Cassel hoping to be traded sooner rather than later - New England Patriots Forums

JSn · 02-09-2009, 10:20 AM

I have no idea what Patriots Gab is, but it cites a yahoo report containing stuff from "people in cassel's camp".

Anyway...

Cassel Hoping to Be Traded Sooner Than Later Patriots Gab

Quote:

Pats QB Matt Cassel already has had the franchise tag placed on him for 2009, but Yahoo Sports reports that the QB wants to be traded sooner rather than later. Here is the report:

New England is doing everything it can to make people believe that it’s going to keep Matt Cassel after declaring him a franchise player this week. However, the folks in Cassel’s camp are hopeful to get him traded before the draft so that he can get a long-term contract rather than simply play on a one-year deal for $14.5 million. Expect Patriots coach Bill Belichick to drive a hard bargain, but he easily should have at least a couple of suitors with Chicago, Minnesota, Detroit, Tampa Bay, San Francisco and Kansas City all having unsettled quarterback situations.

***maverick4*** · 02-09-2009, 10:23 AM

[edit] my comment's issue was answered in later posts by others so is now non-current

Sicilian · 02-09-2009, 10:24 AM

Not convinced of the source, but the information makes sense. If I were Cassel, I'd want something long term in case I don't gel as well with the new team next year.

***Deus Irae*** · 02-09-2009, 10:27 AM

Here's the whole thing from Yahoo!, since it's just a small passage in a larger article Quarterbacks face an unsettled landscape - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

Quote:

8. Who wants Matt Cassel? New England is doing everything it can to make people believe that it’s going to keep Cassel after declaring him a franchise player this week. However, the folks in Cassel’s camp are hopeful to get him traded before the draft so that he can get a long-term contract rather than simply play on a one-year deal for $14.5 million. Expect Patriots coach Bill Belichick to drive a hard bargain, but he easily should have at least a couple of suitors with Chicago, Minnesota, Detroit, Tampa Bay, San Francisco and Kansas City all having unsettled quarterback situations.

***TruthSeeker*** · 02-09-2009, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maverick4

The Patriots can't be so obvious about tag and trade, as the article suggests

Actually, they can. In fact, there's absolutely no reason not to.

As the thread about the legality of tag and trade indicates, the Patriots can trade Cassel and there's is absolutely nothing wrong with it in the least - so why are you suggesting there is a problem with tag and trade?

CrazyDave · 02-09-2009, 10:32 AM

No surprise here.
Doing this sooner rather than later benefits all involved.
This way, Cassell participates in all the off-season programs and such.
It would be nice for him to hit the ground running next season.
I'm really happy for him.

rsd · 02-09-2009, 10:33 AM

I would guess that Cassel won't be traded until around the Draft (maybe a few days before). If he isn't traded by then, then there may be some concern about Brady or obviously the picks they get won't be until 2010.

***MassPats38*** · 02-09-2009, 10:41 AM

I believe that any grumblings are to the effect the tag and trade violates the "spirit" of the franchise designation process under the CBA, which is designed to compensate an essential player when an agreement cannot be reached but a team is permitted to hold him for one year at substantial cost.

The thing about "spirit" arguments - they are easily countered by stating if the NFL wants to prohibit the tactic, it presumably would have put it in writing in the use of the tag and barred player transactions for those tagged. If the practice is unacceptable, make it illegal, don't frown upon it.

RayClay · 02-09-2009, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MassPats38

I believe that any grumblings are to the effect the tag and trade violates the "spirit" of the franchise designation process under the CBA, which is designed to compensate an essential player when an agreement cannot be reached but a team is permitted to hold him for one year at substantial cost.

The thing about "spirit" arguments - they are easily countered by stating if the NFL wants to prohibit the tactic, it presumably would have put it in writing in the use of the tag and barred player transactions for those tagged. If the practice is unacceptable, make it illegal, don't frown upon it.

I agree. It's convenient for us to use this leverage in an obvious trade situation. Though completely legal, nothing is gained for management by stirring up resentment over an issue (franchise tag) many players don't like.

***patsfaninpittsburgh*** · 02-09-2009, 10:52 AM

I would think nothing will happen until the combine workout days are complete. it's hard to imagine that any team would do something until all the due diligence is complete on the draft class.

It might be to our benefit if the QB class turns into a collection real dogs.