Official: Pats tag Cassel! (1 Viewer)

[munchkin]

Also alot of fans who understand the market, the current state of QBing in the NFL, and the Patriots.

I think you are ignoring the salary implications of a team trading for Cassel. If he had a cheap contract for at least a couple more years then a 1st would be reasonable. However, right now Cassel is sitting on a $14M payday and will want a huge deal to make it worth it for him to agree to a trade deal. No team is going to pay him the huge contract he'll get as well as give up a 1st to do it. Then again, all it takes is one stupid team.

Someone will do it. I really don't understand why. Cassel had the keys to an amazing offense and put up very similar numbers to Byron Leftwich's numbers his last 16 games in Jacksonville. Yet someone will give up a first rounder and maybe more and a big contract for Cassel, when Leftwich put very similar numbers with weak WRs and a conservative offense and will cost no draft picks and tons less money. Cassel in 16 games in 2008: 327/516 for 3,693 21/11, 2 rushing TDs

Leftwich's last 16 games in Jax: 283/485 for 3,282 22/10, 4 rushing TDs

Leftwich's career was derailed by serious ankle problems. He can't stay healthy enough to be a starting QB anymore and hasn't been an NFL starter in 3 years.

Saying Leftwich hasn't been a starter in 3 years is stretching it and before last season Cassel hadn't been a starter since high school. I'm not sure how either matters going forward. My point was that the price of Cassel is likely to be much higher than a free agent QB that has performed at a similar level with less talent around him. I think you have to take a serious look at Cassel's situation in New England when trying to predict his future performance. Bulger looked pretty good filling in for Warner while that offense was in place, how does he look now? How'd Warner look after leaving the Rams with no weapons around him and how does he look now with Fitz and Boldin? Jeff Garcia looked pretty good in San Fran in that system with talented WRs, how about since? Cassel had a full season quarterbacking an offense that set many record the previous season. I wouldn't get too excited about his potential performance with an average NFL offense. And I certainly would not be giving up a high round pick(s) and a big contract.

So you don't draft or pick up quality players expecting that your team will get better? Warner didn't look very good on teams that were average either. He isn't Peyton or Brady but he is smart enough and has the tools to help the players around him excel. Bulger played better when the offensive line could block and give him time for the receivers to get open. He has taken so many hits that he can't stay healthy. Peyton didn't look so good early this year when he was recovering from his surgery and his O line wasn't healthy.Cassel will be fine. It may take time for he and the team to gel but if he gets the players around him he has the skill set and intelligence to put the team in a position to win. He won't be part of the problem, he will be part of the solution. And I emphasize PART.

 

[Donnybrook]

Cassel signs $14.65M franchise tender

Posted: Adam Schefter | Adam Schefter | Tags: Matt Cassel, New England Patriots, Tom Brady

Now that QB Matt Cassel has signed his $14.65 million non-exclusive franchise tender — the largest guarantee on a one-year contract in the history of the NFL — some around the league believe it’s 95 percent that he remains in New England.

The only way the Patriots would trade Cassel is if they know QB Tom Brady is healthy, and even if they do, the bidder needs to be to Cassel’s liking and offer a contract to his liking, or there’s no deal.

That’s not to say it can’t happen. But it’s not going to be easy to make it happen.

Adam Schefter's BlogI guess we’ll see you next year Matt.

 

[cstu]

Also alot of fans who understand the market, the current state of QBing in the NFL, and the Patriots.

I think you are ignoring the salary implications of a team trading for Cassel. If he had a cheap contract for at least a couple more years then a 1st would be reasonable. However, right now Cassel is sitting on a $14M payday and will want a huge deal to make it worth it for him to agree to a trade deal. No team is going to pay him the huge contract he'll get as well as give up a 1st to do it. Then again, all it takes is one stupid team.

I have been reading a lot in these posts about the great Patriot's System, superior Coaching staff and savvy organization; yet now we are supposed to believe that that same organization really made a huge mistake on Cassel by signing him to a 14.65 million dollar contract. The salary cap implications for the Patriots could be greater than other teams being mentioned as possible trading partners. The Patriots need to resign Wilfork, Mankins, Seymour and others after the 2009 season. If they don't get some of these extensions done this off-season they could be in trouble. Do you stake the long term health of your team on a marginal player with little up-side? If Cassel caught lightning in a bottle then he regresses next year no matter who he is playing for and the Patriots know that. Is this a big Bluff? If so, and the Patriots lose, then we Pats fans could be in for some ugly seasons ahead.

