Chiefs Make Deal With Patriots for Cassel
The Chiefs have sent their second-round selection in the 2009 NFL Draft to the New England Patriots for quarterback Matt Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel.
The deal was finalized Saturday morning.
“I have a long history with both players,” said Chiefs GM Scott Pioli in a team statement. “Mike and Matt are men that I respect both personally and professionally. I look forward to having them as new members of the Chiefs family.”
The Vrabel end of the deal was known Friday, when the linebacker flew to Kansas City to undergo a physical exam.
The Cassel end was speculated on for days, but became public Saturday at lunch time.
To get those two Patriots, the Chiefs give up pick No. 34 in the April draft.
In a statement released by the Patriots, head coach Bill Belichick sang Cassel’s praises.
“It is very easy to root for guys like Matt Cassel, who do everything the right way and flourish as a result,” Belichick said. “As much as we would have loved to continue working with Matt, we wish him nothing but the best as he takes this next step forward in his career.”
New England had made Cassel its franchise player and when the quarterback signed the tender offer, the team was on the line for $14.65 million dollars. More than likely, the move to acquire Cassel includes a longer term contract than just the one-year franchise number. While the Chiefs certainly have enough room to absorb more than $14 million under the salary cap, they would prefer to have a smaller number.
Originally a seventh-round choice of the Patriots in the 2005 NFL Draft, in his first four seasons Cassel had done only mop up work as the backup to Tom Brady, appearing in 14 games.
But when Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard knocked Brady out in the first half of the ’08 season opener in Foxboro with multiple knee injuries, Cassel became the team’s starting quarterback. He led this team that day in the second half to a 17-10 victory.
Cassel went on to complete 327 of 516 passes for 3,693 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on the season, finishing with a 89.4 passer rating. The Patriots went 10-5 in his 15 starts and 11-5 on the season, but missed the playoffs.
His career numbers are now 349 of 555 for 3,946 yards, 23 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
Cassel will be 27 years old in May and is a native of Northridge, California. He attended Southern Cal, where he was the backup quarterback to both Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart.
There’s no question Cassel becomes the team’s starting quarterback for the 2009 season. Tyler Thigpen, Brodie Croyle and Quinn Gray and possibly others will fight it out for the two backup quarterback spots.
In the release from the Patriots, Belichick practically gushed about Vrabel.
“When Mike arrived in 2001, we knew we were adding a solid outside linebacker,” Belichick said. “But where Mike took it from there exceeded our highest hopes. Mike Vrabel epitomizes everything a coach could seek in a professional football player: toughness, intelligence, playmaking, leadership, versatility, and consistency at the highest level. Behind the scenes, Mike’s wit and personality is one of the things we have all enjoyed about coming to work every day.
“The toughest aspect of my job is the day I stop coaching people like Mike, who did everything in his power to contribute to team success. Of all the players I have coached in my career, there is nobody I enjoyed working with more than Mike In the same way people recognize guys like Troy Brown, we appreciate and thank Mike Vrabel. He is one of the very special Patriots champions.”
February 28, 2009 – JohnNdallas says:
Ok so far Chiefs have traded away the 2nd rnd pick, wonder what they gave the Pats for Vrable.
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February 28, 2009 – Chris_Texas says:
John,
So far all reports are the 34th overall pick for Cassel and Vrabel that would be a good deal and if Cassel turns out to be the Guy man that will be a heck of a deal.
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February 28, 2009 – Niblick says:
Peter King is reporting the 2nd round pick is for both Cassell and Vrabel.
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February 28, 2009 – tjd says:
JohnNdallas, the 2nd round pick was for both players. Not a bad deal.
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February 28, 2009 – Johnfromfairfax says:
NFL Network confirmed we got both players for our second round pick. That means we picked up a starting QB that we know can play in the NFL for less than we would have had to pay if we drafted one and a pass rusher who had more sacks in 2007 than our whole defense had last year. Now we can now option that first pick any way we want to go. Pioli is beginning to demonstrate why Clark parted ways with so much of the Hunt Benjamins to get him.
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February 28, 2009 – Blake says:
they gave a 2nd for both Cassell and Vrabel and maybe something next year based on performance. I would be mad if they gave up the 3rd pick for them but am happy it is a second round pick. Now they need to sign some free agents.
