Vrabel traded to KC, compensation still unknown

Hey, Vrabel served us very well most of the time he was in NE, I wish him well.

But the facts are that he is 34, was part of a ineffective pass rush last year, and looked slower as the season wore on.

With a $4.3mil cap hit coming, BB probably knew, with Crable, TBC, maybe Woods and another rookie at OLB, that Vrabel may end up cut before training camp was out unless he suddenly found some of his old speed. So he did Vrabel and the Pats a favor - BB got something for a guy he may have had to just cut for zero later on, while avoiding embarrassing a proud veteran, and sent Vrabel to a place he was wanted and had a real opportunity to take on an elder statesmen role much needed on the Chiefs.

This is a win/win deal. If BB got a third for Vrabel then he should be voted GM of the year right now.

I have a scary thought. People are saying that BB wouldn't do this deal unless he already had something in the works.. Well. I was thinking (its a scary thought, I know) but what if BB already brought in the Vrabel replacement in the form of TBC?

I would hope not, but stranger things are possilble.

DaBruinz said:

I have a scary thought. People are saying that BB wouldn't do this deal unless he already had something in the works.. Well. I was thinking (its a scary thought, I know) but what if BB already brought in the Vrabel replacement in the form of TBC?

I would hope not, but stranger things are possilble.

Click to expand...

I'll say again if either woods or tbc are going to replace vrab then the ok pass rush we had last year just got worse.

TBC is not the awnser to vrabel

DaBruinz said:

I have a scary thought. People are saying that BB wouldn't do this deal unless he already had something in the works.. Well. I was thinking (its a scary thought, I know) but what if BB already brought in the Vrabel replacement in the form of TBC?

I would hope not, but stranger things are possilble.

Click to expand...

<Simmons>I will now light myself on fire.</Simmons> :banned:

DaBruinz said:

I have a scary thought. People are saying that BB wouldn't do this deal unless he already had something in the works.. Well. I was thinking (its a scary thought, I know) but what if BB already brought in the Vrabel replacement in the form of TBC?

I would hope not, but stranger things are possilble.

Click to expand...

I don't think that BB sees Banta Cain as his future starting OLB.

That said, I don't think it is in any way out of the realm of possibility that the Pats would have dealt Vrabel to KC without having something else already in the works.

The Pats are up against the cap, Vrabel is an older player whose skills were in decline, and he had one of the highest cap numbers on the team. BB is a man who has no problem with hard decisions where others feel sentimental. He could have decided Vrabel's cost outweighs his production. Trading him for any pick rather than cutting him for nothing would be a very sound move if you've decided you aren't going to keep him.

having been on the KC board, I miss Vrabel already. Those D*CK Heads, don't deserve a football player/warrior like Vrabel. They'll change their tune soon enough what's the compensation????

Well, one part of the Curran speculation is off the table: Keeping Vilma a huge boost for Saints' defense - NFC South - ESPN

Ochmed Jones said:

The draft is very deep in 3-4 OLB's. Maybe BB has his eyes on one or two. (Mathews and Barwin.) That would allow Thomas to move back inside next to Mayo.

Click to expand...

Thomas playing inside is a waste.

WhiskeyBreath said:

Thomas playing inside is a waste.

Click to expand...

Not at all. He's great in coverage and gives us a credible blitzing threat on the inside. I agree that he's better at OLB, but he's pretty damn good regardless of where he plays, and we do need to get a pass rush coming from our ILBs one way or the other. It's one of the single biggest things that we've been missing since Bruschi's stroke.

You said it yourself, he's better as an OLB. I want Thomas on the outside, he's much more effective.

WhiskeyBreath said:

You said it yourself, he's better as an OLB. I want Thomas on the outside, he's much more effective.

Click to expand...

Greater point is "good problem to have".

dhamz said:

I don't think that BB sees Banta Cain as his future starting OLB.

That said, I don't think it is in any way out of the realm of possibility that the Pats would have dealt Vrabel to KC without having something else already in the works.

The Pats are up against the cap, Vrabel is an older player whose skills were in decline, and he had one of the highest cap numbers on the team. BB is a man who has no problem with hard decisions where others feel sentimental. He could have decided Vrabel's cost outweighs his production. Trading him for any pick rather than cutting him for nothing would be a very sound move if you've decided you aren't going to keep him.

Click to expand...

:yeahthat: This is a win-win for both teams, even if there are no other "deals in place". Vrabs was no longer worth the hit we were taking with him and this free's up some space.

Man, I was so disappointed when I read the news. I realize this is a business, but Vrabel was one of my all-time favorite Pats. I am interested to learn the terms of the deal...

Was surprised to hear the news...haven't read the thread. I'm thinking a 4.

Very surprising but In Bill I trust.

completely.

Re: Vrabel traded to KC?????

patchick said:

Amen. Many thanks, Mr. Vrabel.

Click to expand...

I'll go in AOL mode and say "me too"

One of my favorites. Smart, funny, and a good player.

It sucks vrabz is gone the pats did the right thing. I'd be extremely dissapointed if the pats go into the season with woods and tbc as legit options with one of them starting. Woods really wasn't impressive last season as for tbc I don't think he's even going to make the team.

Vrabel will always be a Patriot to me, but business is business!! We are getting younger and BB without Pioli is getting aggressive in free agency!! I cant wait to see what he does in the draft!!

I suspect that this is part of a package deal that includes Cassel as well. Terms are undisclosed right now because they are still working with Cassel's agent to nail down his end of the transaction.