Matt Cassel Franchise Tagged by New England – Joins NFL’s Elite
Football News from NFL.com
The New England Patriots announced Thursday that they have placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Matt Cassel. That means Cassel can sign with another team, but the Patriots would receive two first-round draft picks as compensation. Â Continue reading on NFL.com
This was probably the best move the New England Patriots could make in regards to a) keeping Matt Cassel or b) receiving value when he leaves. Cassel had a super season subbing for the injured Tom Brady, narrowly missing the playoffs at 11-5.
Matt Cassel was a surprise to most, having played sparingly at USC behind Matt Leinart and then in New England behind Brady. Ironically, it is Cassel who will is getting playing time and a big-time contract, while Leinart sits on the bench in AZ behind Kurt Warner, who is expected to sign for 2 more years.
By slapping the franchise tag on Cassel, his pay immediately increases to average with the highest paid quarterbacks in the NFL. At more than $14 million per season, however, the Patriots cannot afford him to be their backup. So in this case, they either trade him and receive the two (2) 1st round draft picks or they trade Tom Brady and that ain’t happenin my friends. It will be interesting to see how this plays out during the offseason.
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