KC scores a coup
Scott Pioli, the Chiefs' new GM, solved the team's ongoing quarterback crisis by trading for Matt Cassel of the Patriots today..
The trade will have repercussions at the top of the draft because the Chiefs are no longer in the quarterback market, at least with the third pick. They now will have the option of picking either offensive tackle Jason Smith of Baylor or Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry.
In the past two days, Pioli, a former personnel man in New England, has traded for two Patriots. Yesterday he acquired veteran linebacker Mike Vrabel, who will help bring a better attitude and work ethic to Kansas City. The Chiefs gave up their second round pick -- the 34th overall -- to get both players.
Cassel replaced injured Patriots QB Tom Brady on opening day last season -- against the Chiefs -- and had a very strong season, throwing for 3,693 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also completed 63.4 percent of his throws.
The trade also shows confidence that Brady will be able to return next season, despite disquieting reports since he developed an infection in his surgically repaired knee. And because they had placed the franchise tag on Cassel, the Pats also have plenty of cap space to dip into the free agent market.
-- Ken Murray
Comments
Guys,
We all know how the Pats love older linebackers.
With this move of dumping Cassel's salary, can we worry that the Pats are now gonna try and lure Ray Ray to play in New England?
Posted by: Max (Miami) | February 28, 2009 1:32 PM
You would have to think that the Chiefs will pick Smith if he is available to help protect Cassel, unless they traded this years first round pick to get Cassel.
Posted by: BB | February 28, 2009 1:47 PM
Can't wait to hear how much KC gave up. If it's more than a second rounder, they're crazy. Cassel benefited much from having a smart coach and great WRs (as most QBs would). A big majority of his passes were short and then Moss or Welker would make something out of it. KC doesn't have those types of weapons.
Posted by: J | February 28, 2009 1:55 PM
Ken
You mean to tell me KC got Cassel without giving up their number 1 this year? What a steal!
Posted by: Finder | February 28, 2009 2:36 PM
AP is reporting the trade is for Cassel and Vrabel for this years second round pick! Both for a number 2 is a steal!!!!
Posted by: Finder | February 28, 2009 2:43 PM
Good deal for both teams, KC was smart not to give up a 1st round pick for Matt Cassel, too big of a risk for the talent Cassel had around him. I do feel bad for Tyler Thigpen though, Cassel will automatically be the starter, unless he goes down to injury. Thigpen played very well for the Chiefs without the elite receiving corps that Cassel had and it sucks for him that he likely won't have a shot now.
Posted by: Marcus | February 28, 2009 4:26 PM
This trade sounds like Belichick rewarding Pioli for his years of loyalty. I have to believe some other team out there would have been willing to give up more than a 2nd rounder just for Cassell.
Posted by: Ray | February 28, 2009 5:10 PM
why has the NFL not stepped in? Something fishy. A franchise QB AND another player for only a second round pick when Denver was willing to give the Pats a 1st rounder??!!
Posted by: GHT | March 4, 2009 3:23 PM