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February 28, 2009 – JohnNdallas says:
Sounds pretty good so far, lets hope the deal is as reported.
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February 28, 2009 – anonymous says:
Pioli gets taken out behind the woodshed again: we lose our #2 pick for junk: Vrabel (age 34) & Cassel (a 7th round draft pick & nothing more than system QB.) Horrible.
The teacher (Belichick) schools the student (Pioli)
R.I.P. KC Chiefs 2009 and therafter.
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February 28, 2009 – Chris_Texas says:
Pioli just made the report on KC.com looks to be the 2nd rd pick for both players. Thats a good deal and as I said that also makes the Vrabel trade as he is old but to put it along with Cassel and only give a 2nd rd thats a good deal.
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February 28, 2009 – tm1946 says:
Does not look bad to me, if it only costs a 2nd rounder. We gave up a 1st for Green and a 2nd for Vermeil so what the heck is two for one pick.
Now can still trade down #3 for a late first and second or hello Curry or Monroe.
Need to worry, Cassel is under a one year $14 mil contract will need a longer term agreement. Vrable just plays out his contract.
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February 28, 2009 – JohnNdallas says:
I’m guessing the gutless wonder dog(aka tin man)is back.
John,
I was thinking the same thing. Only a hater would say anything bad about that deal.
JohnNdallas,
It sounds like it doesn’t it. Tiny Tim by any other name smells just as bad. Tell your Mrs. to save some tears, we have a long way to go yet and may need them later.
Good to finally see what a real GM looks like for my Chiefs. To only give up a 2nd rd pick for Vrabel and Cassell very smart move for the organization. NOw we got two good qbs lined up next year with Thigpen and Cassell. To add to that now we can draft Curry w/ that #3 pick we still have to solidify the linebacker position on this defense. Go Chiefs and you guys still don’t believe we’re going to turn this thing around nxt year and win the AFC west if you’re not believing now then nothing will convince you.
I meant Tiny Tin! We’ll see what he has to say WHEN we are all the way back.
Didn’t the Patriots run a spread style offense, also? And remember the most important stat is that Cassel had like 11 wins and Thigpen had 0
And anonymous want you go back to your Raiders website or whoever you’re a fan of seeing you’re no Chiefs fan nor do you have any since about football. This was a great trade. For one we got a guy most teams were told to give up a 1st rd pick for and we added much needed veteran leadership to that defense. I’m not saying Vrabel is a dominating force but he can provide championship leadership on defense and help bring Derek JOhnson along as well as possibly Curry if we draft him. This was an excellent trade I guess only real football people can see that.
And Dave be realistic Thipen played on a far worse team than Cassell, but put up similar numbers none the less. Don’t bang on Thigpen from playing on a garbage team last yr.
Guys, hermstheman still types in the Star (it is hard if not impossible to change you nom de plume there) only difference is he is now a hater, no smarter just a everyday ordinary hater. I am sure he will reveal himself soon, he likes his own writins to much to just roll over and die.
I would have been happier if we had got the Pats 7th round pick as well in the deal since the Pats have had a bit of luck picking up good qb’s in the 7th…LOL!
The Chiefs are back. Pioli means business, Haley wont take any BS, and Clark is in it to win first, make money second.
It sounds like Anonymous may be Rob or Bronco Rob who posted a blog on this site ridiculing the Pioli/ Haley team. Maybe it also could be Rin Tin
Tin. He was more about Herm than critisizing Pioli. I think it’s a great trade.
Great move. What ever happens in free agency and the draft from here will get full benefit of the doubt. I know it’s early, but, damn it feels good to be a Chief fan right about now.
Certainly a good deal. The Chiefs need a QB and Cassel is a better risk than Stafford or Sanchez. My guess is the Chiefs will find some way to get that 2nd-round pick back, either by trading players or trading the #3 pick. A few other teams were hoping to pick up Cassel and now may want to trade up to get a shot at a QB in the draft.
good deal
I’m also disappointed that Pioli didn’t get compensatory cash at least to deal Herm to ESPN…or at least an appearance or two in 2009 on MNF.
