Patriots continue with off season moves

New England has traded Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel to Kansas City in exchange for the 34 th pick in the 2009 draft. Cassel, who had already been placed under the franchise tag, was expected to be traded sometime in the off season. Getting value for one of the highest rated free agents was something pursued by the Patriots, but only a few teams showed serious interest in acquiring the young quarterback. Compared to other high profile quarterback trades, such as the Eli Manning-Philip Rivers trade between the New York Giants and San Diego Chargers in 2004, it may appear on the surface that New England came up on the short end. However, even a second round draft pick can present an opportunity for a team to acquire a long term position player, and given the Patriots history of successful drafts, whoever is taken as the 34 th pick will have something to offer.

New England clears up about $19 million from their salary cap, which will allow them to resign players with expiring contracts or seek out other free agents. Notable players entering the last year of their contracts include Stephen Gostkowski, Kevin Faulk, Vince Wilfork, and Logan Mankins. Although additional trades have not been heavily discussed at this point, it remains a possibility, and aging players with high salaries such as Richard Seymour could be the ones to go. Mike Vrabel, who earned over $4 million a year, was traded to clear salary cap space and to allow the team to rebuild at the linebacker position by developing younger players. Vrabel is believed by many to be at the declining stage of his career and has lost some of his speed and quickness. With all of this recent activity, New England has room to make further off season moves and will have a combined four first and second round draft picks this year.

By Chad Fukuoka
ProFootball-fans.com New England Patriots Correspondent