Peter King's MMQB column...

[Patriotic Fervor]

So..he had to rush into a deal so he could sign James Sanders ASAP? There's too much smoke about first round offers out there for them not to have some fire to them. Waiting hours or a day wouldn't have made a difference to signing FA's(weak class anyway) or their own players. Unless you know of some players that have been scooped out from underneath the Pats over the weekend. Some fans can't face the fact that BB can screw the pooch and did.

And apparently some fans can't understand the intricacies of sports trades, market value, and it's dynamics.

This first round brouhaha surrounding Cassel is totally bogus, especially the Tampa Bay angle.

Tampa had no interest in Cassel. Let me repeat that - Tampa had NO interest in Cassel.

The first/third scenario was for Cutler. If they're so hot and bothered about Cassel to expend a first and third on him, there's nothing stopping them from making an offer to KC, who I'm quite certain would jump at the chance to do it.

Detroit's "first round offer" is even more obscure and nebulous, and seems to have even less foundation that Tampa Bay's.

The Patriots were talking to these teams as late as last week, and they evinced no interest from these teams (or any other, for that matter) involving a first rounder for Cassel. Then, out of the blue, and most assuredly too late to make a difference, everyone and his grandmother (seemingly) wants to unload their first and a third for Mr. Cassel, who's all of a sudden viewed as the reincarnation of Sammy Baugh.

Uh-huh....

As for your absurd and preposterous view that the Pats can't dictate to the Chiefs what to do with a player (or pick, for that matter), it happens - probably a lot more than you suspect.

Back in the early '70s, for example, the Boston Bruins were in a tight jam at goal, and couldn't seem to find the right man to plug the holes in the position. However, in that year's draft, a bright, promising goalie named John Davidson was available, even at the Bruins' draft spot, and looked like the man they'd been seeking all along.

However, on draft day, the Montreal Canadians, who were well set in goal with Dryden and Vachon, and had the pick right before the Bruins, traded the pick to St. Louis, with the proviso they select Davidson, and never trade the man to the Bruins!

It's all very legal. It's called contract law. And the New England Patriots seem to know how to work these things.

There's nothing inherently evil about it - it's just the way the world works.

We all thought you'd know that.

 

[Deus Irae]

We heard about the Haynesworth deal before free agency began, and that's blatant tampering. It's not unreasonable to be skeptical when this comes out only after the fact is all I'm saying.

Nevermind. It's pointless at this juncture

 

[BadMoFo]

What I'm wondering is couldn't we have just got the high draft pick from one of the other teams and traded it away to get more picks for next year when it would have been more managable financially? Just because we traded for a first rounder doesn't mean we had to use the pick.

 

[BelichickFan]

What I'm wondering is couldn't we have just got the high draft pick from one of the other teams and traded it away to get more picks for next year when it would have been more managable financially? Just because we traded for a first rounder doesn't mean we had to use the pick.

Better question - if a lot more value were offered, why hasn't Pioli flipped Cassel already ? I think we all know the answer to that.

 

[JSn]

Better question - if a lot more value were offered, why hasn't Pioli flipped Cassel already ? I think we all know the answer to that.

The Vikings and Lions are both gunning for Cutler. If that deal goes down, then what do you think is going to happen?

 

[BadMoFo]

Better question - if a lot more value were offered, why hasn't Pioli flipped Cassel already ? I think we all know the answer to that.

If Pioli traded Cassel for a higher draft pick, Kansas City would instantly become Belichick's most hated team.

 

[Sicilian]

Nevermind. It's pointless at this juncture

If you say so. I respect your opinions on here most of the time. If you have a case that you've already made detailing why this is so cut and dry, point me to it. I'm presenting an alternative. That's all.

 

[Deus Irae]

Better question - if a lot more value were offered, why hasn't Pioli flipped Cassel already ? I think we all know the answer to that.

Because he wants Cassel as his quarterback?

 

[JMarr]

There were deals available and there was no imminent time requirement. Why can't people just admit it and theorize as to WHY it was done in such a way as to cut the Chiefs a break instead of still trying to argue as if it wasn't?

No imminent time requirement? I don't think you know whether this is the case, and after seeing the Gaffney walk and the flurry of FA activity already, I don't think it is.

What's your position on the possibility that Pioli "did Belichick a solid" by taking Vrabel and his 4.3 million dollar hit?

 

[BelichickFan]

The Vikings and Lions are both gunning for Cutler. If that deal goes down, then what do you think is going to happen?