I just read a post that identified other QB’s picked up for a 2nd. They were Culpeper with a bad knee and A J Feely. Who would you rather have? No disrespect to Thigpen but we just got our starter. It’s a good day to be a member of “Chiefs nation.”
hope thigpin still gets a shot in training camp.
Hey Bob you own this site delete this anonymous hater . I have said he writes like King Carl. Is he on your Webb sowing seeds of hate because he was let go . Imagine we didn’t hear from him while he was away golfing .Hope he can get back to his game.
Certainly a good deal. The Chiefs need a QB and Cassel is a better risk than Stafford or Sanchez. My guess is the Chiefs will find some way to get that 2nd-round pick back, either by trading players or trading the #3 pick. A few other teams were hoping to pick up Cassel and now may want to trade up to get a shot at a QB in the draft.
Good point…this is wear trading Larry Johnson makes sense
I was just thinking that Carl gave up the No 12 pick in 2001 for Trent Green and our 2001 2nd round pick for Vermeil as compensation. This makes this trade look like the best in Chiefs history. He also gave up a 4th round pick in 2006 to the Jets for compensation for Herm.
I don’t know…the move to get Joe Montana was pretty good. The move to get Willie Roaf wasn’t bad either. We’ll be neglectful to rescuing Marcus from the Black Hole.
So with Vrabel at 33 years of age, what is the prognosis. One year quick fix as a rushing LB? Two years, one as starter, one as backup but an on-filed coach? Or is there any hope for extracting three or more years from him?
But how refreshing this new group is. Herm’s bunch of underachievers are history – and as a season ticket holder for 20+ years I’m really really glad.
I have to agree while I think this is a good trade only time will tell how good we will just have to see. Montana got us to the AFC championship game So for this to be better we will have to at least win that game. Marcus did what he could lots of touchdowns and Roaf was a beast while he was on the field. So while this is a good deal not ready to say the best ever. I sure hope it ends up as the best ever.
When you look at such great pixx as Kris Wilson, Eddie Freeman, and Eric Downing in past drafts in 2nd round, this is looking pretty good.
NotAnonymous, hey don’t forget they get a stealth receiving TE too!
Great move, obviously Cassel can tank, but on paper this looks very very good…
As for trading back, that was ALWAYS an option, but its only happened twice in the past decade within the top 3…so Im not holding my breath.
1st/2nd round picks as Cassel and Curry would be great.
Makes you wonder if Tony/Larry will stay/be dealt/etc.
I agree Montana was a great trade in 1993, but we knew he was only a 2 or 3 year player. Cassell, hopefully ,will be a our QB for the next 10 years. Roaf, for a 3rd rounder, also is up near the top. Still a franchise QB tops that. I know he hasn’t played a down yetand timewill tell if he becomes a great QB. Also, perhaps Brian Waters knows now why Peoli didn’t have time to talk to him Friday. It appears he was pretty busy.
Only place Tony G #88 is going is the KC Chiefs Hall of Fame.
LJ might get sent a package of clean diapers and a list of the Chiefs wives’ favorite babysitting services.
On paper this looks like a good trade. We will see if it plays out that way. So far Pioli and Haley are no different than Carl and Herm or any other GM/Coach combination. They are bringing in the people that they know and are familiar with. Herm wanted to start fresh and fill the building with Chiefs and have an identity unique to our team. Looks like Pioli prefers to bring in Patriots and teach the Patriot way to the Chiefs nation. I just hope this works and someday we can call it the Chiefs way.
I am sticking to my prediction that if Croyle doesn’t get traded he will be our starting QB at the end of training camp.
Some of you are more excited than ever about Curry because he had such a great combine. Well his great combine may have made him the number 1 or number 2 pick.
Nice start. I say you trade down from 3 as long as you can get a starting left tackle. Draft a solid receiver/free agent. Then put the rest of what ever dough they spend on defense. Chiefs could win 7-9 games next year. 9-11 the following year.
Ouch!!!!! Very funny though.
LJ might get sent a package of clean diapers and a list of the Chiefs wives’ favorite babysitting services.
LMAO, don’t know if that would work out so good redandgoldbleeder, he might assault one of them.
I would trade LJ for a slab of Gates ribs at this point.
And I’d trade LJ and Tony G for a slab of LC’s ribs.
