), if you trade for him under his current contract, you are *obligated* to pay him $14.6M for 2009, no matter what happens. If he had three more years at, say, $3M a year, there would have been significantly more interest.
Ok gentlemen, the Patriots knew they were going to trade him, so if it's such an advantage and Belichick is such a genius why didn't they sign him to a long-term deal? His one year deal doesn't matter because he will not refuse to sign a long term deal with KC. Pioli got him with the full intention of signing him to a long-term deal (which will void the franchise tender) and unless Belichick is not very smart he knew that, so your arguments are without merit. The Bill's both knew the franchise tender would never get paid. To not see the buddy deal in all this is extremely naive.
As far as not wanting the third overall pick?? Have you lost your mind? We could have traded that pick and set up our draft for next year also. I'm asking that we try and get the most value possible in a trade and I get called an "idiot" and likened to the front office of Detroit. LOL, Hmmm. I'm sorry for you that you can't blog in a civil manner and have embarrassed yourself with your lack of understanding. But I guess one should not expect any more from someone name-calling like a six-year-old on a school playground.
I'm a Belichick fan and I want him to succeed! None of this will matter if we win big this year. Here's hoping we do. Enjoy the season gentlemen!
One possibility is that Cassel preferred to go to KC. Of course no one wanted to give up a first round pick to get a player who doesn’t want to play for them.
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