Patriots to Put Franchise Tag on Cassel

Matt Cassel threw for 3,693 yards this year. The unexpected Patriots starting quarterback also threw 21 touchdowns and led the New England Patriots to an 11-5 record on the season, just missing the playoffs. These figures are much more than anyone thought for the former USC backup quarterback, who was thrust into playing time in Week 1 of the regular season after New England’s star quarterback Tom Brady left the field with a season-ending knee injury. Speculation has been in full force following the end of the regular season, and now there seems an answer as to what the Pats will do with Cassel: place a franchise tag on him.

New England is said to put a franchise tag on Cassel to keep him from being an unrestricted free agent once the season is over, also guaranteeing that he will be paid an average of the top five quarterbacks in the league. This decision will allow the Pats to keep Cassel should Brady be out next season, and it will also grant the Patriots the right to trade Cassel if Brady should remain healthy enough to rejoin his team next season. This would guarantee Cassel a salary of around $14 million.

To get New England Patriots tickets, go to StubHub.com.

Permalink - Posted in Uncategorized on January 5, 2009 - Post a comment