Tribal Warfare
02-27-2009, 03:00 PM
Mike Vrabel analysis (http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2009/02/mike_vrabel_ana.html)
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.
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.