Rumor on ESPN Insider: Cassel to Chiefs (1 Viewer)

[Rounders]

 

[HellToupee]

Details?

 

[tombonneau]

All I've seen is speculation. There couldn't be anything more than that until the Pats slap the Franchise Tag on him; window for that opens Feb 4 or thereabouts? Even still, I wouldn't expect a deal to happen very quickly. I'd imagine it would happen closer to the draft, if not draft day.

 

[Adebisi]

Just speculation because Pioli is running the show in Kansas City now. Nothing to see here, really.

 

[saintfool]

i wouldn't touch cassel with a ten foot pole. let the pats spend $15m on the guy.

 

[sizzer55]

i would think it's probably in the pats best interest to trade cassell. that way they can control which team he goes to and keep him from going to a team in their division. it seems ridiculous to pay him $15M to ride the bench, but i guess he is a valuable insurance policy. just a very expensive one. i have to imagine that brady will be ready to go, but the pats know a lot more about that than i do.

 

[Blackjacks]

i wouldn't touch cassel with a ten foot pole. let the pats spend $15m on the guy.

 

[David Yudkin]

Cassel going to where Pioli ended up has been a rumor for months. Pats won't have to pay Cassel a dime if they franchise him and trade him. I still believe the Pats like O'Connell's prospects better as a backup anyway.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Cassel going to where Pioli ended up has been a rumor for months. Pats won't have to pay Cassel a dime if they franchise him and trade him. I still believe the Pats like O'Connell's prospects better as a backup anyway.

I think Cassel is as good as gone.They will entrust O'Connell with the backup role, imo.I just hope they get a boatload for him.

 

[timschochet]

I think the Pats are going to regret trading Cassel, if that's what they do. He really came into his own late in the season; you could see the game was slowing down for him. He's a very talented QB.

Probably the finest personell decision the 49ers ever made was to keep Steve Young on the bench, despite all sorts of temptation to trade him. It extended the 49ers run as an elite team for another 7-8 years after Montana left for Kansas City.

 

[thatguy]

Cassel going to where Pioli ended up has been a rumor for months. Pats won't have to pay Cassel a dime if they franchise him and trade him. I still believe the Pats like O'Connell's prospects better as a backup anyway.

If they franchise him and trade him, will his new team then be stuck with his $14 Mill price tag? Or will they likely negotiate a new deal?

 

[David Yudkin]

Cassel going to where Pioli ended up has been a rumor for months. Pats won't have to pay Cassel a dime if they franchise him and trade him. I still believe the Pats like O'Connell's prospects better as a backup anyway.

If they franchise him and trade him, will his new team then be stuck with his $14 Mill price tag? Or will they likely negotiate a new deal?

I don't remember where a team traded for a franchised player and only took on his one year franchise deal. It may have happened, but I can't remember who or when.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Each Club can designate one of its players who would otherwise be an UFA or RFA as a Franchise Player each season. Something that even some of the most knowledgeable sports fans do not realize is that a team has the option of designating a Franchise player with one of two tags: "Exclusive" or "Non-Exclusive". Any Club that designates a Franchise Player as "Exclusive" shall be the only Club with which that Franchise Player may negotiate or sign a contract. In order to designate an UFA or RFA as an Exclusive Franchise Player, the team must tender the player a one year contract that is the minimum of the average of the five largest salaries (as calculated at the end of the free agency signing period) for players at the position at which he played the most games during the prior year, or 120% of his prior year salary, whichever is greater.

If the team elects to name the player "non-exclusive" then the player shall be permitted to negotiate a contract with any Club as if he were an UFA; however, Draft Choice Compensation of TWO first round draft selections shall be awarded to the prior club in the event that he signs with the new club. For Non-Exlusive Franchise Players, the team must tender the player a one year contract that is the minimum of the average of the five largest PRIOR-YEAR salaries for players at the position at which he played the most games in the prior year, or 120% of his prior year salary, whichever is greater.

If the player elects to play with the prior club (the team that designated him with the Franchise tag) and does not negotiate another contract with that team, then the one year salary is guaranteed. Also, if the prior club elects to withdraw the qualifying offer, the player becomes an UFA.

AskTheCommish.com

 

[Donnybrook]

I hope it is true and I hope that Thigpen somehow ends up back with the Vikings.