How about LJ and a package of clean diapers to the Pats for a 7th round pick, slabs of ribs for all of us, and a lifetime membership to the Bob Kraft Fan Club for Pioli?
The Chiefs have done a lot for Matt Cassell. First Bernie Pollard takes out Tom Brady for the season, letting Matt show his stuff with the formerly 18-0 Pats, now Cassell is the Chief’s starting QB. You owe us one Matt.
LMAO, Now that good thinkin Al!!!
Dang over at another Chiefs site there is video up on Cassell from last season. It looks like we have two QB’s with similar capabilities (if they keep Thigpen). That kinda hints that Chan Gailey is going to be in the thick of things.
Man I’m feeling good – and ribs for all of us would make me feel even better!
Is Gretz trying to make a hint by having an advertisement showing the Patriots Pro Shop??
I predicted just a few days ago that we would get Cassel…and that Huard would go to NE to back-up Brady. So far, I was half right. Ha!
I agree with True R & G. I think Curry will go first or second pick. The Rams will take him if the Lions don’t. I think a team that wants Sanchez might be willing to trade up to #3, though. Or who knows…Sanchez may go first. Some are saying that. Too early to tell, really. But, I’d be surprised if Curry is still there at #3.
And for those that keep ragging on Vrabel. Um…the guy made the Pro Bowl year before last. Yes, he’s getting up there in age (for a football player). I somehow don’t think he’s quite ready for the retirement home just yet. I imagine Pioli knows he has maybe two or three good years left, and is not a long term solution. But, he’s still the best ‘Backer on our current roster. No question. So…let’s see what the man can do in a Chief’s uniform before you write him off.
Oh…and I was thinking that Anonymous sounded like Jason Whitlock.
What could we get in a trade deal involving sending Whitlock to the Pats?
So, I guess this explains why no one had time or patience for Waters this week. I hope BW looks in the mirror, wipes the egg off his face, mans up and sends both Pioli and Haley a written apology. Can you imagine the inconvenience he was during what is obviously a very busy, very complex, and extremely important time. Mr. Waters, do the right thing and APOLOGIZE!
Larry I said the same thing in an earlier blog about Peoli being a little busy to talk to Waters. I hadn’t thought of Whitlock. He does have egg on his face. I doubt if he would make any kind of apology to Haley and Peoli. Bob needs to run another column on who we should draft or whether we should trade down after todays trade. Last week I was leaning toward Curry, but I wanted to wait until free agency for a final decision. After today, I think I’ve changed to a trade down. Hopefully not out of the top eight. I would like to get a 2nd round pick back.
cassel & vrabel…two stiffs, no waiting (just like pioli & haley)- 4 of a kind… third best just like in poker.
If we could find a way to trade down within the top 6-10 and still take a top OT to protect our newly aquired signal caller, I’d be happy. We’d still need a true center, but if we move Rudy to RG and take a center with our 2nd round pick we’d recieve from the trade and take Mack or Unger, we could be right back to the dominating O line we had during the Vermeil era.
Maybe we could package Whitlock with the 1st round move. Thats a win win deal.
Now if we can have a O-line to keep Matt off the turf and another reciever with Bowe and Tony G…..Get a running game again…..a good defense…..Ohhhhhh!!!!That all would cause me to drive up I35 for EVERY game. I should get a better car…….
I like Cassel. But I like Thigpen more. Unfortuanately he won’t get a shot. They’ve hitched their wagon to Cassel and now must sign him lnng term, and get that ridiculously inflated salary figure for 2009 to a more resonable level for his ability and experience. I KNOW Thigpen can play effectively without an offensive line. We’ll find out if Cassel can. He has alot of proving to do outside of the NE comfort zone, but he has great coaching in Haley and Gailey.
This MAY be a good trade for us, but it’s a FANTASTIC trade for NE. They slice 18 million off their cap, and give up a guy they were likely going to cut in Vrabel, and a backup QB, AND get the #34 pick in the draft. That’s why they stay good every year no matter what.
I don’t think Bradley did that bad of a job. I liked his game for the most part. He got himself open on several occasions and was simply over or under thrown to. I wouldn’t count him out either.
Here you go Mark, straight from the MHR. (I’m not a regular reader, I found it via a link).