There's no bluff since the Pats can trade him for whatever they want, even a 7th round pick. There are two things at work here: questions about Brady's health and they also don't want to let Cassel go for nothing. They did what they had to do to protect themselves against any set back in Brady's rehab and they can control where Cassel goes while getting draft picks out of it. The only way Cassel is with the Pats next year is Brady isn't healthy, which it appears he is. The Pats will get something out of Cassel but it won't be as much as Pats fans think he's worth.

 

[BettorFan]

Pats hit gold with Cassel. They need the two first rounders since they have not had a first round pick in a very long time. I hope Cassel isn't like the dot com bubble.

 

[David Yudkin]

Pats hit gold with Cassel. They need the two first rounders since they have not had a first round pick in a very long time. I hope Cassel isn't like the dot com bubble.

Huh? 2008 1 10 Jerod Mayo LB Tennessee 2007 1 24 Brandon Meriweather DB Miami (FL) 2006 1 21 Laurence Maroney RB Minnesota 2005 1 32 Logan Mankins G Fresno State 2004 1 21 Vince Wilfork DT Miami (FL), 1 32 Ben Watson TE Georgia 2003 1 13 Ty Warren DT Texas A&M 2002 1 21 Daniel Graham TE Colorado 2001 1 6 Richard Seymour DT Georgia 1999 1 17 Damien Woody C Boston College 1998 1 18 Robert Edwards RB Georgia

 

[munchkin]

Also alot of fans who understand the market, the current state of QBing in the NFL, and the Patriots.

I think you are ignoring the salary implications of a team trading for Cassel. If he had a cheap contract for at least a couple more years then a 1st would be reasonable. However, right now Cassel is sitting on a $14M payday and will want a huge deal to make it worth it for him to agree to a trade deal. No team is going to pay him the huge contract he'll get as well as give up a 1st to do it. Then again, all it takes is one stupid team.

I have been reading a lot in these posts about the great Patriot's System, superior Coaching staff and savvy organization; yet now we are supposed to believe that that same organization really made a huge mistake on Cassel by signing him to a 14.65 million dollar contract. The salary cap implications for the Patriots could be greater than other teams being mentioned as possible trading partners. The Patriots need to resign Wilfork, Mankins, Seymour and others after the 2009 season. If they don't get some of these extensions done this off-season they could be in trouble. Do you stake the long term health of your team on a marginal player with little up-side? If Cassel caught lightning in a bottle then he regresses next year no matter who he is playing for and the Patriots know that. Is this a big Bluff? If so, and the Patriots lose, then we Pats fans could be in for some ugly seasons ahead.

There's no bluff since the Pats can trade him for whatever they want, even a 7th round pick. There are two things at work here: questions about Brady's health and they also don't want to let Cassel go for nothing. They did what they had to do to protect themselves against any set back in Brady's rehab and they can control where Cassel goes while getting draft picks out of it. The only way Cassel is with the Pats next year is Brady isn't healthy, which it appears he is. The Pats will get something out of Cassel but it won't be as much as Pats fans think he's worth.

It would be a huge bluff if they ended up trading him for a 7th round pick. You don't lay out 14 million for a player if you think you won't get something of HIGH value in return. If they end up with anything less than a second and a player or something equivalent to that they are bluffing. They would have likely received a 3rd round compensatory pick if they had let Cassel walk and play for another team. Now that QB Matt Cassel has signed his $14.65 million non-exclusive franchise tender — the largest guarantee on a one-year contract in the history of the NFL — some around the league believe it’s 95 percent that he remains in New England.

The only way the Patriots would trade Cassel is if they know QB Tom Brady is healthy, and even if they do, the bidder needs to be to Cassel’s liking and offer a contract to his liking, or there’s no deal.

Nothing new here. I don't find it hard to believe there are SOME people in the league who believe Cassel stays put; As for compensation having to be satisfactory for both player and team in order for a deal to get made, that is always the case in deals such as this. Schefter is filling up space by printing the obvious.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Also alot of fans who understand the market, the current state of QBing in the NFL, and the Patriots.

I think you are ignoring the salary implications of a team trading for Cassel. If he had a cheap contract for at least a couple more years then a 1st would be reasonable. However, right now Cassel is sitting on a $14M payday and will want a huge deal to make it worth it for him to agree to a trade deal. No team is going to pay him the huge contract he'll get as well as give up a 1st to do it. Then again, all it takes is one stupid team.