 

[sizzer55]

i have nothing to back this up, but for some reason i feel pretty strongly that cassell will have a long-term contract settled with a new team before the trade is made. if doing this is against the rules, then i think they will do it anyway and then wait a week or so after the trade to announce the long-term deal. i don't think any team would risk giving up a lot in a trade without the assurance of a long-term contract in place.

again, i could be wrong, but i wouldn't think that the franchise tag, or the $14M would have anything to do with his new team.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

I hope it is true and I hope that Thigpen somehow ends up back with the Vikings.

I'm a pretty big Cassell pimp, but I actually would roll with Thigpen if I were the Chiefs mgt.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Helooooo Scott Mitchell.

 

[munchkin]

With the third pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Kansas City Chiefs select (knowing what they know right now):

A) Mark Sanchez

B) Aaron Curry

C) Michael Crabtree

D) Malcolm Jenkins

E) Andre Smith

F) Matt Cassell

Any of these players in that spot would be garnering a salary in the seven million per year range. Which player if they meet their potential would help the Chiefs the most? Thigpen would have to be considered into this equation, by default, if any choice but A and F is taken. It is hard for me to imagine that Pioli would take Sanchez, but that's just my opinion. KC's defense had all kinds of problems last year and didn't come up with too many big plays. Judging by past drafts Pioli conducted with the Patriots I would guess B or D would be the likely choices if they didn't trade the pick for F.

I think it is reasonable to argue that if Cassel reaches his potential and plays for 7+ years the return on the investment would be well worth the price tag. Cassel has shown he can run an offense in the NFL and grew tremendously over the course of the year. How many Pats fans wanted Cassel cut when the roster was thinned to the final 53; as a fan of the team I can tell you there were quite a few. KC has some offensive playmakers; if Thigpen could find a way to use them I believe Cassel can as well.

Thigpen has been serviceable and could be good enough to keep moving the team in the right direction for at least another year. But does he have the upside that Cassel does? I can't say as I watched much of the Chiefs so I can't answer that question. Sanchez seems to have too many question marks to take at three and entrust the franchise to.

My guess is that Pioli or Belichick will take Curry at three. That is of course if Pioli makes the trade for Cassell.

The question becomes does Pioli or Belichick think Curry has the upside to be the next LT?

 

[Smeagol]

Cassell for the #3 pick? I'm not sure if Pioli does that. I think the Chiefs would likely send a 2009 2nd round and a 2010 1st round pick.

 

[Sinrman]

I just can't see the Chiefs giving up the #3 overall + possibly more for Cassel. Unless they give up their 2010 and more....

 

[harryhood]

Trades in the NFL rarely include player swaps, and I haven't kept up with the Pioli news since he joined KC, but how does he feel about Larry Johnson going forward? Starting KC RB in 2009 or are they willing to trade him and his LARGE contract?

 

[David Yudkin]

Pats would rather have an established player and other lower picks than a Top 5 pick at this point.

 

[Jason Wood]

Pats would rather have an established player and other lower picks than a Top 5 pick at this point.

My thoughts exactly

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I think the Pats are going to regret trading Cassel, if that's what they do. He really came into his own late in the season; you could see the game was slowing down for him. He's a very talented QB.Probably the finest personell decision the 49ers ever made was to keep Steve Young on the bench, despite all sorts of temptation to trade him. It extended the 49ers run as an elite team for another 7-8 years after Montana left for Kansas City.

The thing is in order to keep Cassell they need to sign him to the contract that he could receive on the open market. They couldn't possibly tie up that much salary cap space on the QB position between him and Brady. Brady has many years left in him as well so there's no need to keep Cassell around.Also I'm not so sure Steve Young was such a hot commodity with the Niners. He didn't fare too well in Tampa before they acquired him and no one really knew what he was all about until he became the Niners QB.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

If anyone is stupid enough to give them anything of great value for Cassel they should hung up and beaten with a whip.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

If anyone is stupid enough to give them anything of great value for Cassel they should hung up and beaten with a whip.

Seriously? Great value is relative, but have you not looked around the league and seen the frauds that are playing at QB. Supply, meet demand. There are several factors regarding Casell that are positive, I would not be surprised to see him dealt for pick(s) and/or a player.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

If anyone is stupid enough to give them anything of great value for Cassel they should hung up and beaten with a whip.