Cassel did guide the Patriots to an 11-5 record, but he struggled mightily against good defensive teams(Indianapolis, San Diego, Pittsburgh, Miami) and I think the folks in Kansas City are about to find out that Cassel may not even be as talented as the guy they are replacing Tyler Thigpen.
Things that make you go hmmmmmm…….
Mark,
There’s a many a slip tween a cup and a lip. There’s no guarantees that Cassel will be the starter going into the season. I get the feeling Haley will go with the guy he feels is the best QB, after all the ota’s and training camp.
If Thigpen is still on the roster I’m sure he’ll get a shot at the starting job.
If you’re interested, here’s the whole link.
http://www.milehighreport.com/2009/2/28/775667/jay-cutler-involved-in-tra
Geez, I think someone got it right eariler. Rin TIn Tin is reincarnated as anonymous. Glass half empty, not half full.
I bought the NFL’s “Rewind” bout midway through the season, think I’ll go back and watch some Pats games.
This is a good trade for the Chiefs. As a season ticket holder, I am excited to see this on the field.
Cassel is safer than Satfford or Sanchez and will likely cost less (both in pic# and in cash). Vrabel is old, but with such a young team, we need to put some leadership back on the field. Vrabel should be that.
Looks like the 3-4 Defense is coming sooner than later…
Time to dump Larry for another draft pic now and (hopefully) pick up Shonn Greene from Iowa in the 3rd round.
Hey anonymous: TIME CHECK!! It’s 5:10 and yep, Pioli/Haley are still more the man than Herm was!!!
Yeah, I’m sure it puffs him up but it makes you think Tinonymous must have been deprived of some basic comfort at an early age. Too bad. I’m not sure what MHR said but we wouldn’t expect them to say anything positive about the deal would we? The fact the other teams tried to get into the picture gives some credence to the belief Denver might have led them to believe they might consider it beforehand. Dan Leberfeld, who seems to dislike all of the Parcells/Belichick tree, took the same shot at Cassel regarding last year. Don’t forget it was his first year as a starter in the NFL after not starting since high school. Time will tell but Pioli drafted him and ought to know what he’s capable of.
Hurray, finally back to building a team through all means: drafting, trading, free agency (i assume), developing, and coaching! I was so sick of using only one means (drafting and hoping) under Herm.
Remember how trading for Green and Roaf helped turn this team around quickly (and for 4-5 years)? Obviously Cassel and Vrabel aren’t at the same level as Green and Roaf were, but lets hope this works out equally well, and for less draft picks and a younger QB!
My thoughts before today. Cassel played on a great team and managed the same stats as Thigpen did on a lousy team. Cassel couldn’t beat out Leinart in college and Leinart can’t beat out 70 y/o Kurt Warner. Cassel and Thigpen are both large gambles with Thigpen coming at a lot cheaper price tag.
My thoughts today…I support the Chiefs, Cassel is a Chief…I support Matt Cassel
Point well made and well taken.
Cassel and Vrabel-Quarterback for the offense, Quarterback for the defense; nice trade. Cassel is Thigpen with size and a little better accuracy. I love Thigpen’s game, and I think Cassel will prove to be one of the better QB’s in the game soon. Who knows, maybe Croyle gets healthy and gives KC three good, young guns. I don’t know if they’ll bring Gray back, but I didn’t hate his game either. Now that’s covering a position.
Will Gailey use some exotic plays, with both Thigpen and Cassel in the game? That would be cool; Thiggy can pass like a QB, run like a RB, and maybe with some practice, catch like a WR.
Again, real nice trade: keep it coming Pioli-Haley-Hunt.
I doubt Thigpen gets a FAIR shot if he remains. It would be to embarrassing if he would beat out Cassel, who was absolutely dreadful last pre seasn for NE, and rumors were he was close to getting cut.
I suspect they actively shop Thigpen, because he has strong locker room support from guys like Tony and Bowe, and the worst thing you can have is a divided locker room over 2 young QB’s.
Cassel is our QB, for better or worse, unless we can get lucky and flip him for a #1, since so many supposed media experts think we got him cheaply for a #2. I’d be all for that, but it won’t happen.
