New England Patriots' Big Bargaining Chip: The Newly Franchised Matt Cassel

The New England Patriots have franchised and tagged Matt Cassel. Raise your hand if you are surprised.

Of course, Matt is not likely to start if he remains on the Patriots. That's just a fact. Because as good as he is, Brady's arm is better and he's better in the pocket. If he's okay, then he'll be the starter, hands down.

Again, I compare the Patriots to the mob. They have all the cards, they have Brady, and if they feel he isn't ready, they have Cassel. Then, if Brady is ready, they're either going to get TWO draft picks or a few good guys in a trade.

Either way, they win. Cassel does not walk away from them a free man, and even though it causes massive salary cap headaches, that is exactly what the Patriots want.

It's all about economics, supply, and demand. Teams that need a QB: Minnesota (they could be better), Detroit, New York Jets, San Francisco, Chicago (oh, what a mess), Buffalo (also could be better), and Kansas City, to name a few.

QBs that are available this year (not counting in the draft): Cassel (maybe), Brett Favre (maybe), and Michael Vick (maybe).

Most teams do not want to go for the draft QB. They rarely, if ever, work out. They want the guy with experience. Preferably, they want to pull a Miami and steal someone's QB.

Now, the Favre wants to go to Minnesota. Truth be told, they would be better off taking Cassel.

Minnesota has the running game, they have the receivers, and they even have a defense. All they need is a good man under center.

If Goodell lets Vick play again, he needs to go somewhere without a big passing game. He is not the most accurate passer, but he's fast. (I've seen him play live and he's very fast.)

So now, we have the wonderful NFL Offseason, and if the list of free agents and players available to trade stays like it is, we're in for an interesting year.

I'd look for the Patriots to hold on to Matt until they get a good offer—an offer they can't refuse.