Seriously? Great value is relative, but have you not looked around the league and seen the frauds that are playing at QB. Supply, meet demand. There are several factors regarding Casell that are positive, I would not be surprised to see him dealt for pick(s) and/or a player.

It's the system dear Watson, the system.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

If anyone is stupid enough to give them anything of great value for Cassel they should hung up and beaten with a whip.

Seriously? Great value is relative, but have you not looked around the league and seen the frauds that are playing at QB. Supply, meet demand. There are several factors regarding Casell that are positive, I would not be surprised to see him dealt for pick(s) and/or a player.

What do you both think is "fair value"? I think if NE could get a 2nd rounder and a couple late rounders they should go for it provided that salary burden was fully on the new team.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

If anyone is stupid enough to give them anything of great value for Cassel they should hung up and beaten with a whip.

Seriously? Great value is relative, but have you not looked around the league and seen the frauds that are playing at QB. Supply, meet demand. There are several factors regarding Casell that are positive, I would not be surprised to see him dealt for pick(s) and/or a player.

What do you both think is "fair value"? I think if NE could get a 2nd rounder and a couple late rounders they should go for it provided that salary burden was fully on the new team.

fair value or market value <> real value.

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

If anyone is stupid enough to give them anything of great value for Cassel they should hung up and beaten with a whip.

Seriously? Great value is relative, but have you not looked around the league and seen the frauds that are playing at QB. Supply, meet demand. There are several factors regarding Casell that are positive, I would not be surprised to see him dealt for pick(s) and/or a player.

It's the system dear Watson, the system.

And Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Bill Belichick and a good offensive line. IMO Cassel has a 25% chance of becoming the best QB of the Kyle Orton, Tyler Thigpen and Shaun Hill group of QBs.

 

[twitch]

If anyone is stupid enough to give them anything of great value for Cassel they should hung up and beaten with a whip.

Seriously? Great value is relative, but have you not looked around the league and seen the frauds that are playing at QB. Supply, meet demand. There are several factors regarding Casell that are positive, I would not be surprised to see him dealt for pick(s) and/or a player.

What do you both think is "fair value"? I think if NE could get a 2nd rounder and a couple late rounders they should go for it provided that salary burden was fully on the new team.

Considering there are a minimum of three teams that legitimately need a change in QB. And considering the duo of Stafford and Sanchez arent considered overwhelming NFL prospects. And considering New England was able to draw a 1st rounder for both Drew Bledsoe and Deion Branch, and that Matt Cassel is currently looking like the more mentally tough and serious-minded player between himself and Matt Leinard, and that point of course being that he likely would have played some seriously good football at USC had he won that job as a 19 year old, and considering Matt Cassel himself, who has a strong arm, great mobility, and a great head on his shoulders, Id fully expect the Pats will definitely drag a #1 and a later pick out of some other team's draft. At what point that happens is anyone's guess. In other words, imo, its a pretty good year to have a good young backup QB like Matt Cassel in the stable.

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

If anyone is stupid enough to give them anything of great value for Cassel they should hung up and beaten with a whip.

Seriously? Great value is relative, but have you not looked around the league and seen the frauds that are playing at QB. Supply, meet demand. There are several factors regarding Casell that are positive, I would not be surprised to see him dealt for pick(s) and/or a player.

What do you both think is "fair value"? I think if NE could get a 2nd rounder and a couple late rounders they should go for it provided that salary burden was fully on the new team.

Considering there are a minimum of three teams that legitimately need a change in QB. And considering the duo of Stafford and Sanchez arent considered overwhelming NFL prospects. And considering New England was able to draw a 1st rounder for both Drew Bledsoe and Deion Branch, and that Matt Cassel is currently looking like the more mentally tough and serious-minded player between himself and Matt Leinard, and that point of course being that he likely would have played some seriously good football at USC had he won that job as a 19 year old, and considering Matt Cassel himself, who has a strong arm, great mobility, and a great head on his shoulders, Id fully expect the Pats will definitely drag a #1 and a later pick out of some other team's draft. At what point that happens is anyone's guess. In other words, imo, its a pretty good year to have a good young backup QB like Matt Cassel in the stable.

