On the first possible day, the New England Patriots have placed the non-exclusive rights Franchise Tag on quarterback Matt Cassel. The Patriots would have had another two weeks to make the decision, but there was obviously no hesitation coming from the Patriots Front Office.
Cassel now has the opportunity to sign a 1-year $14.65 million dollar tender. He also can negotiate with other teams that would be willing to part with some draft picks to procure his services.
Many fans and pundits alike have expressed the likelihood that Matt Cassel will be traded, due to Tom Brady progressing well in his rehab. Patriots Coach Bill Belichick didn’t even mention the word trade in the team’s press release today. “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.”
As long as Tom Brady is ready to go for 2009, we wish Matt the best playing somewhere else, hopefully in the NFC, and we look forward to picking up some defensive help with the picks acquired. 
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