By now, we've all read that the Patriots traded Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel to the Kansas City Chiefs for a second-round pick. #34 overall, to be exact. But before we all go up in arms about how terrible this trade was, which people are inevitably doing (2nd rounder to Cassel AND Vrabel?), we have to look at this from the perspective of the Patriots.
They've just dumped around $20 million in salary, opening up some cap room to make signings both in the free agent market (i.e CB, Julius Peppers) and after the draft. Matt Cassel was drafted at #230 overall, and Mike Vrabel, as much as I love the guy, won't be in the league too much longer. And we got a 34th overall for those two? If we forget about Cassel's season last year, it doesn't seem so bad.
So, to recap:
Chiefs get: #230 overall Matt Cassel, old Mike Vrabel, and $20 million in additional team costs.
Patriots get: #34 overall pick, $20 million in savings.
Now, I'm not saying the Patriots or the Chiefs got the better of this deal--however, for the individual team needs, I feel like this is a pretty fair trade for both sides.
PS. I know I owe you $10, Ryan. Just letting you know I know.
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7 comments:
Generally speaking - I prefer to have proven players over draft picks (and who wouldn't). This second round pick could end up being the next Chad Johnson or Bethel Johnson. Sweet. Draft picks are always a gamble.
Just to put it out there- I will have irrationally high expectations for this Mr. no 34 overall pick. If he ends up sucking some of more recent second round picks- I will not be happy.
It is cool that that Pats have three 2nd round picks though.
Does the 20 million in cap space set us for signing a big free agent? I hope so. I don't think this a move by Bob Kraft to cut payroll and save money, but with economy today, it very well could be.
Mike Vrabel- you'll be missed buddy. Matt Cassel, if you're reading this, good luck out there.
Dude, don't worry about the $10. I feel like over the long run of you driving us around your car whenever we went somewhere in highschool I still owe you.
I think we'll sign a bunch of sweet no-name guys who will fit perfectly into our systems.
-Keith
Don't forget the amount of money the Pats will save by not drafting a first rounder.
The savings over the next few years might actually be well over $20 million.
The talent pool in the second or third round is just as solid as in the first round without the astronomical price tags, and it's hard to debate that there's a better team in the NFL than the Pats at developing talent.
Again, if I may...I don't think the Patriots got the better of this deal, but I don't feel as though it's as bad of a trade as people might initially think.
Obviously, I'll miss Mike Vrabel (more than Cassel)...but honestly, I don't think he has many seasons left in him. That might just be me, though.
You're all over looking the most important thing here.
TULLEY BANTA-CAIN is back!!!
Yeah Keifer! I hope you're right man, and that we don't get any more Chad Browns and Monty Biesels.
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