I have never been the policeman of the run-on attempt at a sentence, but holycow!

 

[twitch]

If anyone is stupid enough to give them anything of great value for Cassel they should hung up and beaten with a whip.

Seriously? Great value is relative, but have you not looked around the league and seen the frauds that are playing at QB. Supply, meet demand. There are several factors regarding Casell that are positive, I would not be surprised to see him dealt for pick(s) and/or a player.

What do you both think is "fair value"? I think if NE could get a 2nd rounder and a couple late rounders they should go for it provided that salary burden was fully on the new team.

Considering there are a minimum of three teams that legitimately need a change in QB. And considering the duo of Stafford and Sanchez arent considered overwhelming NFL prospects. And considering New England was able to draw a 1st rounder for both Drew Bledsoe and Deion Branch, and that Matt Cassel is currently looking like the more mentally tough and serious-minded player between himself and Matt Leinard, and that point of course being that he likely would have played some seriously good football at USC had he won that job as a 19 year old, and considering Matt Cassel himself, who has a strong arm, great mobility, and a great head on his shoulders, Id fully expect the Pats will definitely drag a #1 and a later pick out of some other team's draft. At what point that happens is anyone's guess. In other words, imo, its a pretty good year to have a good young backup QB like Matt Cassel in the stable.

I have never been the policeman of the run-on attempt at a sentence, but holycow!

Guilty as charged!

 

[PatsWillWin]

Cassel may very well go to KC, but not for 1.03.

 

[munchkin]

If anyone is stupid enough to give them anything of great value for Cassel they should hung up and beaten with a whip.

Seriously? Great value is relative, but have you not looked around the league and seen the frauds that are playing at QB. Supply, meet demand. There are several factors regarding Casell that are positive, I would not be surprised to see him dealt for pick(s) and/or a player.

It's the system dear Watson, the system.

Perhaps you can extrapolate on that and explain to me why the Patriots Defense played so poorly this year; was it the system or the players?I think you can go through recent draft history and find a plethora of players who have/had a career that is </= the potential value of Cassell. For the record I don't think Pioli trades this years first round pick for Cassell; but I believe he has more value than you are giving him credit for.

 

[PatsWillWin]

If anyone is stupid enough to give them anything of great value for Cassel they should hung up and beaten with a whip.

Seriously? Great value is relative, but have you not looked around the league and seen the frauds that are playing at QB. Supply, meet demand. There are several factors regarding Casell that are positive, I would not be surprised to see him dealt for pick(s) and/or a player.

It's the system dear Watson, the system.

And Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Bill Belichick and a good offensive line. IMO Cassel has a 25% chance of becoming the best QB of the Kyle Orton, Tyler Thigpen and Shaun Hill group of QBs.

What do you view are the holes in Cassel's game that lead you to conclude it is the system?

 

[Tackling Dummies]

If anyone is stupid enough to give them anything of great value for Cassel they should hung up and beaten with a whip.

Seriously? Great value is relative, but have you not looked around the league and seen the frauds that are playing at QB. Supply, meet demand. There are several factors regarding Casell that are positive, I would not be surprised to see him dealt for pick(s) and/or a player.

What do you both think is "fair value"? I think if NE could get a 2nd rounder and a couple late rounders they should go for it provided that salary burden was fully on the new team.

If I was a team looking for a QB and considering that the draft is a complete crapshoot, I'd give up a 2 and a late round pick for Cassell in a minute. The deal killer would be the contract terms.

 

[PatsWillWin]

If anyone is stupid enough to give them anything of great value for Cassel they should hung up and beaten with a whip.

Seriously? Great value is relative, but have you not looked around the league and seen the frauds that are playing at QB. Supply, meet demand. There are several factors regarding Casell that are positive, I would not be surprised to see him dealt for pick(s) and/or a player.

It's the system dear Watson, the system.

Same question -> what have you seen of Cassel that has lead to you conclude he is just a product of the system?

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

If anyone is stupid enough to give them anything of great value for Cassel they should hung up and beaten with a whip.

Seriously? Great value is relative, but have you not looked around the league and seen the frauds that are playing at QB. Supply, meet demand. There are several factors regarding Casell that are positive, I would not be surprised to see him dealt for pick(s) and/or a player.

It's the system dear Watson, the system.

