Pats tag Cassel (officially)
Today is the first day that NFL franchises can place the franchise tag on a player. And as was widely-expected, the Patriots placed the tag on QB Matt Cassel today.
Cassel will earn the average of the top 5 QB salaries ($14.65 million) and more than starter and future Hall-of-Famer Tom Brady.
Otherwise, they can trade Cassel if Brady's rehab continues to go well.
Cassel will earn the average of the top 5 QB salaries ($14.65 million) and more than starter and future Hall-of-Famer Tom Brady.
"Matt has been a pleasure to coach his entire career and last season in particular, when his years of hard work and commitment resulted in a most impressive performance," said Belichick. "We look forward to working with Matt again in 2009."Cassel, who becomes the first offensive player to be franchised by the Patriots, provides insurance for the Patriots if Brady, whose rehab is reportedly on track, is not ready to start week 1.
Otherwise, they can trade Cassel if Brady's rehab continues to go well.