When that happens and the Broncos flip what they get for Cassel then I'll admit I'm wrong. Until then I don't believe the Broncos were or are willing to trade Cutler for Casssel. Cutler for Cassel and Maroney ? Maybe. Or a draft pick instead of Maroney. But I don't believe that deal was out there.

 

[Deus Irae]

No imminent time requirement? I don't think you know whether this is the case, and after seeing the Gaffney walk and the flurry of FA activity already, I don't think it is.

No, it's become apparent after the fact that it is the case, unless there are multiple big signings that the team has somehow managed to keep from the NFL, and that would be an act of supreme stupidity.

What's your position on the possibility that Pioli "did Belichick a solid" by taking Vrabel and his 4.3 million dollar hit?

If Vrabel being moved was for the Patriots benefit, it didn't need to happen on Friday afternoon at 2:00 pm. It's a red herring.

 

[JSn]

Doesn't anyone else believe we haven't seen the totality of this trade just yet?

Sure we have completed terms of a public agreement, but I just don't think we've seen it all go down.

Let me just say this: "Intentional Safety".

 

[Patriot_in_NY]

If Vrabel being moved was for the Patriots benefit, it didn't need to happen on Friday afternoon at 2:00 pm. It's a red herring.

Yes he did..... Roster bonus.

I absolutely am not convinced it the conversation did not go something like this.

----------

Pioli: #3 is not in play.

BB: No sh!t, and don't patronize me scotty, I made you everything you are, kapish? . We're okay with #34, but you have to take Vrabel too, because 1) He's old and slow and our D is needs to the go the other way. 2) he costs too much and I need the money.

Pioli: Ummm, okay. We can do that he's a great guy.

BB: Yeah, and you can't release his azz either. Make him play out his contract. I was gonna have to cut him anyway but I'm giving him to you so he don't end up with Jets or that jerk-off Manigni.

Pioli: No sweat, Bill.... whatever you say.

BB: Oh yeah, and I better hear that that douche Pollard takes a swim in some cement loafers soon too. You got Vinnie and Angelo's numbers I gave you, right??????

Pioli: Yeah, yeah..... I got em.

BB: That part of the deal better not be on BSPN either, got it.

Pioli: Whatever yo..........

BB: ....{click}.....

----------

It's all speculation, but mine scenario is just as likely....

 

[Deus Irae]

Yes he did..... Roster bonus....

The roster bonus wasn't due until today.

 

[JMarr]

No, it's become apparent after the fact that it is the case, unless there are multiple big signings that the team has somehow managed to keep from the NFL, and that would be an act of supreme stupidity.



If Vrabel being moved was for the Patriots benefit, it didn't need to happen on Friday afternoon at 2:00 pm. It's a red herring.

I'm pretty sure it hampers your ability to negotiate with and sign needed FAs somewhat if you don't have any money to offer them.

As far as Vrabel, I didn't say that he was traded only for the Patriots' benefit.

 

[Deus Irae]

I'm pretty sure it hampers your ability to negotiate with and sign needed FAs somewhat if you don't have any money to offer them.

Where are all these free agents you're talking about? Did the Patriots sign a dozen big name players without informing the NFL?

 

[JMarr]

Where are all these free agents you're talking about? Did the Patriots sign a dozen big name players without informing the NFL?

No, I think there are probably negotiations going on.

 

[Deus Irae]

No, I think there are probably negotiations going on.

Then explain the necessity of making the trade just 14 hours after the free agency season began. This is the elephant in the room that all the "BB would never do that" people keep ignoring.

 

[Sicilian]

Then explain the necessity of making the trade just 14 hours after the free agency season began. This is the elephant in the room that all the "BB would never do that" people keep ignoring.

Because you need to have the money already available if you're going to make an offer and expect the player to sign right away. What do you tell a FA who's in for a visit that you don't want to leave without signing? "Hey, hang out for a few days, we need to reopen these trade talks, call around, make sure we're getting the best value, then we'll have cap room to sign you."

That player is goin' bye bye.

 

[Deus Irae]

Because you need to have the money already available if you're going to make an offer and expect the player to sign right away. What do you tell a FA who's in for a visit that you don't want to leave without signing? "Hey, hang out for a few days, we need to reopen these trade talks, call around, make sure we're getting the best value, then we'll have cap room to sign you."

That player is goin' bye bye.

Again........


What players?