Perhaps you can extrapolate on that and explain to me why the Patriots Defense played so poorly this year; was it the system or the players?I think you can go through recent draft history and find a plethora of players who have/had a career that is </= the potential value of Cassell. For the record I don't think Pioli trades this years first round pick for Cassell; but I believe he has more value than you are giving him credit for.

I agree he has value, I'm just not sure it's justified. Some idiot GM will give too much for him. Count me as one of those who is skeptical about him succeeding somewhere else.

 

[Knight who says Ni]

Is Brady going to be ready to start when the 09 season begins? I haven't been following his recovery very closely, but I was under the impression that he wasn't going to be able to play right off the bat. With Cassell gone, that would mean that O'Connell would start for the Pats ... I'm not sure if that's something they would want

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Is Cassel really any more proven than Thigpen? Certainly not worth a 1st round pick, others picks, and $50M contract more proven. I think the Chiefs should keep their picks and build through the draft.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

If anyone is stupid enough to give them anything of great value for Cassel they should hung up and beaten with a whip.

Seriously? Great value is relative, but have you not looked around the league and seen the frauds that are playing at QB. Supply, meet demand. There are several factors regarding Casell that are positive, I would not be surprised to see him dealt for pick(s) and/or a player.

It's the system dear Watson, the system.

And Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Bill Belichick and a good offensive line. IMO Cassel has a 25% chance of becoming the best QB of the Kyle Orton, Tyler Thigpen and Shaun Hill group of QBs.

I agree that Cassell was greatly aided by playing with Moss and Welker in a great system, but lets not act like he's a total schlub. He was recruited to play for USC - the premier college football program in the country right now. Sure he didn't start but it wasn't like he sat behind scrubs. Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart were legit Heisman canidates/winners. So the pedigree is there. I think he's a very good young QB with a bright future. As a Jets fan and with the Pats on National TV often I watched him play quite a bit (once in person). My two biggest criticisms of him in the early season was that he was a terrible deep ball passer (not that he didn't have the arm, but had no accuracy downfield) and that he tended to watch the pass rush rather than keep his eyes downfield which led him to run more than he should. Let's not forget he was quite inexperienced early in the season. He really grew though and started hitting Moss deep (once again its pretty easy to throw to a guy like Moss). He developed into a very smart and accurate QB though and limited his runs to times he had to rather than just taking off.I don't think he'll be an elite QB but I do think he could be a very effective starter elsewhere and hope he gets the chance. Even as a Pats hater you gotta love his story.

 

[twitch]

Is Cassel really any more proven than Thigpen? Certainly not worth a 1st round pick, others picks, and $50M contract more proven. I think the Chiefs should keep their picks and build through the draft.

I dont honestly know that Cassel is any more proven than Thigpen. But Cassel didnt spend his college years at Coastal Carolina(hate to slap ya down like that Coastal Carolina) and he didnt spend last season with a team that won 2 games, leading one of the worst offenses in the league. And although Cassel didnt actually play in college, Id make a case that he got more out his collegiate years in the way of NFL preparation as a backup at USC than a starter would at a place who's football program only began in 2003. And he gained far more valuable experience last season, playing and more importantly winning games under the leadership of some of the better football minds in the game. Thigpen or Cassel? To me that's a bit of a no-brainer. And starting QBs in the NFL should be worth atleast a 1st rounder. Maybe not the 3rd overall in this case. But definitely a 1st.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

I agree he has value, I'm just not sure it's justified. Some idiot GM will give too much for him. Count me as one of those who is skeptical about him succeeding somewhere else.

So, Cassell has value, but you are unsure what it is, but someone will over pay. Lay it out there Hoss, what is he worth? Bear in mind the other QBs on the market, the players in the draft and that your particular team is in need. Watch the early games after he took over, he was the QB version of Lawrence Taylor. Hold ball, look downfield, look some more, sack. Like Groundhog Day, it's very hard to watch. Thankfully, there was a curve and it looked like everything clicked. The side note is that the Pats must be convinced that Brady is or will be healthy to make Cassell available. Without question, there's talent in NE, but he's at least demonstrated the ability that he can play.Thigpen is a gimmick player, no comparison to Cassell.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Is Cassel really any more proven than Thigpen? Certainly not worth a 1st round pick, others picks, and $50M contract more proven. I think the Chiefs should keep their picks and build through the draft.

