Patriots deal QB Matt Cassel to Chiefs
BOSTON - The New England Patriots on Saturday reached an agreement to trade quarterback Matt Cassel to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Boston Globe confirmed the trade, although no details were available of what New England would get in return.
Cassel, who was designated as the Patriots' franchise player earlier this month, is guaranteed $14.65 million.
New Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli, the former Patriots' personnel director, engineered the deal with New England - the second between the clubs in as many days.
Cassel is coming off an outstanding season for the Patriots after stepping in for incumbent starter Tom Brady, who was lost for the year with a knee injury in the season opener.
In his first season as a starter since high school, Cassel completed over 63 percent of his passes for 3,693 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions after taking over for Brady.
Cassel played superbly down the stretch, throwing eight TDs and just one interception as New England won its final four games to finish with an 11-5 record.
Quarterback was a major trouble spot for the Chiefs, who started three quarterbacks during a franchise-worst 2-14 campaign.
Tyler Thigpen got the bulk of the starts in the second half and played decently, but the Chiefs lost six of their last 10 games by seven points or fewer.
On Friday, the Patriots traded veteran linebacker Mike Vrabel to the Chiefs for an undisclosed draft choice.
BOSTON - The New England Patriots on Saturday reached an agreement to trade quarterback Matt Cassel to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Boston Globe confirmed the trade, although no details were available of what New England would get in return.
Cassel, who was designated as the Patriots' franchise player earlier this month, is guaranteed $14.65 million.
New Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli, the former Patriots' personnel director, engineered the deal with New England - the second between the clubs in as many days.
Cassel is coming off an outstanding season for the Patriots after stepping in for incumbent starter Tom Brady, who was lost for the year with a knee injury in the season opener.
In his first season as a starter since high school, Cassel completed over 63 percent of his passes for 3,693 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions after taking over for Brady.
Cassel played superbly down the stretch, throwing eight TDs and just one interception as New England won its final four games to finish with an 11-5 record.
Quarterback was a major trouble spot for the Chiefs, who started three quarterbacks during a franchise-worst 2-14 campaign.
Tyler Thigpen got the bulk of the starts in the second half and played decently, but the Chiefs lost six of their last 10 games by seven points or fewer.
On Friday, the Patriots traded veteran linebacker Mike Vrabel to the Chiefs for an undisclosed draft choice.