smg93

As of 106,000 votes, the answer is 52% Yes

To over simplify, let's assume that all the respondents are spread evenly across all NFL teams (yes, I know it's a huge assumption), that means that the fanbase of approximately half of all NFL teams would want to pursue MC. This would mean that there would be good demand for his services next year and MAY mean that a Franchise Tag then a Trade is actually a viable option again assuming of course that the fanbase is a good representation of what the NFL GM's are also thinking.

Should this be the case, what in your minds would be "fair" compensation for him?

JSn

A low first and a high third or two seconds.

And I'll say this: I'd like to see all gained picks come from the upcoming draft.

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BradyManny

If it's a package deal with McD, its a no-brainer. I think if McD does leave, Cassel following him makes sense. If I were the fan of another team, I would have my doubts about how Cassel would do without McD, Moss & Welker around him. He's clearly shown he has above-average decision making skills and great accuracy. But if he goes to Detroit, will he get to show those things? I dunno.

smg93

Let's also say he continues to play well and takes the pats to the playoffs and does well there, do you guys think that two first rounders is a stretch, or could that be fair compensation?

ctpatsfan77

Don't forget there's a poison pill in the CBA that makes it tougher for teams that reach the divisional playoffs in the last capped year to sign UFAs the next offseason (not impossible, but tougher).

So I wouldn't mind 2009 2 + 2010 2.

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JSn

I don't know about two firsts, but look at it this way:

Your team needs a Marquee QB, someone the team can get behind, someone to turn around your fortunes.

Do you spend a high draft pick on a great college QB hoping he can adjust to the NFL, or do you spend it on an NFL ready QB with less wear and tear on him than the college guy, who is coming from the best system in the NFL?

And odds are, you're going to have to pay the rookie more money.

I'd take the lower-risk option EVERY day. It's also going to help those season-ticket sales for at least a year to take a guy who made the news every week (in a good way).

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JSn

Aren't we facing the possible end of the draft with no CBA in place?

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smg93

I didn't think about this. That's right, all those high first rounders do get paid a ton of guaranteed money without ever having played in the NFL.

ctpatsfan77

ESPN also provides a state-by-state breakdown, so we can actually get a better idea of what certain fan bases think.

Massachusetts 76%(!)
Minnesota 71%
Michigan 65%
Missouri 61%
Washington 58%
California 56%
North Carolina 56%
Illinois 54%
Florida 53%
Tennessee 51%
Connecticut 51%
Texas 49%
Pennsylvania 47%
Ohio 45%
New York 42%

And then we get to the only five states <40%, i.e., DO NOT WANT territory. . . .
Wisconsin 40%
Georgia 40%
Colorado 39%
Indiana 38%
Louisiana 33%

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MoLewisrocks

I'd be great if we let the fan polls decide...although in some places I guess they do...

At the end of the day a QB drafted in the first is going to cost you your #1 (and maybe more if you're moving up for him) and anywhere from $45-65M in contract with upwards of $20M+ in guaranteed or signing bonus money. There will likely be options in the draft later in the first or second round, but the fact they will be there as opposed to top 10 is telling...and it's generally a crap shoot whether you can grab 'em once the draft starts unfolding. So it really depends on what other needs a team is looking to fill in 2009 and what underutilized pieces they have in place on offense and how close they feel they are to competing if they don't add a viable starter to the mix in 2009.

If Matt remains a positive here win or lose he will certainly be worth more than Matt Schaub. By how much is anyone's guess.