Re: Several well known football executives and agent on the Cassel/Brady decisions in
Don't really care for all these "what-if" scenarios. The facts are that Cassell will become a free agent after the season is over, Brady has only just started his recovery process, and that O'Connell and Guttierez are signed as back-ups/third string.
Unless Pioli is working on an attractive contract extension proposal for Cassell, to be signed before the season is over, Cassell will get an opportunity to test the market - there are several teams who would take a chance on Cassell, despite the fact he has been starting for just one season. Some teams will fear for a "Derek Anderson" effect, some others won't be deterred because of desperation to get a decent QB on the team. Whatever offer the Patriots could be making to Cassell may be easily matched by some GM who has more salarycap-room to dip into, or is simply determined to get him at any price.
I don't see the Patriots sign a veteran QB as a back-up. Simply because the guys that would be familiar with the Patriots-system aren't there anymore, with the exception of Damon Huard. All these other vets out there have enough question marks to make the Patriots stay away from them. Remember Week 1, when everyone was talking about the Patriots potentially signing a Chris Simms, or some other QB FA? That was quickly shot down. Because the Patriots knew that veteran from outside the team would have trouble digesting the playbook, and would struggle with timing with the receivers.
However, I can see them bringing in one or two veteran QBs they have at the top of their list to work them out, get a fitness check, to see how they actually grade out, during the offseason. I wouldn't even be surpised if they would take a chance on a promising lower-round draft choice at QB.
Regarding Brady: the Patriots will keep a close eye on his recovery. Knowing Brady he will be either exactly on time for training camp, or they may allow for some leeway and he will report a few days later. For the Patriots, Brady at 100% health is the most important thing. If anything happens that they interpret as a setback, they will adjust some timetables, increase the workload for O'Connell and Gutierrez, but not much more.