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Report: Patriots to Franchise Cassel

In a somewhat expected and necessary move, sources have told ESPN NFL analyst Chris Mortensen that the Patriots will slap the franchise tag on Matt Cassel, preventing him from becoming a free agent in March.

With inconsistent reports of Tom Brady’s rehab progress, many felt franchising Cassel would be the best way to ensure the Patriots have a healthy quarterback for the 2009 season, or have one heck of a trading chip. If the Patriots keep Cassel he will make more than $14 million next season which means the Pats will have nearly $30 million invested at the quarterback position.

My Take: I’m glad the Patriots are franchising Cassel and are doing it early. There was no way New England could allow Cassel to go on the open market and now there is an insurance policy should Brady not be ready for training camp and the start of next season. The franchise tag is a lot of money but the Patriots could spin it into a very high first round pick if Brady is good to go.

Tags: Matt Cassel, Tom Brady

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