The Matt Cassel Trade: Fantasy Football Impact

For all the fantasy owners keeping an eye on the status of New England Patriots' quarterback, Tom Brady, this offseason with the hopes of making him a steal in 2009 fantasy drafts, note that his value just rose as the Patriots appear to have enough faith in the QB to part with back-up Matt Cassel.

Cassel, who filled in admirably for Brady last season to the tune of 3,693 passing yards and 23 total touchdowns and only 11 interceptions, now heads to Kansas City, along with linebacker Mike Vrabel in exchange for the 34th pick in this year's draft.

On the fantasy front, this means good things for the Kansas City Chiefs' offense.

While Tyler Thigpen did mature and develop as the season wore on—finishing 2008 with 2,608 passing yards, 21 total touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 14 games played—Cassel will make for a better fit under center.

Cassel will fit especially well in the shot-gun type offense that new head coach, Todd Haley, will look to incorporate. Remember, the Chiefs' new GM, Scott Pioli, just arrived this offseason after serving as vice president of player personnel for the Patriots.

Pioli is familiar with Cassel, and wouldn't bring the QB aboard if he didn't feel he'd excel in Haley's new system.

If Cassel maintains the precision and poise, he demonstrated last year with New England, the stock of both tight end Tony Gonzalez, and wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, should increase slightly in 2009.

After all, while the two did post solid numbers with Thigpen under center.

Cassel proved to be a more effective passer throughout the year, completing 63.4 percent of his passes to Thigpen's 54.8 percent.

More completions means more receptions, which in turn means more fantasy points.

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