Are the Bucs targeting Cassel? - New England Patriots Forums

***JSn*** · 02-26-2009, 01:43 PM

I know, I know...

They're clearing cap space like mad. What if they decide to target Haynesworth and Cassel in a likely unprecedented off-season?

I found a link to some expert opinion, but you have to pay. I only know the article includes Matt.

It would definitely shine a light on the Bucs, and the ratings for the game in the UK would be OFF THE HOOK!

Scout.com: More cap savings, but now what?

Quote:

By releasing five high-priced veterans on Wednesday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did clear more cap space. So what is their strategy? Bucsblitz.com’s Matthew Postins believes that it could signal the Bucs’ intention to be major players in free agency. Find out who the Bucs could go after right here.

tombonneau · 02-26-2009, 01:47 PM

That was my initial thoughts. Really, with all this cap space, it's not unrealistic that the Redskins could do the following:

Sign Haynesworth
Trade for Cassel
Re-sign Antonio Bryant
Sign TJ Housh
Sign Devery Henderson
Sign one of Ray Lewis or Bart Scott

That would be a hell of an offseason and could realistically happen.

***VJCPatriot*** · 02-26-2009, 01:49 PM

Redskins?
Umm the topic is about the Buccaneers.

My guess is that they will make a big pitch to Haynesworth. I'm not sure about Cassel. Haven't heard any rumors of the Bucs interest in him at all. Which is weird but whatever.

***ctpatsfan77*** · 02-26-2009, 01:55 PM

At this point, it's not clear that the "management" team in Tampa Bay has any clue what they're doing.

As scary as this sounds, right now, the Lions might have better long term prospects.

***Box_O_Rocks*** · 02-26-2009, 01:57 PM

What I've heard: Luke McKown is their man and they don't want to spend the money on Cassel.

EDIT: Jim Bates is a well known defensive guru who appears to have plans to rebuild the defense into something like he had in Miami that gave Tommy fits all those years, that will require some money.

The_Riddler · 02-26-2009, 01:58 PM

It makes sense, they need a franchise QB and always have and we have one for them.

They have over 60 Million to make this happen. They can't draft Sanchez or Stafford and they've seen enough of McCown to know that he's a #2 at best. Like I said, I think Matt will be wearing pewter in 09........

I would ask for their #1 but if I was BB and they balked, I would simply as for their #2 and a high conditional 2010 based on Matt's performance.

fair catch fryar · 02-26-2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Box_O_Rocks

What I've heard: Luke McKown is their man and they don't want to spend the money on Cassel.

Sounds crazy, but how about McKown and their #1(19th overall) for Cassell. McKown would be a good insurance and competition for O'Connell and at 7.5 million for 2 years his contract is doable for the Pats.

PS - I'm just shooting from the hip with this, but I'm getting anxious to see how this all plays out.

***Rob0729*** · 02-26-2009, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Box_O_Rocks

What I've heard: Luke McKown is their man and they don't want to spend the money on Cassel.

Do you really think the Bucs are going to go into the regular season with Luke McCown as their starting QB or at least into training camp with him as the clear cut starter?

Come on. The guy has 238 career pass attempts (only one last year which was incomplete) with 9 TDs and 10 INTs and he is a five year veteran who has played a total of 12 career games. They are better off resigning Garcia over annointing McCown as their starter.

If McCown is their starter, I would bet they will be lucky to win 5 games. About half the teams have #2 QB who are as good or better than McCown.

***Rob0729*** · 02-26-2009, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fair catch fryar

Sounds crazy, but how about McKown and their #1(19th overall) for Cassell. McKown would be a good insurance and competition for O'Connell and at 7.5 million for 2 years his contract is doable for the Pats.

PS - I'm just shooting from the hip with this, but I'm getting anxious to see how this all plays out.

McCown in a trade? Why? This is not his older brother Josh who has had a few productive games in his career while in Arizona. This is his less talented brother Luke. Josh had more TDs in his crappy season in Oakland in 2007 than Luke has had his entire 5 year career. If McCown is getting $7.5 million over two years, he is getting overpaid by about $6 million.

I can see why the Bucs would resign him with the uncertainty at the position, but I wouldn't want to pay him what he is getting to be a Patriots back up. He does have starting experience that helps as a back up, but O'Connell is the #2 guy and I wouldn't want another young veteran who is getting paid a lot to hinder his process. I definitely do not want him part of a deal for Cassel.

***ctpatsfan77*** · 02-26-2009, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fair catch fryar

Sounds crazy, but how about McKown and their #1(19th overall) for Cassell. McKown would be a good insurance and competition for O'Connell and at 7.5 million for 2 years his contract is doable for the Pats.

Maybe, if by "competition for O'Connell" you mean "getting stomped by O'Connell every single day."