So we have Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel and we still have our 3rd overall pick in the draft? Pioli is a bad ass! Best part is now Jay Cutler wants out of Denver because they were trying to get Cassel too! A bonus for Chiefs fans!
I was always on the Cassel band wagon but maintained it would be a mistake to trade the 3rd overall pick straight across for him. Now we get him for the 34th pick and Mike Vrabel gets thrown in as a little something extra. Once they sign a few quality free agents and draft some good young players, this team may look ready to be a serious contender.
I bet Rin/anonymous is going to be watching a whole lot more ESPN now that his buddy is going to be an analyst.
I see mixed emotions on this trade. Think of it this way….we NEED leadership on D, which Vrable will help provide, even if it’s for 2 or 3 seasons. Thigpen will get just as much of a chance to start for this team as anyone. It will be interesting to see how Thigpen feels about all of this.
Pioli and Haley have done more for this team in the past 6 weeks than Herm did for 3 years. BTW, where’s Rin? anyone…anyone??
Colby…I’m thinking the same thing about Cutler. He is pissed now!!! Good deal for Chiefs fans.
Cassel will be the starting QB no question. He is about to sign a multi-year deal and there is no way they are going to pay what he will command and have him back up Thigs. Tyler will be the back up and will have time to learn while being the no.2 just like Cassel was to Brady for 3 or 4 seasons.
The Lions will take QB Stafford which is their worst need. The Rams need O-line help more than Defense and will take either Oher or Monroe.
Curry will be the Chiefs pick at number 3.
MARK MY WORDS! GO CHIEFS!!
Anonymous isnt rin tin and most of you know it. Rin was anoying at times. But he was still a fan of the team. Anonymous is a pos that isnt even worthy of discussion. He reminds me of that sfc guy that use to come on just to do some hating. And I dont think this deal was made without more compensation to the pats. for some reason in the back of my mind, I think LJ or TG has just gone to them.
If so, please God, let it be LJ!! If Tony goes over to the dark side, I’d hope we’d get some kind of compensation for him. As much as I’d love for Tony to go out with a ring (for his ego), it’d be a hard one to swallow playing for the Pats to end his carreer.
People are forgetting this is the 2nd overall pick in the second round, so this “only a second rounder” is really just as good as some teams’ first rounder (e.g. Pittsburgh).
also I am with Adam Schefter on this, I don’t think he is as good as Tyler Thigpen. And I think everyone is going to overlook TT and he will sit on a bench. Some are saying he will get a fair shot at starting. That is a load of crap. Now that they think Cassell is a franchise qb no one but him will have a shot at starting. Long way to go and they are doing it their way. I hope it works out. I feel like we are right back to rebuilding again. Someone told me wouldnt be and to give them a chance. I will wait and if we don’t make it to the playoffs this year or at least an 8-8 record, I will know I was right.
It has begun………………… the new way…the new CHIEFS WAY!
GO CHIEFS !!! THE RIGHT 53 2009
When did Schefter say that? Last time I saw him on NFL network, he was saying all the football people he trusts in the NFL were telling him that they think Cassel is already one of the 8 to 10 best QB’s in the game, and that his teammates said they thought he was in the top 5 to 8. So, he said, teams that need a QB, such as KC and Detroit, should be doing everything they can to land Cassel.
I like Thigpen at QB as much as anyone, even pushing for him on this site last pre-season when virtually everyone was saying he didn’t even belong in the NFL. He has that “it” factor, a good arm, escapability and is tough. But, I think Cassel has all of that, and then some. Thiggy will be a solid backup, who will continue to improve. So, the Chiefs have 2 legit QB’s. Nothing bad about that.
And to top it off, Cutler is all P-O’d in Denver now, and may still end up getting shipped out. I like it.
I think what I like about this is that both Cassell and Thigpen have similar strengths. That makes it easy for their teammates. You don’t have to change gameplans in the middle of the game when a QB is forced to the sidelines. The odd man out of course is Croyle. And the third QB will be one that can do a passable imitation of Cass-pen.
Now, where’s my ribs?
LJ might get sent a package of clean diapers and a list of the Chiefs wives’ favorite babysitting services.
Unless the babysitters were men he’d prolly just use them as punching bags.
One minor concern, unless we get an O-line to block for Cassel, we might well still need Thigpen and Croyle.