Bristol, CT (My Sportsbook) - Former backup quarterback Matt Cassel has accepted the New England Patriots' non-exclusive franchise tender, according to a report from ESPN late Saturday. After backing up a pair of Heisman Trophy winners in Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart at USC and three years of sitting behind perennial Pro Bowl quarterback Tom Brady in New England, Cassel will earn $14,651,000 in 2009, an average of the top five salaries at quarterback. Though the salary is guaranteed, the Patriots can still trade the 26-year-old signal-caller. Cassel enjoyed a breakout season in 2008 after Brady went down with a season- ending knee injury in Week 1. The 2005 seventh-round pick threw for 3,693 yards, 21 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions in 16 games, leading the Patriots to an 11-5 record but no playoff berth. |