I have been reading a lot in these posts about the great Patriot's System, superior Coaching staff and savvy organization; yet now we are supposed to believe that that same organization really made a huge mistake on Cassel by signing him to a 14.65 million dollar contract. The salary cap implications for the Patriots could be greater than other teams being mentioned as possible trading partners. The Patriots need to resign Wilfork, Mankins, Seymour and others after the 2009 season. If they don't get some of these extensions done this off-season they could be in trouble. Do you stake the long term health of your team on a marginal player with little up-side? If Cassel caught lightning in a bottle then he regresses next year no matter who he is playing for and the Patriots know that. Is this a big Bluff? If so, and the Patriots lose, then we Pats fans could be in for some ugly seasons ahead.

There's no bluff since the Pats can trade him for whatever they want, even a 7th round pick. There are two things at work here: questions about Brady's health and they also don't want to let Cassel go for nothing. They did what they had to do to protect themselves against any set back in Brady's rehab and they can control where Cassel goes while getting draft picks out of it. The only way Cassel is with the Pats next year is Brady isn't healthy, which it appears he is. The Pats will get something out of Cassel but it won't be as much as Pats fans think he's worth.

It would be a huge bluff if they ended up trading him for a 7th round pick. You don't lay out 14 million for a player if you think you won't get something of HIGH value in return. If they end up with anything less than a second and a player or something equivalent to that they are bluffing. They would have likely received a 3rd round compensatory pick if they had let Cassel walk and play for another team. Now that QB Matt Cassel has signed his $14.65 million non-exclusive franchise tender — the largest guarantee on a one-year contract in the history of the NFL — some around the league believe it’s 95 percent that he remains in New England.

The only way the Patriots would trade Cassel is if they know QB Tom Brady is healthy, and even if they do, the bidder needs to be to Cassel’s liking and offer a contract to his liking, or there’s no deal.

Nothing new here. I don't find it hard to believe there are SOME people in the league who believe Cassel stays put; As for compensation having to be satisfactory for both player and team in order for a deal to get made, that is always the case in deals such as this. Schefter is filling up space by printing the obvious.

Maybe its about controlling where he goes as much as it is about the compensation received.

 

[Ozymandias]

Also alot of fans who understand the market, the current state of QBing in the NFL, and the Patriots.

I think you are ignoring the salary implications of a team trading for Cassel. If he had a cheap contract for at least a couple more years then a 1st would be reasonable. However, right now Cassel is sitting on a $14M payday and will want a huge deal to make it worth it for him to agree to a trade deal. No team is going to pay him the huge contract he'll get as well as give up a 1st to do it. Then again, all it takes is one stupid team.

I have been reading a lot in these posts about the great Patriot's System, superior Coaching staff and savvy organization; yet now we are supposed to believe that that same organization really made a huge mistake on Cassel by signing him to a 14.65 million dollar contract. The salary cap implications for the Patriots could be greater than other teams being mentioned as possible trading partners. The Patriots need to resign Wilfork, Mankins, Seymour and others after the 2009 season. If they don't get some of these extensions done this off-season they could be in trouble. Do you stake the long term health of your team on a marginal player with little up-side? If Cassel caught lightning in a bottle then he regresses next year no matter who he is playing for and the Patriots know that. Is this a big Bluff? If so, and the Patriots lose, then we Pats fans could be in for some ugly seasons ahead.

There's no bluff since the Pats can trade him for whatever they want, even a 7th round pick. There are two things at work here: questions about Brady's health and they also don't want to let Cassel go for nothing. They did what they had to do to protect themselves against any set back in Brady's rehab and they can control where Cassel goes while getting draft picks out of it. The only way Cassel is with the Pats next year is Brady isn't healthy, which it appears he is. The Pats will get something out of Cassel but it won't be as much as Pats fans think he's worth.

It would be a huge bluff if they ended up trading him for a 7th round pick. You don't lay out 14 million for a player if you think you won't get something of HIGH value in return. If they end up with anything less than a second and a player or something equivalent to that they are bluffing. They would have likely received a 3rd round compensatory pick if they had let Cassel walk and play for another team. Now that QB Matt Cassel has signed his $14.65 million non-exclusive franchise tender — the largest guarantee on a one-year contract in the history of the NFL — some around the league believe it’s 95 percent that he remains in New England.

