Matt Cassel Knows the Deal: Pats Are Tom Brady's Team

The New England Patriots are going to have quite a decision to make this offseason regarding the future of their quarterback situation. Tom Brady's knee remains a gigantic unanswered question, while Matt Cassel, his replacement during the 2008 season, is an unrestricted free agent and no doubt has dollar signs dancing around in his dreams.

With Brady's status still uncertain, there's been talk of potentially franchising Cassel -- which would pay him in the neighborhood of $14 million in 2009 -- or, perhaps, even signing him to a long-term contract creating a Joe Montana-Steve Young tag-team duo. Or, they could just put faith in Brady's knee being ready for training camp and wave goodbye to Cassel. Either way, it's a tough call and I'm glad I don't have to make it.

Anyway, ESPN's Bram Weinstein caught up with Cassel and discussed his future in New England, as well the possibility of there being a quarterback competition in training camp, assuming both players are members of the Patriots in 2009.

This is Tom's team. The Patriots have been Tom's team. He's built that franchise up with his own two hands. He's the guy, and he was the MVP the year before. I realize that. He's been such a mentor for me that I would say 'No, there is no quarterback competition.' But I've learned so many things from Tom, and hopefully it'll help me in my career.

With his own two hands! Behold the power of Brady. Okay, kidding aside, Cassel is absolutely correct, I think. If by some chance he is a member of the Patriots next season, and Brady's knee is functional, there is no competition.

I realize Brady had a similar rise to success when he replaced Drew Bledsoe -- and they even had similar numbers in their first year as starters -- while each was, for the most part, considered to be a long-shot to ever make an impact in the NFL upon being drafted. A lot of people probably never even heard of Cassel when he was selected.

Beyond that, there was also a belief among some fans/media at the time that there was no way the Patriots could dump Bledsoe and replace him with Brady. But, let's keep something in mind here: Bledsoe wasn't a three-time Super Bowl champion, two-time Super Bowl MVP, and reigning league MVP, as Brady currently is.

If Brady's healthy, it is, in fact, his team.

Cassel also admitted that, as a competitor, he would love to be in a situation where he could go out and play, something he would not be able to do as a member of the Patriots with a healthy Brady.

In a year where there are few solid free agents at the quarterback position, combined with a relatively weak class of potential first-round picks, Cassel could be the gem of the offseason for some desperate team looking for a long-term fit under center.

Assuming, of course, he's as good as he appeared to be this season.