condon84

Is it possible that the reason Vrabel was included in the deal was so that we could clear cap space with the intention of the Chiefs cutting him during preseason/training camp so we could resign him at a cheaper price? Assuming also Vrabel agrees and is willing to play along. THis would explain why it seemed like we didn't get enough compensation for Cassel.

Joker

It immediately cleared 4 mil + in cap for the Pats

in case nobody has been looking, we DO have a rather extensive list of players headed into free agency

naclone

the reason vrabel was included in the deal is because he simply has more value to the Kansas City Chiefs than he does to the New England Patriots and he was basically a throw in.

Vrabel isn't the player he once was on the field but he's still the same guy in the locker room and that is valuable to a young team that Pioli wants to adopt the Patriots Way.

We likely would have released Vrabel yesterday if not for the trade. and we'd likely be sitting here right now with Matt Cassel on the roster with his $15 million cap charge, no Vrabel and no #34 overall.

That's the reality of the situation.

I like where we are much, much better.

Rob0729

Why would the Pats humiliate Vrabel twice to clear cap room? Whenever a veteran who has put in 7 years of service to a team is traded away, it is a bit of a slap in the face to the player (no matter how unintetional). For the team that traded for him before he even played a down to cut him would be the ultimate slap in the face.

Seriously, you are thinking too much. This theory makes no sense. I don't think the Pats would do this. I don't think the Chiefs would agree to this even Pioli. I don't see Vrabel ever agreeing to this.

brdmaverick

everyone who keeps saying that Vrabel is not the same player he used to be is using a cop-out response.

Look, the answer may be true, but if Randy Moss loses a step, he is still a great receiver.

Mike Vrable was a Pro Bowl LB in 2007. You don't just drop off the face of the Earth aftewards. Even if he did have a down 2008, he has a good chance of revertting to his 2007 ways after an offseason of rest.

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Rob0729

Players in their mid-30s do fall off the face of the Earth a lot. Let's not kid ourselves. Vrabel had a subpar year last year. The excuse was that he was injured. Maybe it is true or maybe he is just old. Maybe he will never fully recover from his injury from last year.

Whether Vrabel rebounds, it is doubtful he will rebound to his 2007 form. The guy is going to be 34 when the season starts and he is likely to be winding down his career even without his season last year.

I am not a huge fan of this trade, but think Vrabel's Pro Bowl quality days are behind him.

JSn

Vrabel and others were exposed to how deficient our defense is if the offense can't be up by two touchdowns in the blink of an eye. It's easier to sack a QB when he simply can't afford the running game anymore.

2007 = Read and React (read the scoreboard, rush the passer)
2008 = Read and React (read the play, react too slowly)

And I really like Vrabel, but man did I want to kick him the nuts for holding in the Jets game...

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HEY BRO! WHAT UP?

Good analysis!

jeffbiologist

As a starter on a BB defense in one position alone he should be worth at least a 3rd-4th rd pick because he was not over valued and he didnt miss games. Vrabel should be worth MORE because of his versatility(ILB,OLB,TE)and even if he lost his starters job would provide invaluable character, knowledge and experience as a backup even for that $$.
I made a post a month or so ago suggesting that there may be some veterans that Pioli favored over BB and lent for imminant trades. I suggest Vrabel was a Pioli guy from the beginning and that he was a bone thrown to SP....the real question is WHY? I dont buy the fall off in play, Bruschi made $2M/yr last year and played less than 50% of the snaps and he wont be cut. There is something else going on here.

JSn

heh, even a blind squirrel finds the odd nut, I guess.

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