The only way the Patriots would trade Cassel is if they know QB Tom Brady is healthy, and even if they do, the bidder needs to be to Cassel’s liking and offer a contract to his liking, or there’s no deal.

Nothing new here. I don't find it hard to believe there are SOME people in the league who believe Cassel stays put; As for compensation having to be satisfactory for both player and team in order for a deal to get made, that is always the case in deals such as this. Schefter is filling up space by printing the obvious.

Let's assume that Brady is healthy going into the season. Then it is very much in the Pats favor to trade him. But Cassel has a $14 million contract, and he ain't going to go to work somewhere else for peanuts. So the team wanting Cassel has to pony up, probably with a big upfront bonus; on the other hand, they know the Pats are probably eager to get rid of him because of the salary implications of having that much money tied up in the QB position, so they can offer much less in terms of the draft choice.It will make for some interesting trade negotiations. My guess is a first and a third.

 

[Donnybrook]

Just for a laugh - I created the reverse of the last years Brett Favre trade.

The Minnesota Vikings acquire Matt Cassel. The Patriots get a fourth round pick if Matt plays under 50 percent of the snaps in 2009.If Cassel plays over 50 percent of the snaps it becomes a third round pick. If Cassel plays 70 percent of the snaps and makes the playoffs it becomes a second round pick. If the Cassel plays 80 percent of the snaps and the Vikings make the Super Bowl it becomes a first round pick.However, there is one more clause. If Cassel is traded to the Jets, the Vikings owe the Patriots three first round picks.

 

[munchkin]

Just for a laugh - I created the reverse of the last years Brett Favre trade.

The Minnesota Vikings acquire Matt Cassel. The Patriots get a fourth round pick if Matt plays under 50 percent of the snaps in 2009.If Cassel plays over 50 percent of the snaps it becomes a third round pick. If Cassel plays 70 percent of the snaps and makes the playoffs it becomes a second round pick. If the Cassel plays 80 percent of the snaps and the Vikings make the Super Bowl it becomes a first round pick.However, there is one more clause. If Cassel is traded to the Jets, the Vikings owe the Patriots three first round picks.

Unless there is a Childress for Ryan component to the package! Although getting Childress out of Minnesota might be worth 3 first round picks.

 

[TheBradyBunch]

Cassel signs $14.65M franchise tender

Posted: Adam Schefter | Adam Schefter | Tags: Matt Cassel, New England Patriots, Tom Brady

Now that QB Matt Cassel has signed his $14.65 million non-exclusive franchise tender — the largest guarantee on a one-year contract in the history of the NFL — some around the league believe it’s 95 percent that he remains in New England.

The only way the Patriots would trade Cassel is if they know QB Tom Brady is healthy, and even if they do, the bidder needs to be to Cassel’s liking and offer a contract to his liking, or there’s no deal.

That’s not to say it can’t happen. But it’s not going to be easy to make it happen.

Adam Schefter's BlogI guess we’ll see you next year Matt.

I think this 95% figure is pure crazy-talk. The Patriots use the media better than any team in sports. Look no further than Tom Brady stories this offseason...one second he's ahead of schedule and in the next story he's practically dead. Now that the Patriots are up against the Cap wall with tagging Cassel, the only leverage they have to trade him for good value is to insist that they'd like to keep him as Brady insurance rather than "oh my god, if we don't trade him now, we're absolutely screwed to sign picks, free agents and re-sign some very key guys that are on the verge of walking if they're not extended. The Pats will keep the value high and sell Cassel early and shouldn't have much problem doing so in my estimation as any team signing Cassel will want to get him in as soon as possible to start going over the offense and building chemistry with their players.Yahoo Sports

8. Who wants Matt Cassel? New England is doing everything it can to make people believe that it’s going to keep Cassel after declaring him a franchise player this week. However, the folks in Cassel’s camp are hopeful to get him traded before the draft so that he can get a long-term contract rather than simply play on a one-year deal for $14.5 million. Expect Patriots coach Bill Belichick to drive a hard bargain, but he easily should have at least a couple of suitors with Chicago, Minnesota, Detroit, Tampa Bay, San Francisco and Kansas City all having unsettled quarterback situations.

