Even you as the Patriot fan you are have to think that if brady was 100% on track they wouldnt have spent so much on Cassel. He was a safety policy, no more no less. They couldn't afford to lose both starting QB's.
I would be absolutely STUNNED if matt cassel is a patriot on april 25th.. if both him and brady are on this roster on june 1st then belichick has lost his sanity.... Even if it's reported tomorrow that brady will not be ready to start or even miss the 2009 season. I still would be stunned if cassel is not traded.
thats the short version now here is why
they are not keeping cassel.. cassel was franchised so he can be traded.. they are fishing for a first and a third.. Will they get a first and a third... Probably not but they will get something... The new team will not be paying 14 million for one year once he is traded they can work the numbers into a 5 year deal around 50 million.. this has been done before not a big deal..
Even if brady can not go in 09 cassell can not and will not be the QB.. the numbers just don't work.. O'connell or however you spell his name will be the starter..
WOW I see several people think they are keeping cassel.. Am I the only one here that understands that that would be a bone head move for the pats even if brady has both legs cut off..
keeping cassel and not trading him = death by salary cap
Ok let me say this again so I can be clear..
1. Belichick love him or hate him is very smart with the cap... only a idiot would carry brady and cassel.. even matt milen is not that cap suicidal it makes no sense... EVEN IF BRADY DOES NOT PLAY IN 09.... the money does not work since this team has to improve at LB and CB
The only way Cassel would be on the 2009 roster is if brady is traded.. or if he retires.. If thats the case brady would come off the 2009 cap. remember even if brady is on IR his cap number counts and it's not a small number
2. only a fool would let cassel walk away for nothing.. they probably have a sign and trade worked out.. If not they will start at a first and a third and work down to some sort of package in a trade.
this is a perfect scenerio to trade cassel for something plus the way the rules are written once he is traded the new team can rip up the franchise deal and sign him to a more reasonable multi year contract..
3. why the hell would cassel want to stay here.. this is his chance to make 5 years 50-60 million and to be a full time starter.. Cassel may say he loves it here and he will be a good boy and wear a cap and clipboard and be happy.. LOL serious??? LOL
Do you think he wants to live under the shadow of brady who he knows will be the starter as soon as he is ready?
LOOK you out of towners might not have seen it but cassel looked like he nutted on himself when he got the chance to play.. Deep down inside he is glad brady got hurt so he could have a chance to play and make a lot of money.. Just like brady was thrilled when bledsoe got hurt..
Only difference is brady was a much better actor..
So now that he turned in a good season you really think he wants to maybe start

yeah right.. he wants to start NOW and without the giant shadow of TB on his back. Strike while the iron is hot matt.. thats what I would do..