Boston Globe: Mike Vrabel analysis
 

Mike Vrabel analysis

After stepping back to digest the surprising news of a Patriots-Chiefs trade with Mike Vrabel, two thoughts came to mind:

# 1) How much are finances a part of this decision?

# 2) Could this be part of a larger deal with the Chiefs that might involve Matt Cassel?

The 33-year-old Vrabel was entering the final year of his contract in 2009. He was due to earn $2.2 million in base salary, would receive a $1 million roster bonus, and count $4.3 million against the salary cap.

Given Vrabel's contributions to the Patriots -- on the field and in the locker room -- that doesn't seem like much to digest.

So why make the deal?

From a Chiefs perspective, they had one of the youngest rosters in the NFL last season, and new general manager Scott Pioli understands the importance of veteran leadership in the locker room. Vrabel will provide that in Kansas City, likely as a team captain.

The question is why the Patriots would trade Vrabel.

Until more details become available on the trade itself -- and if this is the first domino to fall on a larger deal -- the answer to that question remains open-ended.

This is going to be a deal I can't help but think WTF?

I hope to eat crow and get proven wrong. But I want the Patriots scraps about as much as I want Jets rejects.

He's still a solid LBer and a leader.. we need a ton of help and as long as we didn't give up a high draft pick, I'm all for it!

Larry johnson and we get a draft pick???

I would have thought so as well if NE didn't sign Fred Taylor earlier in the day.

didnt see that. Well it has been a fun first day for free agency.

And the Patriots are all winners and the Chiefs are all losers! Just sayin..