 

[Rabbid Patriot Homer]

BELICHICK IS TOO SMART TO TRADE CASSEL FOR ANYTHING LESS THAN 3 1STS THATS WHAT HES WORTH HES THE SECOND BEST QUARTERBACK IN THE NFL.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

BELICHICK IS TOO SMART TO TRADE CASSEL FOR ANYTHING LESS THAN 3 1STS THATS WHAT HES WORTH HES THE SECOND BEST QUARTERBACK IN THE NFL.

wtf ?

 

[puckalicious]

BELICHICK IS TOO SMART TO TRADE CASSEL FOR ANYTHING LESS THAN 3 1STS THATS WHAT HES WORTH HES THE SECOND BEST QUARTERBACK IN THE NFL.

I'm not sure what's more funny, the post or the sig line. Three 1sts? That's all? What would Brady go for, 10 1sts?

 

[Rabbid Patriot Homer]

BELICHICK IS TOO SMART TO TRADE CASSEL FOR ANYTHING LESS THAN 3 1STS THATS WHAT HES WORTH HES THE SECOND BEST QUARTERBACK IN THE NFL.

I'm not sure what's more funny, the post or the sig line. Three 1sts? That's all? What would Brady go for, 10 1sts?

HAHAHAHA BRADY WOULD NEVER BE TRADED, WHY WOULD YOU TRADE AWAY VICTORY AND LEGENDS

 

[ScottyFargo]

BELICHICK IS TOO SMART TO TRADE CASSEL FOR ANYTHING LESS THAN 3 1STS THATS WHAT HES WORTH HES THE SECOND BEST QUARTERBACK IN THE NFL.

I'm not sure what's more funny, the post or the sig line. Three 1sts? That's all? What would Brady go for, 10 1sts?

There aren't going to be enough NFL Drafts to adequately compensate for Brady's worth. Tom Brady is worth infinite #1st RD Draft picks.

 

[Wyld Stallyns]

BELICHICK IS TOO SMART TO TRADE CASSEL FOR ANYTHING LESS THAN 3 1STS THATS WHAT HES WORTH HES THE SECOND BEST QUARTERBACK IN THE NFL.

I'm not sure what's more funny, the post or the sig line. Three 1sts? That's all? What would Brady go for, 10 1sts?

HAHAHAHA BRADY WOULD NEVER BE TRADED, WHY WOULD YOU TRADE AWAY VICTORY AND LEGENDS

love it

 

[cstu]

Also alot of fans who understand the market, the current state of QBing in the NFL, and the Patriots.

I think you are ignoring the salary implications of a team trading for Cassel. If he had a cheap contract for at least a couple more years then a 1st would be reasonable. However, right now Cassel is sitting on a $14M payday and will want a huge deal to make it worth it for him to agree to a trade deal. No team is going to pay him the huge contract he'll get as well as give up a 1st to do it. Then again, all it takes is one stupid team.

I have been reading a lot in these posts about the great Patriot's System, superior Coaching staff and savvy organization; yet now we are supposed to believe that that same organization really made a huge mistake on Cassel by signing him to a 14.65 million dollar contract. The salary cap implications for the Patriots could be greater than other teams being mentioned as possible trading partners. The Patriots need to resign Wilfork, Mankins, Seymour and others after the 2009 season. If they don't get some of these extensions done this off-season they could be in trouble. Do you stake the long term health of your team on a marginal player with little up-side? If Cassel caught lightning in a bottle then he regresses next year no matter who he is playing for and the Patriots know that. Is this a big Bluff? If so, and the Patriots lose, then we Pats fans could be in for some ugly seasons ahead.

There's no bluff since the Pats can trade him for whatever they want, even a 7th round pick. There are two things at work here: questions about Brady's health and they also don't want to let Cassel go for nothing. They did what they had to do to protect themselves against any set back in Brady's rehab and they can control where Cassel goes while getting draft picks out of it. The only way Cassel is with the Pats next year is Brady isn't healthy, which it appears he is. The Pats will get something out of Cassel but it won't be as much as Pats fans think he's worth.

It would be a huge bluff if they ended up trading him for a 7th round pick. You don't lay out 14 million for a player if you think you won't get something of HIGH value in return. If they end up with anything less than a second and a player or something equivalent to that they are bluffing. They would have likely received a 3rd round compensatory pick if they had let Cassel walk and play for another team. Now that QB Matt Cassel has signed his $14.65 million non-exclusive franchise tender — the largest guarantee on a one-year contract in the history of the NFL — some around the league believe it’s 95 percent that he remains in New England.

