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The Race for Matt Cassels
We know he isn’t coming to Buffalo. But if Tom Brady’s report of his rehab going “very well” is accurate and the Patriots are sure he will be back in game form for the start of the ‘09 season, this could be a very interesting off season for Mr. Matt Cassels.
No doubt Pioli will attempt to go after the franchised free agent, but what other teams could be interested in the Quarterback?
Kansas City seems a likely choice because of the Pioli connection, but rumors are Minnesota would be interested in the QB as well.
San Francisco may be interested and throw their hat into the mix, given the fact that they have not had any luck with signal callers recently.
Given Brady’s possible uncertainty, the Pats were quick to franchise their underdog quarterback, to insure his services for the next season. If Brady comes back, there is no way they can afford to keep both QBs on the roster.
A high first round draft pick is going to be the starting cost to pull this quarterback away from the Pats – but won’t be the only thing on the price tag, as the Pats will want more than just one pick – something teams looking to rebuild may not want to give up.
Which leaves an open theory for every team to conspire against New England, even though it won’t hurt them too much. If Brady comes back, teams should be reluctant to give the already powerful New England team the opportunity to grab higher draft picks. It’s too bad there are franchises in need of his services that they will be willing to sell their soul to the devil (Belichik) in order to gamble on the fact that Cassel will produce in their system as well as he did in New England.
Its a gamble on all ends – the Pats on the fact that they may need him, and for the other teams hoping if they get Cassels that he can produce. Talk about a rock and a hard place.
For the record, the Patriots have not yet franchised Cassel. They may certainly intend to, as rumors have claimed, and, in fact, they may have already told Cassel they plan to franchise him. That said, they cannot officially do so until February 5.
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:53 pmSTI,
Thank you for pointing that out. I didn’t think they had franchised him yet, but I am assuming that they are going to the minute he becomes eligible – for the sake of being safe at that position. Thats what I love about the rumor mill surrounding the NFL.
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:26 pmawesome
October 5th, 2009 at 1:58 pm