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Patriots may franchise Cassel

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NFL teams can place the franchise tag on players from Feb. 5 to Feb. 19, although that hasn't stopped speculation from buzzing regarding the Patriots' intentions with quarterback Matt Cassel. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported yesterday that the Patriots intend to use the tag on Cassel, although that could not be confirmed. Teams can use the franchise tag to help retain players who are scheduled for unrestricted free agency. The Patriots have utilized it on players such as cornerback Asante Samuel, kicker Adam Vinatieri, and safety Tebucky Jones. A player who is assigned the franchise tag still can be signed by other teams, but those clubs would surrender two first-round draft choices if the original team does not match the offer. Because first-round draft choices are so valuable, it is unlikely a player assigned the tag would be signed by another club. In the case of Cassel, he would receive a one-year tender offer that is the average of the top five salary cap charges among NFL quarterbacks. The figure for 2009 is estimated to be around $14 million. If the Patriots tag Cassel, it would mean they have approximately $29 million of the $123 million salary cap tied up between two quarterbacks, Tom Brady and Cassel, which could hinder other moves.

Boston Globe

Matt Cassel, AP Matt Cassel, AP

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January 5, 2009  06:08 AM ET
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They should let this man be the starter....you wanna know why? Brady is gonna be a gimp for the rest of his shortened career. His knee was twisted BIG TIME and they - the peoples that look after him....have been concealing the truth! He is now a disabled player with little or no future.

January 5, 2009  06:44 AM ET
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QUOTE(#1):
Originally posted 06:08 AM ET  01.05 by Ms. Foxx Steven

They should let this man be the starter....you wanna know why? Brady is gonna be a gimp for the rest of his shortened career. His knee was twisted BIG TIME and they - the peoples that look after him....have been concealing the truth! He is now a disabled player with little or no future.

How long have you been a doctor? My left elbow has been bothering me lately. Do you think its cancer? Idiot!!!!!

January 5, 2009  06:51 AM ET
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I was under the impression that this had already been done. As for Brady's knee, isn't he looking at more surgery?

Comment #4 has been removed
January 5, 2009  06:58 AM ET
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everyone knew this was going to happen

January 5, 2009  07:03 AM ET
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QUOTE(#3):
Originally posted 06:51 AM ET  01.05 by sign here

I was under the impression that this had already been done. As for Brady's knee, isn't he looking at more surgery?

Depends who you ask. Some say he's back on schedule, some say he needs another surgery. I'm willing to bet he'll be the starter opening day 2009.

January 5, 2009  07:09 AM ET
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QUOTE(#6):
Originally posted 07:03 AM ET  01.05 by jj730

Depends who you ask. Some say he's back on schedule, some say he needs another surgery. I'm willing to bet he'll be the starter opening day 2009.

You can't believe anything the Patriots organization says about injuries. Bill Belichick is notorious for lying on injury reports.

January 5, 2009  07:12 AM ET
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QUOTE(#6):
Originally posted 07:03 AM ET  01.05 by jj730

Depends who you ask. Some say he's back on schedule, some say he needs another surgery. I'm willing to bet he'll be the starter opening day 2009.

Better to be safe than sorry though. Cassel could still be traded despite being tagged if Brady does come back healthy and ready to play, right?

January 5, 2009  07:17 AM ET
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It would be a smart move to franchise Cassel.

January 5, 2009  07:18 AM ET
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QUOTE(#8):
Originally posted 07:12 AM ET  01.05 by sign here

Better to be safe than sorry though. Cassel could still be traded despite being tagged if Brady does come back healthy and ready to play, right?

Yes. But you would first have to find a team that is willing to pay a 1 year starter $14 million guaranteed. That's alot of money that could backfire on the Pats. But if they have the cap room. I guess it could work.

January 5, 2009  07:20 AM ET
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Just reread the article after having a cup of coffee and saw the answer to my question. D'oh!

January 5, 2009  07:21 AM ET
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QUOTE(#10):
Originally posted 07:18 AM ET  01.05 by jj730

Yes. But you would first have to find a team that is willing to pay a 1 year starter $14 million guaranteed. That's alot of money that could backfire on the Pats. But if they have the cap room. I guess it could work.

If you go to espn.com, you'll see an article about this.

January 5, 2009  07:24 AM ET
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QUOTE(#12):
Originally posted 07:21 AM ET  01.05 by sign here

If you go to espn.com, you'll see an article about this.

It will be interesting to see what happens. Will Brady try to rush back to save his job? And what if Cassel starts the season and goes 5-0, do they bench Brady? I think they need to trade Cassel and just hope for the best with Brady.

January 5, 2009  07:26 AM ET
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You know, I think it's funny that the only time anyone (me) sees Brady anymore is on TMZ. LOL

January 5, 2009  07:34 AM ET
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As far as his being behind.. ACL rehab is 6-9 months for us average Joe's. For elite athletes, usually 4-7 moths. Add in his setbacks for his follow-up surgeries to clean out the mess, probably back to 6-9 months. So, Opening day is entirely possible. Again, it depends on whether he needs more work or not.
Simple Arthroscopy, not much additional time, revision of the graft, well, forget next year.

January 5, 2009  07:36 AM ET
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QUOTE(#9):
Originally posted 07:17 AM ET  01.05 by 1st & Goal

It would be a smart move to franchise Cassel.

I'm sure he doesn't mind at all. It's $14 mil in guaranteed money one way or the other... if he is the starter next year and plays poorly, he still has the money. If he has another season like the one he just had, his stock goes up. Pretty sweet for a guy who hadn't been a starter since high school. I would think the only downside would be if the Pats didn't tag him. I don't think many smart owners are going to throw too much money at someone with his limited experience because of a one good season.

January 5, 2009  07:40 AM ET
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Who is this idiot Belicat and the inane comments that mean literally nothing. Franchise Cassel and the Pats already know where they are going with Brady and how Brady's leg is so there is no guessing here. They are going to tag Cassel and trade him if all works out for Brady and if not he is going to be opening day starter. Nothing more needs to be said.

Not so many options when you look at it realistically.

January 5, 2009  07:48 AM ET
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QUOTE(#17):
Originally posted 07:40 AM ET  01.05 by Wheel

Who is this idiot Belicat and the inane comments that mean literally nothing. Franchise Cassel and the Pats already know where they are going with Brady and how Brady's leg is so there is no guessing here. They are going to tag Cassel and trade him if all works out for Brady and if not he is going to be opening day starter. Nothing more needs to be said.Not so many options when you look at it realistically.

Who is this newbie azzwipe "wheel" with the inflammatory comments that repeat what's already been said?

January 5, 2009  07:49 AM ET
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BTW wheel, be nice to the Lady or I'll rap you upside the head with a ratchet, jerky.

 
January 5, 2009  07:50 AM ET
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QUOTE(#18):
Originally posted 07:48 AM ET  01.05 by Rex Racer

Who is this newbie azzwipe "wheel" with the inflammatory comments that repeat what's already been said?

Nobody I want to know, that's for sure. LOL

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