The only way the Patriots would trade Cassel is if they know QB Tom Brady is healthy, and even if they do, the bidder needs to be to Cassel’s liking and offer a contract to his liking, or there’s no deal.

Nothing new here. I don't find it hard to believe there are SOME people in the league who believe Cassel stays put; As for compensation having to be satisfactory for both player and team in order for a deal to get made, that is always the case in deals such as this. Schefter is filling up space by printing the obvious.

Obviously they know he worth at the very least a late 3rd rounder (better than the comp pick, which they won't get until next year) and I don't think it's a stretch for them easily get more than that. However the idea that he's worth a 1st (or more) plus the huge deal he'll want is wishful thinking by Pats fans. I can see a combination of things - swapping close 1st round picks and a 2nd or maybe a couple of 2nds - but I'd lay money on the Pats not getting a 1st straight up.

 

[PatsWillWin]

Obviously they know he worth at the very least a late 3rd rounder (better than the comp pick, which they won't get until next year) and I don't think it's a stretch for them easily get more than that. However the idea that he's worth a 1st (or more) plus the huge deal he'll want is wishful thinking by Pats fans. I can see a combination of things - swapping close 1st round picks and a 2nd or maybe a couple of 2nds - but I'd lay money on the Pats not getting a 1st straight up.

You should probably read what some of the analysts think, including Jaworski, Shefter, and Phil Simms. Or if you don't feel like leaving FBG, how about our very own Sigmund Bloom, a well known Steelers homer, who says the bidding for Cassel starts with a 1st.You may not think Cassel is worth a 1st for whatever silly reason, but to paint it was "wishful thinking by Patriots homers" is simply innaccurate.

 

[munchkin]

However the idea that he's worth a 1st (or more) plus the huge deal he'll want is wishful thinking by Pats fans.

Yes it is wishful thinking but it is also not out of the question. I suggest if you feel so strongly about it you lay dawn the Daddy Warbucks; I am sue you can get some reasonable odds in Vegas or with the local leg breaker.

What makes this fun is the good banter that comes along with these discussions. Heck, we need to do something so as to not be overwhelmed by the impending Baseball Spring Training; hey A-Rod took roids in 2003, now there is something really exciting to talk about. I'd rather hit my thumb with a hammer.

 

[cstu]

Obviously they know he worth at the very least a late 3rd rounder (better than the comp pick, which they won't get until next year) and I don't think it's a stretch for them easily get more than that. However the idea that he's worth a 1st (or more) plus the huge deal he'll want is wishful thinking by Pats fans. I can see a combination of things - swapping close 1st round picks and a 2nd or maybe a couple of 2nds - but I'd lay money on the Pats not getting a 1st straight up.

You should probably read what some of the analysts think, including Jaworski, Shefter, and Phil Simms. Or if you don't feel like leaving FBG, how about our very own Sigmund Bloom, a well known Steelers homer, who says the bidding for Cassel starts with a 1st.You may not think Cassel is worth a 1st for whatever silly reason, but to paint it was "wishful thinking by Patriots homers" is simply innaccurate.

I'm saying I don't think he's worth a 1st in addition to the contract he'll expect. I've said all along that if he was under a reasonable contract that he'd easily be worth a 1st+, but he isn't and his contract is a major consideration. Sure there's a chance they pick up a 1st from TB (#19), Lions (#20), or Vikes (#22) however I don't think it's very likely. I just don't think there should be any surprise when the Pats swap 1st's with one of those teams and get a 2nd out of it for Cassel.

 

[puckalicious]

However the idea that he's worth a 1st (or more) plus the huge deal he'll want is wishful thinking by Pats fans.

Yes it is wishful thinking but it is also not out of the question. I suggest if you feel so strongly about it you lay dawn the Daddy Warbucks; I am sue you can get some reasonable odds in Vegas or with the local leg breaker.

What makes this fun is the good banter that comes along with these discussions. Heck, we need to do something so as to not be overwhelmed by the impending Baseball Spring Training; hey A-Rod took roids in 2003, now there is something really exciting to talk about. I'd rather hit my thumb with a hammer.

Football 24/7/365.

