After Cassel/Vrabel trade, Pats go on shopping spree in free agency

[maverick4]

There was some speculation that we traded Vrabel and Cassel so quickly, and for a mere 2nd, in order to free up space to sign others. Since the start of FA we have locked up Chris Baker, Fred Taylor, Leigh Bodden, Shawn Springs, Joey Galloway, Greg Lewis, re-signed Mike Wright and James Sanders, etc.

We now see that freeing up that cap space, immediately, had big value to the Patriots, and the team has not hesitated to get the players they wanted with that money.

 

[Bring Back Antowain!]

Re: After Cassel/Vrabel Trade, Patriots Became Huge Players in FA

There was much speculation that we traded Vrabel and Cassel so quickly, and for a mere 2nd, in order to free up space to sign. Since the start of FA we have locked up Chris Baker, Fred Taylor, Leigh Bodden, Shawn Springs, re-signed Mike Wright and James Sanders, etc.

No offense, but thanks for pointing out the really, really obvious. Like really obvious.

 

[patchick]

Re: After Cassel/Vrabel Trade, Patriots Became Huge Players in FA

No offense, but thanks for pointing out the really, really obvious. Like really obvious.

If it were so obvious, there wouldn't have been so much rage, tears, etc. on this board for the past week.

There were a TON of people lambasting BB for moving too fast and not maximizing value from Cassel. The OP here is saying they did maximize value in a roundabout way by grabbing time and money. Seems to me that's worth saying.

 

[Bring Back Antowain!]

Re: After Cassel/Vrabel Trade, Patriots Became Huge Players in FA

If it were so obvious, there wouldn't have been so much rage, tears, etc. on this board for the past week.

There were a TON of people lambasting BB for moving too fast and not maximizing value from Cassel. The OP here is saying they did maximize value in a roundabout way by grabbing time and money. Seems to me that's worth saying.

Yeah, I guess it's just been obvious to me

And the craziest thing is, we haven't even seen the half of it yet. Should be a fun next couple of months.

 

[maverick4]

Re: After Cassel/Vrabel trade, Pats become huge players in FA

I don't think it was that obvious. Lots of people were scratching their heads over the Cassel/Vrabel trade, and we now see why they did it. This team is going to look very different next year, especially on defense.

 

[DaBruinz]

There was some speculation that we traded Vrabel and Cassel so quickly, and for a mere 2nd, in order to free up space to sign others. Since the start of FA we have locked up Chris Baker, Fred Taylor, Leigh Bodden, Shawn Springs, Joey Galloway, Greg Lewis, re-signed Mike Wright and James Sanders, etc.

We now see that freeing up that cap space, immediately, had big value to the Patriots, and the team has not hesitated to get the players they wanted with that money.

The best part about all the players they've signed is that none of them were TRUE UFA... They were all cut by their previous teams.

 

[vyrago]

Re: After Cassel/Vrabel Trade, Patriots Became Huge Players in FA

No offense, but thanks for pointing out the really, really obvious. Like really obvious.

Can't say it was obvious to me. That is really quite a flurry of activity in a very short period of time. Can't wait till the draft for some more of BB's head-spinning activity.

 

[vyrago]

Re: After Cassel/Vrabel Trade, Patriots Became Huge Players in FA

Can't say it was obvious to me. That is really quite a flurry of activity in a very short period of time. Can't wait till the draft for some more of BB's head-spinning activity.

Also, the FO doesn't seem to have missed a beat w/o Pioli. Reese seems to have slipped right in.

 

[spacecrime]

Re: After Cassel/Vrabel Trade, Patriots Became Huge Players in FA

Yeah, I guess it's just been obvious to me

We bask in the brilliance of your hindsight. Thank you for gracing this forum with your astute ability to predict the past with unerring accuracy.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

Re: After Cassel/Vrabel Trade, Patriots Became Huge Players in FA

No offense, but thanks for pointing out the really, really obvious. Like really obvious.

Welcome to the Board, but I hope your future comments are more helpful, especially when made to someone like Maverick who has earned a pretty solid reputation out here over the years. Given the heat that BB took over the Cassel/Vrabel trade, I think it's more than a fair observation for the OP to point out that Coach's actons are now making it clear why he did what he did rather than wait another few days and risk losing the deal he had in hand from KC. Belichick took a lot of crap for that decision out here, so I think the topic is more than relevant.

 

[JSn]

Re: After Cassel/Vrabel Trade, Patriots Became Huge Players in FA

We bask in the brilliance of your hindsight. Thank you for gracing this forum with your astute ability to predict the past with unerring accuracy.

I believe the technical term is "aftcognisance."

It's true, they seem to be winning the off-season "awesome" award.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Re: After Cassel/Vrabel Trade, Patriots Became Huge Players in FA

If it were so obvious, there wouldn't have been so much rage, tears, etc. on this board for the past week.

There were a TON of people lambasting BB for moving too fast and not maximizing value from Cassel. The OP here is saying they did maximize value in a roundabout way by grabbing time and money. Seems to me that's worth saying.

This year's free agent signings has been very, very impressive for the Pats. It's pretty obvious that this is maybe their best offseason since 2001. And that's BEFORE we even get to the draft. These are exciting times for Pats fans.

 

[carolinatony]

"Also, the FO doesn't seem to have missed a beat w/o Pioli. Reese seems to have slipped right in."



This is the really good news! The BB ..I mean beat goes on

 

[ausbacker]

Re: After Cassel/Vrabel Trade, Patriots Became Huge Players in FA

No offense, but thanks for pointing out the really, really obvious. Like really obvious.