I dont honestly know that Cassel is any more proven than Thigpen. But Cassel didnt spend his college years at Coastal Carolina(hate to slap ya down like that Coastal Carolina) and he didnt spend last season with a team that won 2 games, leading one of the worst offenses in the league. And although Cassel didnt actually play in college, Id make a case that he got more out his collegiate years in the way of NFL preparation as a backup at USC than a starter would at a place who's football program only began in 2003. And he gained far more valuable experience last season, playing and more importantly winning games under the leadership of some of the better football minds in the game. Thigpen or Cassel? To me that's a bit of a no-brainer. And starting QBs in the NFL should be worth atleast a 1st rounder. Maybe not the 3rd overall in this case. But definitely a 1st.

I think you're overlooking the difference in talent for the other 52 guys on NE vs. KC. I'm not saying either is better than the other but I don't think Cassel has proven himself to be worth the draft picks and money it will take to acquire him when you have so many other needs to fill with those picks and money.

 

[twitch]

Is Cassel really any more proven than Thigpen? Certainly not worth a 1st round pick, others picks, and $50M contract more proven. I think the Chiefs should keep their picks and build through the draft.

I dont honestly know that Cassel is any more proven than Thigpen. But Cassel didnt spend his college years at Coastal Carolina(hate to slap ya down like that Coastal Carolina) and he didnt spend last season with a team that won 2 games, leading one of the worst offenses in the league. And although Cassel didnt actually play in college, Id make a case that he got more out his collegiate years in the way of NFL preparation as a backup at USC than a starter would at a place who's football program only began in 2003. And he gained far more valuable experience last season, playing and more importantly winning games under the leadership of some of the better football minds in the game. Thigpen or Cassel? To me that's a bit of a no-brainer. And starting QBs in the NFL should be worth atleast a 1st rounder. Maybe not the 3rd overall in this case. But definitely a 1st.

I think you're overlooking the difference in talent for the other 52 guys on NE vs. KC. I'm not saying either is better than the other but I don't think Cassel has proven himself to be worth the draft picks and money it will take to acquire him when you have so many other needs to fill with those picks and money.

And I do appreciate that opinion and echo some of those sentiments. But really, who actually is proven? Matt Stafford or Sanchez? They really havent proven anything either. Nor has Thigpen, clearly. Its a leap of faith, ultimately. Kansas City is just lucky they have a talent evaluator like Pioli running the show there. Because he'll be able to make that calculated risk as well as anyone. And he'll also be able to negotiate a quality and sensible contract with Matt Cassel should they choose to bring him in. So, I wouldnt worry about that particular guy breaking KC's bank. Wont happen. Pioli is smart. And Cassel is eager to lead a team and prove himself. And Id bet he'd settle for a club-friendly deal to prove his worth. But if Im a Chiefs fan, I simply dont want to look forward to the next 3 or 4 years with Tyler Thigpen as my starting QB. I just dont. Not a very complicated answer, I realize.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Is Cassel really any more proven than Thigpen? Certainly not worth a 1st round pick, others picks, and $50M contract more proven. I think the Chiefs should keep their picks and build through the draft.

I dont honestly know that Cassel is any more proven than Thigpen. But Cassel didnt spend his college years at Coastal Carolina(hate to slap ya down like that Coastal Carolina) and he didnt spend last season with a team that won 2 games, leading one of the worst offenses in the league. And although Cassel didnt actually play in college, Id make a case that he got more out his collegiate years in the way of NFL preparation as a backup at USC than a starter would at a place who's football program only began in 2003. And he gained far more valuable experience last season, playing and more importantly winning games under the leadership of some of the better football minds in the game. Thigpen or Cassel? To me that's a bit of a no-brainer. And starting QBs in the NFL should be worth atleast a 1st rounder. Maybe not the 3rd overall in this case. But definitely a 1st.

I think you're overlooking the difference in talent for the other 52 guys on NE vs. KC. I'm not saying either is better than the other but I don't think Cassel has proven himself to be worth the draft picks and money it will take to acquire him when you have so many other needs to fill with those picks and money.

