Rob0729

Adam Schefter is on WEEI. He said that when Cassel signed the franchise tender, his people didn't know that when they did that the Pats could trade away Cassel to any team without his permission. He said that when he reported that signing the franchise tag allowed the Pats to trade Cassel anywhere, Cassel's people called him and said Schefter was mistaken. Schefter had to inform them that they were wrong.

I actually think this might have been the bigger bombshell than the Peppers thing and got brushed over. Unless I heard it wrong.

MoLewisrocks

WOW, have a little egg on your face David Dunn...

Given the size of the tag this season it could be worse, but his player will have to play for that price or deal with Pioli reasonably on a long term deal so he lost his client a ton of contract leverage. Matt can't afford to holdout financially or from a career standpoint - he's got to be there yesterday to get familiar with the staff and team and playbook. And Pioli is playing that card for all it's worth. Hence the teleconfrerence introduction vs. introductory PC and Haley alternately waxing poetic and babbling about a QB competition...

ForThoseAboutToRock

I guess we'll be able to confirm this if Cassel fires his agent soon? Sounds like a massive blunder for an agent who is due to collect millions from when Cassel signs a multiyear contract.

Rob0729

He got lucky that Cassel went to the place he wanted to, but he may have cost Cassel millions. It is looking increasingly more like a possibility that Pioli will not negotiate a long term deal with Cassel and roll the dice going into the season to protect themselves against Cassel being an one year wonder and at worst have more bargaining power when he doesn't have as good as a year as last year.

I think Dunn was hoping to use the veto ability to force whatever team he got trade to to maximize a long term deal for Cassel. He gave that up and that blew up in his face so far.

PatsFanSince74

Gee. I think I'd like to be an NFL Player Agent. Good money. Nice office. Hang out with Cheerleaders. VIP admits to the best clubs. Sideline Passes to NFL venues. Demonstrated Competence not required. Sign me up!

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Pat_the_Patriot

Wow! You've GOT to be kidding me... ouch.

How do you not know THAT if you are an agent... what's more.. how does the kid not sign ANYWAYS?

Seriously... that's life changing money for him and his family... lol, the rest will fall in just fine.

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patchick

If this is true it is simply astonishing, and the agent should face discipline. You have to know the CBA as well as the average messageboard poster!

In fact, it's such a fundamental mistake that I'd be hesitant to believe the story at all...except. Except a lot of us were astonished that Cassel signed the tender immediately, rather than taking the opportunity to shop around, establish his value, and pick his own trading partner.

He's mighty lucky he's not wearing a blue lion right about now.

ctpatsfan77

Well, who would have predicted that a team would be willing to take on his $14.6M salary without renegotiating? [Supposedly, though, the Chiefs are seeking a long-term deal.]

I'm inclined to believe that David Dunn is a misinformed idiot. Remember what Cassel said before he was franchised? Something along the lines of, "If they franchise me, I'm probably going to be in New England next year." I now honestly think he truly believed that.

In any case, I agree that Cassel should probably fire Dunn.

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patchick

That's a scary thought. But how could any player not know the score on this one, let alone the agent? Especially a player who was with NE through the whole drama with Asante & the franchise tag the previous season?

borg

My take: the agent and the reporter disagreed on the amount of leverage Cassel would have in controlling his destination, after signing the tender. The reporter takes the literal definition and correctly maintains that post signing, Cassel has no control. The agent, on the other hand believes that his client still has much leverage because a one and done scenario at $14+ mill is undesirable, especially with the cost of a high draft pick. If Cassel quietly makes it known he has no desire to land in certain cities, he will have used his most powerful leverage tool. Sure, the Pats could trade him anywhere, but the acquiring team must be willing to accept the player, salary, trade cost, and the altered dynamics in the lockerroom.

The agent locked in the money, prevented the Pats from rescinding the tender (which forced the Patriots to move quickly because of cap issues), and retained leverage with undesirable teams. One issue that never gets mentioned is the benefit Cassel and his new team gain by not having to trade a higher pick.

IMO, Dunn has pulled all the right strings....his client was moved quickly, at a lower trade cost than expected, to a desirable destination, with maximum salary. Will both the team and Cassel be willing to roll the dice on a one year relationship... unlikely, but I maintain that Cassel has the upperhand at the moment.


Sounds like the reporter has lingering issues with the agent and used their discussion to embarrass Dunn