 

[PatsWillWin]

Obviously they know he worth at the very least a late 3rd rounder (better than the comp pick, which they won't get until next year) and I don't think it's a stretch for them easily get more than that. However the idea that he's worth a 1st (or more) plus the huge deal he'll want is wishful thinking by Pats fans. I can see a combination of things - swapping close 1st round picks and a 2nd or maybe a couple of 2nds - but I'd lay money on the Pats not getting a 1st straight up.

You should probably read what some of the analysts think, including Jaworski, Shefter, and Phil Simms. Or if you don't feel like leaving FBG, how about our very own Sigmund Bloom, a well known Steelers homer, who says the bidding for Cassel starts with a 1st.You may not think Cassel is worth a 1st for whatever silly reason, but to paint it was "wishful thinking by Patriots homers" is simply innaccurate.

I'm saying I don't think he's worth a 1st in addition to the contract he'll expect. I've said all along that if he was under a reasonable contract that he'd easily be worth a 1st+, but he isn't and his contract is a major consideration. Sure there's a chance they pick up a 1st from TB (#19), Lions (#20), or Vikes (#22) however I don't think it's very likely. I just don't think there should be any surprise when the Pats swap 1st's with one of those teams and get a 2nd out of it for Cassel.

I don't think any of the prognosticators that are saying Cassel's bidding starts with a 1st are ignoring the fact that he needs a new contract, and will get a new contract, and it'll be pretty sizable. That's a given.The point is, I'm not sitting here and telling you that you can't have your opinion even though I think it's wrong, what I'm telling you is saying that Cassel going for a 1st is just wishful thinking by Patriot fans is, in fact, wrong.

You might not think he'll go for a 1st, and that's fine. But you're in the minority.

 

[Donnybrook]

Just Curious, why are the Bears hardly ever mentioned as a trading partner for Cassel? Rex Grossman is an unrestricted free agent and Cassel is much more athletic than Orton.

 

[cstu]

Obviously they know he worth at the very least a late 3rd rounder (better than the comp pick, which they won't get until next year) and I don't think it's a stretch for them easily get more than that. However the idea that he's worth a 1st (or more) plus the huge deal he'll want is wishful thinking by Pats fans. I can see a combination of things - swapping close 1st round picks and a 2nd or maybe a couple of 2nds - but I'd lay money on the Pats not getting a 1st straight up.

You should probably read what some of the analysts think, including Jaworski, Shefter, and Phil Simms. Or if you don't feel like leaving FBG, how about our very own Sigmund Bloom, a well known Steelers homer, who says the bidding for Cassel starts with a 1st.You may not think Cassel is worth a 1st for whatever silly reason, but to paint it was "wishful thinking by Patriots homers" is simply innaccurate.

I'm saying I don't think he's worth a 1st in addition to the contract he'll expect. I've said all along that if he was under a reasonable contract that he'd easily be worth a 1st+, but he isn't and his contract is a major consideration. Sure there's a chance they pick up a 1st from TB (#19), Lions (#20), or Vikes (#22) however I don't think it's very likely. I just don't think there should be any surprise when the Pats swap 1st's with one of those teams and get a 2nd out of it for Cassel.

I don't think any of the prognosticators that are saying Cassel's bidding starts with a 1st are ignoring the fact that he needs a new contract, and will get a new contract, and it'll be pretty sizable. That's a given.The point is, I'm not sitting here and telling you that you can't have your opinion even though I think it's wrong, what I'm telling you is saying that Cassel going for a 1st is just wishful thinking by Patriot fans is, in fact, wrong.



You might not think he'll go for a 1st, and that's fine. But you're in the minority.

And correct.

 

[Buckna]

Obviously they know he worth at the very least a late 3rd rounder (better than the comp pick, which they won't get until next year) and I don't think it's a stretch for them easily get more than that. However the idea that he's worth a 1st (or more) plus the huge deal he'll want is wishful thinking by Pats fans. I can see a combination of things - swapping close 1st round picks and a 2nd or maybe a couple of 2nds - but I'd lay money on the Pats not getting a 1st straight up.

You should probably read what some of the analysts think, including Jaworski, Shefter, and Phil Simms. Or if you don't feel like leaving FBG, how about our very own Sigmund Bloom, a well known Steelers homer, who says the bidding for Cassel starts with a 1st.You may not think Cassel is worth a 1st for whatever silly reason, but to paint it was "wishful thinking by Patriots homers" is simply innaccurate.

