Patriots say they will franchise Matt Cassel

[ClevelandBronco]

Originally Posted by Basileus777

I didn't mean to imply it would be for a first rounder, just that they intend to trade him.

Gotcha. Makes more sense that way.

But who's going to play behind Brady then? New draft that might have to start week 1? I'm not seeing it.

Cassel is a good insurance policy even at that price. He could be gone to another team by the deadline if Brady comes back and they can identify his next backup by then.

[Valiant]

Originally Posted by ClevelandBronco

Gotcha. Makes more sense that way.

But who's going to play behind Brady then? New draft that might have to start week 1? I'm not seeing it.

Cassel is a good insurance policy even at that price. He could be gone to another team by the deadline if Brady comes back and they can identify his next backup by then.

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..

[ClevelandBronco]

Originally Posted by Valiant

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..

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.

[Basileus777]

Originally Posted by ClevelandBronco

Cassel is nothing but a backup for the rest of his career. No one will give more than backup value for the guy.

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.

[ClevelandBronco]

Originally Posted by Basileus777

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.