Quarterback keeper: Kraft fanning flames

By Nick Cafardo, Globe Staff, 1/31/2002

EW ORLEANS - Patriots owner Robert Kraft has added a new wrinkle to his previous comments of a couple of weeks ago, when he said he'd like to keep both of his Pro Bowl quarterbacks, if possible.

''I wouldn't be against both being here unless someone comes up with a blockbuster offer for either one,'' Kraft said yesterday.

Obviously that comment can be twisted and interpreted a number of ways. One interpretation is that Kraft is inviting bids for either guy and the highest bidder will be considered.

Would Tom Brady read those comments and infer that he may be on the trading block if the Patriots are offered more for him in a deal than for Drew Bledsoe?

Kraft did say later that his opinion was as a ''fan'' and that the ultimate decision would rest with coach Bill Belichick.

''I've had the privilege of knowing Drew Bledsoe for eight years,'' Kraft said. ''He's the prototype anyone would want on their football team. He's in a different situation right now and it must be difficult for him. But right now it's about winning the biggest game of the season and that's Bill's call.''

Kraft, who arrived here Tuesday night, had made similar comments to USA Today in yesterday's editions. Kraft appeared to back off any notion that he was trying to trade either quarterback.

But what Kraft will do is give teams looking for quarterbacks the idea that Brady might not be so untouchable.

Teams such as Cincinnati, Washington, Tampa Bay, and Chicago appear to be in the hunt for quarterbacks. All of them were definitely thinking Bledsoe would be the player traded. But now Kraft may have given teams the idea that the younger Brady could be had for the right price.

The Patriots owner usually speaks to the media in a state-of-the-team-type address at the Super Bowl. But this marks the first time in five years that Kraft is here as the AFC representative, and talk of his team's future might be put off until after Sunday's game.

Kraft was asked about being here a second time as an owner of the Patriots, the team he purchased in 1994.

''The last time we came here I felt more like an adolescent,'' said Kraft. ''Now I feel more like a mature adult because I understand how difficult it is to get here. I feel privileged to be here.''

Kraft spoke glowingly again of Belichick, whom he first worked with in 1996. He recalled how well organized and informed he was.

''I'll never forget that he had notes on virtually every player,'' Kraft said. ''He was able to trace Chris Slade, for example, from his high school years to the present. He's a combination student-professor.''

The Patriots owner would not comment on why he didn't hire Belichick right off the bat after Bill Parcells exited from the team following the 1997 Super Bowl. While Parcells was absent on the plane ride home from New Orleans, Kraft had a chance to speak to Belichick.

''I had a long talk to him, and really, I spoke to all of the coaches,'' said Kraft.

Kraft then went on a coaching hunt, offered the job to George Seifert, who turned it down, and then settled on Pete Carroll.

Kraft said he followed Belichick's coaching when he went to the Jets and was impressed by the defensive schemes he used, especially against the Patriots. When the kinder/gentler approach of Carroll had run its course after three years, Kraft knew whom he wanted, and Belichick got the call.