And I do appreciate that opinion and echo some of those sentiments. But really, who actually is proven? Matt Stafford or Sanchez? They really havent proven anything either. Nor has Thigpen, clearly. Its a leap of faith, ultimately. Kansas City is just lucky they have a talent evaluator like Pioli running the show there. Because he'll be able to make that calculated risk as well as anyone. And he'll also be able to negotiate a quality and sensible contract with Matt Cassel should they choose to bring him in. So, I wouldnt worry about that particular guy breaking KC's bank. Wont happen. Pioli is smart. And Cassel is eager to lead a team and prove himself. And Id bet he'd settle for a club-friendly deal to prove his worth. But if Im a Chiefs fan, I simply dont want to look forward to the next 3 or 4 years with Tyler Thigpen as my starting QB. I just dont. Not a very complicated answer, I realize.

Good point with Stafford and Sanchez in terms of not being proven. I think two different philosophies could work. Draft a rookie and build the rest of the team while that rookie is going through his learning curve. Downside is if the rookie is a total bust. Or build the rest of the team up and go get a QB in 1-2 years when you're ready to win. I would be afraid of losing too many picks and cap room to get Cassel and by the time they have a defense that could win, or a line that could protect Cassel that he'll be pretty much through the big money contract you gave him back in '09. It will be interesting to see what Pioli does because you're right, he's a bright guy.

 

[puckalicious]

Helooooo Scott Mitchell.

So you're saying he'll perform like this in his first full season on a new team?Comp/Att/Yds/TD/INT346/583/4338/32/12 I can't think of any team that would not be happy with that. I'm just sayin...

 

[saintfool]

And I do appreciate that opinion and echo some of those sentiments. But really, who actually is proven? Matt Stafford or Sanchez? They really havent proven anything either. Nor has Thigpen, clearly. Its a leap of faith, ultimately. Kansas City is just lucky they have a talent evaluator like Pioli running the show there. Because he'll be able to make that calculated risk as well as anyone. And he'll also be able to negotiate a quality and sensible contract with Matt Cassel should they choose to bring him in. So, I wouldnt worry about that particular guy breaking KC's bank. Wont happen. Pioli is smart. And Cassel is eager to lead a team and prove himself. And Id bet he'd settle for a club-friendly deal to prove his worth.

But if Im a Chiefs fan, I simply dont want to look forward to the next 3 or 4 years with Tyler Thigpen as my starting QB. I just dont. Not a very complicated answer, I realize.

i'm not entirely sure this is an accurate statement. think about it... cassel has been a career - at USC and NE - back-up. he was pressed into service. he's poised to make a lifetime score with $14.5m just to return to his old job. he doesn't strike me as someone that is the competitor that brady or others are. he could very easily take a discount with NE, be an insurance policy and count his blessings.

 

[twitch]

And I do appreciate that opinion and echo some of those sentiments. But really, who actually is proven? Matt Stafford or Sanchez? They really havent proven anything either. Nor has Thigpen, clearly. Its a leap of faith, ultimately. Kansas City is just lucky they have a talent evaluator like Pioli running the show there. Because he'll be able to make that calculated risk as well as anyone. And he'll also be able to negotiate a quality and sensible contract with Matt Cassel should they choose to bring him in. So, I wouldnt worry about that particular guy breaking KC's bank. Wont happen. Pioli is smart. And Cassel is eager to lead a team and prove himself. And Id bet he'd settle for a club-friendly deal to prove his worth.

But if Im a Chiefs fan, I simply dont want to look forward to the next 3 or 4 years with Tyler Thigpen as my starting QB. I just dont. Not a very complicated answer, I realize.

i'm not entirely sure this is an accurate statement. think about it... cassel has been a career - at USC and NE - back-up. he was pressed into service. he's poised to make a lifetime score with $14.5m just to return to his old job. he doesn't strike me as someone that is the competitor that brady or others are. he could very easily take a discount with NE, be an insurance policy and count his blessings.

Trust me. Cassel in no way wants to continue to be anyone's backup. He's being a good soldier right now for the organization that's provided him with this opportunity. Making it known that he's willing to be a backup is only helping New England to move him because it gives them greater trade leverage. You really dont think the kid doesnt want to play football do you? And if you dont think he's competitive, you didnt get to see much of his games this year. He's a smart kid, and he's definitely playing the situation like a Maestro.