I would much rather be posting in the "Keep Cassel and Brady until 2010" thread.
Unlike the hopeless Jets who are projected to be $26 million OVER the cap in 2009, the Pats are projected to be about $24 million UNDER the cap in 2009, with all major stars signed through 2009.
Some say we have too many players coming up for new contracts in 2010 to spend the money in 2009 on having a both an MVP QB, AND a MORE than adequate backup, at the most important position where you need depth.
BB has always said he wants to have the best depth and the best 53 that the CAP will allow. I would point out that that includes QBs, as well as other positions. For one year 2009, BB can afford to do that, everywhere including QB. For several years he cheated on backup QB and won, but this year his luck ran out.
The Patriots probably have more draft picks than they can use up high, to continue and finish the rebuilding of their Defense,already so far along.
Consider: They have a six man playable DL with several stars, all under 30; 5 playable LBs under 30 with at least one rising Star; and five playable DBs under 30, with at least one rising star too. Add high picks for another LB or two, and a Safety and CB and what else is to add?
If anything the Offense has improved over the last year's version. Additional depth has been found at RB, and on the O-Line, and one more place, at QB. They now possess an outstanding running game. It is much better than 2007. About the only thing they can use on Offense is a high pick for a starting quality Left tackle to start grooming for Light's replacement in a year or three, and a backup blocking TE. But Vrabel and Hochstein make that irrelevant, besides a 3rd or 4th round pick should more than suffice.
As for signing the players whose contracts expire after the 2009 season, they will probably be loaded into uncapped 2010, and they could be signed in 2009. If they did, it would even free up MORE cap room in 2009, should they want any...
Bob Kraft has always said he expects to spend what the league allows, given that he wants to be long term competitive. So he does not want a "gamble", loading up on a future cap misery for a one time shot. He doesn't need to do so;
With the surplus of high draft picks, all placed in the Defense, the D should be rounding into awesome shape in late 2009, to go along with this present Super Bowl capable Offense, late next year. I think they will be a prohibitive favorite for the Superbowl, provided that they have depth everywhere including QB.