I agree with the sentiments of posters around here in that the past few weeks have been a barrage of commentary trying to explain the perceived lack of value for Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel the Patriots got, the value I stress once more. This is on the back of the Broncos-Buccaneers-Patriots 3 way proposal too.

By no means was this obvious at the point in time, but astute posters mentioned early that the Patriots were going to go on a spree this off-season, more likely targeting big name free agents, rather than the savvy and lewd targeted needs acquisition spree we've gone on.

So no.. the OP hasn't pointed out anything obvious and in fact probably done the opposite.

 

[Deus Irae]

Re: After Cassel/Vrabel Trade, Patriots Became Huge Players in FA

I agree with the sentiments of posters around here in that the past few weeks have been a barrage of commentary trying to explain the perceived lack of value for Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel the Patriots got, the value I stress once more. This is on the back of the Broncos-Buccaneers-Patriots 3 way proposal too.

By no means was this obvious at the point in time, but astute posters mentioned early that the Patriots were going to go on a spree this off-season, more likely targeting big name free agents, rather than the savvy and lewd targeted needs acquisition spree we've gone on.

So no.. the OP hasn't pointed out anything obvious and in fact probably done the opposite.

Had the deal been done 24-36 hours later, the "spree" would have been the same. The only possible loss, assuming reports regarding dates of signing are correct, would be Baker. I'm not going to wade into the whole "But...." thing again, I'm just pointing out the signing dates.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Re: After Cassel/Vrabel Trade, Patriots Became Huge Players in FA

I agree with the sentiments of posters around here in that the past few weeks have been a barrage of commentary trying to explain the perceived lack of value for Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel the Patriots got, the value I stress once more. This is on the back of the Broncos-Buccaneers-Patriots 3 way proposal too.

By no means was this obvious at the point in time, but astute posters mentioned early that the Patriots were going to go on a spree this off-season, more likely targeting big name free agents, rather than the savvy and lewd targeted needs acquisition spree we've gone on.

So no.. the OP hasn't pointed out anything obvious and in fact probably done the opposite.

And some VERY astute posters (not me) pointed out that this yr Kraft/BB would make several FA plays and then use the uncapped year 2010 to spend money on proven vets for re-signing. I have NO problem with the pick for Cassel and the recent signings, even if some don't make the 53.

 

[mayoclinic]

Re: After Cassel/Vrabel Trade, Patriots Became Huge Players in FA

I agree with the sentiments of posters around here in that the past few weeks have been a barrage of commentary trying to explain the perceived lack of value for Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel the Patriots got, the value I stress once more. This is on the back of the Broncos-Buccaneers-Patriots 3 way proposal too.

By no means was this obvious at the point in time, but astute posters mentioned early that the Patriots were going to go on a spree this off-season, more likely targeting big name free agents, rather than the savvy and lewd targeted needs acquisition spree we've gone on.

So no.. the OP hasn't pointed out anything obvious and in fact probably done the opposite.

Only a few weeks ago, many on this board were essentially taking the opinion that we couldn't afford to go after any signings in FA, but merely needed to address our own FAs and go after extensions. A few weeks before that, many were debating whether we would actually franchise Matt Cassel. So we've gone from tremendous uncertainty to a nearly complete roster in about 5 weeks. Very impressive. Of course we have failed to extend any of our major players, but I think you have to give the FO the benefit of the doubt and assume that they would never sacrifice the core of the team without a solid long-term plan.

There are very few major holes in the prospective roster at this time. Safety could use a bit more depth and possibly an upgrade over Sanders. LB could still use some attention. But we have essentially gone from a team with no cap space and a number of big holes to a team which is stronger than 2008 in almost every area extremely quickly.

I hope Scott Pioli is doing as well in Kansas City.

 

[ausbacker]

Had the deal been done 24-36 hours later, the "spree" would have been the same. The only possible loss, assuming reports regarding dates of signing are correct, would be Baker. I'm not going to wade into the whole "But...." thing again, I'm just pointing out the signing dates.

Agreed Deus, i was more giving rise to the fact that some people flew off the bush saying the Patriots pulled the trigger to early and could have gotten more for Cassel + Vrabel (which we may have) and that the Patriots looked silly. The move the Patriots made didn't bother me in the slightest for several reasons mentioned elsewhere.

And some VERY astute posters (not me) pointed out that this yr Kraft/BB would make several FA plays and then use the uncapped year 2010 to spend money on proven vets for re-signing. I have NO problem with the pick for Cassel and the recent signings, even if some don't make the 53.

That's right. The barrage of negative commentary was amazing and given the Patriots past performances in the offseason, some people still failed to recognize that we have the best FO and there was a plan from the beginning.

 

[eom]

I believe the rumor is that the pats had bodden in on the first day of free agency and offered him 4m/yr --- how does that happen w/o the cassel deal?

I don't even know why people are crying about that deal.
I have a feeling all the people saying kc ripped us off will be saying we ripped kc off by the end of the year.

 

[JoeSixPat]

There was some speculation that we traded Vrabel and Cassel so quickly, and for a mere 2nd, in order to free up space to sign others. Since the start of FA we have locked up Chris Baker, Fred Taylor, Leigh Bodden, Shawn Springs, Joey Galloway, Greg Lewis, re-signed Mike Wright and James Sanders, etc.

We now see that freeing up that cap space, immediately, had big value to the Patriots, and the team has not hesitated to get the players they wanted with that money.

It is interesting - especially considering how quiet some other teams have been in free agency.... none of these are blockbuster moves, but they all seem to have a high quality, low risk quotient in terms of salary.

Now the question is, whether they'll move on to extend Wilfork - I'd think even after this spending spree there might be some ability to restructure contracts to work in the space this season - but I'm unclear how the expiration of the CBA affects such flexibility