IF Brady comes back and is the same.. Two years is a long time IF they are still on that timeline..

Cassel gives them the advantage of being a known commodity.. I do not see him being traded this off-season unless some team does something monumentally stupid.. I also see him being franchised next year depending on Brady's condition.. Either as trade bait, or sign him to a long term deal if they think Brady is done..

I do not see the Pats looking for Brady's backup but Cassel's backup this year..

I am surprised there arent any Tom Brady to KC rumors starting yet....the king of the spread!

Cassell=Grbac you heard it here first

Brady for our first rounder to NE once we aquire Pioli and they are keeping Grbac....I mean Cassell

There's no point in looking for anything except a short-term backup (early-season next year, if necessary) for Cassel during Brady's absence. Cassel is nothing but a backup for the rest of his career. No one will give more than backup value for the guy.

Unfortunately, the Pats have little choice at this time. In any event, Cassel isn't Brady's replacement. He's an interim replacement QB.

I think you are wrong on this. There are definitely teams in this league that will look at Cassel as a starter and someone will give up decent value for him.

If Kerry Collins can start on a successful team in this league, maybe you're right.

The Patriots just used a 3rd round pick on a QB they liked...it's not like they are totally unprepared at that position.

Which round was Brodie Croyle drafted in?

Hey this guy didn't blow out any knees and it seems the Pats know how to deal with QB's.

I could have sworn I asked you about Brodie Croyle.

He was chosen in which round?

Meanwhile, I understand your point. The Pats can make personnel play above their anticipated level, while teams like the Chiefs can't.

Which round did the Patriots take Tom Brady in? I think it was after the 3rd round but I can't remember. Can you help me out?

6th.

This is a wild-ass guess, but I think he was a fifth.

I hope you're not thinking that Cassel is worth a first because he's started for the Pats.

It'll be interesting to see what you're getting at.

They can use the tag as leverage to get compensation. They don't have to pay the money, or have it counted against the cap UNLESS Cassel signs the tender.

Franchising Cassel is just another brilliant move by an organization that focuses on the big picture.

If I am Cassel I force their hand by trying to sign the tag immediately. That would force them to withdraw the tender and leave Cassel free to go anywhere he wants.

Brady was a sixth.

IMO the pats are actually going to KEEP cassell, reports that brady's knee might have to have MORE sugery are looking more and more true. so it would make sense to keep cassell on a franchise tag for one year and see how the Brady situation plays out. remember guys the patriots usually do the SMART thing