I'm saying I don't think he's worth a 1st in addition to the contract he'll expect. I've said all along that if he was under a reasonable contract that he'd easily be worth a 1st+, but he isn't and his contract is a major consideration. Sure there's a chance they pick up a 1st from TB (#19), Lions (#20), or Vikes (#22) however I don't think it's very likely. I just don't think there should be any surprise when the Pats swap 1st's with one of those teams and get a 2nd out of it for Cassel.

I don't think any of the prognosticators that are saying Cassel's bidding starts with a 1st are ignoring the fact that he needs a new contract, and will get a new contract, and it'll be pretty sizable. That's a given.The point is, I'm not sitting here and telling you that you can't have your opinion even though I think it's wrong, what I'm telling you is saying that Cassel going for a 1st is just wishful thinking by Patriot fans is, in fact, wrong.



You might not think he'll go for a 1st, and that's fine. But you're in the minority.

And correct.

 

[cstu]

That was a given. Trade talks should heat up before the draft.

I hope they don't. I hope they're stuck with him at $14 million.

I think there will be a bidding war for him,which is why the Pats acted right away in tendering him.

Now his agent can immediately start negotiating with

other teams.

He will probably be dealt for a tidy sum, imo.

I'm not so sure of that. True, there is always a fish that will bite a bare hook. This hook is monstrously large though. Any team that would wish to sign Cassel will have to negotiate a huge payday for him. He is due to make $14 Mill this year. He wont want to give a penny of that up. On top of that $14 million signing bonus He is going to most likely demand a salary along the lines of one of the top 5 QB's, perhaps even more. So probably a 5 year deal $60 million dollar deal with over 40 million of it guarenteed. I could be way off here but I think i'm ballpark. The Patriots will no doubt also take a hard line. 2 Firsts or you can pound sand. When you total the final cost of aquiring an unproven player with little game experience and then hope that His brief success with TWO Pro Bowl wide receivers will translate into being a Franchise Player for years to come, well... IMHO I think most teams will sniff around but in the end choose to wait a year, thus only having to pay half of the Kings ransom.

They'll be extremely lucky to get a 2nd with what Cassel's contract will cost.

The bidding war for Cassel's services will be fierce.This is a perfect storm for NE, imo.

Lots of demand and very limited supply of legitimate starting QBs

on the market.

A 2nd at the very minimum will fetch Cassel, probably more.



I believe the flip flop of 1sts plus an additional 2nd in 2010

will be the winning bid.

That I agree with. My guess is Cassel to the Lions for a swap of the #20 and #23 and a 2010 2nd. The Pats may also be able to get one of the high 2nds this year from the Lions, Rams or Chiefs.

 

[BoltBacker]

That was a given. Trade talks should heat up before the draft.

I hope they don't. I hope they're stuck with him at $14 million.

I think there will be a bidding war for him,which is why the Pats acted right away in tendering him.

Now his agent can immediately start negotiating with

other teams.

He will probably be dealt for a tidy sum, imo.

I'm not so sure of that. True, there is always a fish that will bite a bare hook. This hook is monstrously large though. Any team that would wish to sign Cassel will have to negotiate a huge payday for him. He is due to make $14 Mill this year. He wont want to give a penny of that up. On top of that $14 million signing bonus He is going to most likely demand a salary along the lines of one of the top 5 QB's, perhaps even more. So probably a 5 year deal $60 million dollar deal with over 40 million of it guarenteed. I could be way off here but I think i'm ballpark. The Patriots will no doubt also take a hard line. 2 Firsts or you can pound sand. When you total the final cost of aquiring an unproven player with little game experience and then hope that His brief success with TWO Pro Bowl wide receivers will translate into being a Franchise Player for years to come, well... IMHO I think most teams will sniff around but in the end choose to wait a year, thus only having to pay half of the Kings ransom.

They'll be extremely lucky to get a 2nd with what Cassel's contract will cost.

The bidding war for Cassel's services will be fierce.This is a perfect storm for NE, imo.

Lots of demand and very limited supply of legitimate starting QBs

on the market.

A 2nd at the very minimum will fetch Cassel, probably more.



I believe the flip flop of 1sts plus an additional 2nd in 2010

will be the winning bid.

That I agree with. My guess is Cassel to the Lions for a swap of the #20 and #23 and a 2010 2nd. The Pats may also be able to get one of the high 2nds this year from the Lions, Rams or Chiefs.

That's a great call on a situation that was murky to say the least.