I'm having a hard time believing this.
Matt Cassel, a career backup in college and in the pros, parlayed a great 2008 season into a lucrative franchise tag. Now, he's locked himself into a deal to be the long-term quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Cassel and the Chiefs worked out a six-year deal that will pay him in excess of $10 million a season, according to a source. The contract will keep Cassel with the Chiefs until 2014.
The deal is for $63 million, with $28 million guaranteed, according to a source. He's going to make $40.5 million in the first three years of his contract.
Wow. Just wow. Matt Cassel had a great 2008 season, but playing with that Patriots team there are probably 15 quarterbacks who could've had just as good of a season. I don't see how you can pay Cassel that kind of money when there's so little to base it on. That was one season!! In 2008, Cassel appeared in more games (16) than he did during his entire four year college career! I don't get it. What a risk.
I'm not saying this move is doomed to failure; Cassel might turn out to be worth every dime and more. I'm just saying I don't know how you can make that type of commitment based on his one, heavily subsidized NFL season. If he plays great this season then sign him to that same contract next year. If he bombs, then you're looking at a 2010 NFL Draft that is stacked with QBs. Why make that decision now?
By the way, I don't think Cassel is going to have a great fantasy season in 2009. Good, yes. Worth a roster spot, yeah. Valuable enough to be your QB1, no.