Whitlock Already Worried About Cassel

Jason Whitlock has reason to be concerned about Matt Cassel. He's the Chiefs new quarterback, doesn't have much in the way of experience, and will make nearly $15 million in 2009. Oh, and it's easy to be skittish when Cassel succeeds the likes of Damon Huard, Brodie Croyle and Tyler Thigpen.

Of the three, Thigpen probably has the most potential, but the new regime made it clear that he wasn't in their long-term plans when they traded for Cassel. But that doesn't mean Whitlock is convinced.

Specifically, he's worried that the Chiefs "have little interest in signing Matt Cassel to a long-term contract before the start of the season." There were rumors during draft weekend that the Chiefs gave Cassel a six-year deal ($36 million guaranteed). Untrue, it turned out.

Which leads Whitlock to this:

Given Cassel's and Pioli's New England relationship, I just assumed when the Chiefs traded for Cassel, the parameters of a long-term deal were agreed upon before the trade. I assumed wrong. Or, more likely, Cassel and Dunn elevated their contract demands after perusing the Chiefs' roster and salary-cap situation.

The Chiefs have enough salary-cap room to house, feed, clothe and entertain most of Canada. And Kansas City's current offensive personnel would make any rational QB demand hazardous-work pay.

Whatever the cause, Pioli and Dunn can't agree on Cassel's worth. The rumor around the Loch Lloyd golf course is the Cassels are renting, not buying.

Solution: sign Jeff George, stat.

Actually, Whitlock points out that if Cassel performs in 2009 like he did in 2008, nobody will care what it costs to sign him after the season. The problem: he "just can't imagine [Cassel] putting together a magnificent or even solid season in 2009." I don't think anybody is expecting Cassel to duplicate in Kansas City what he pulled off in New England, but I think he has a chance to be successful.

Is that worth $15 million? Um, no. But if he can do for the Chiefs what Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco did for the Falcons and Ravens, it's worth a lucrative long-term deal. Kansas City has the cap room, and they have done a splendid job of accumulating young, talented players. Which means that they're a) relatively cheap, and b) still improving.

The biggest issue is making sure Cassel is comfortable in the offense. After that, it's all about a solid running game and a stout defense. Every NFL running back has a certain number of carries in them and unfortunately, Larry Johnson is way over the limit (Thanks, Herm!). And the defense ranked 28th last year. So, right, Kansas City has a lot of work to do. But that's not news; winning six games the last two years tipped us off.

Now, on top of it all, Whitlock's got cold feet.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

5-28-2009 @ 8:17PM

Pete Metcalf said...

RW: I'm assuming Dunn is Cassell's agent. The story doesn't mention the relationship between the two.
Also, who is Jason Whitlock and why is his concern about Cassel's status at Kansas City important enough for you to write a piece about it?
Not being picky. The info in the story was informative - I'm betting few readers knew Cassel was still operating under the franchise money and not a new KC contract. This is the first I've heard of that, so you have a scoop.

Just not sure who Dunn is and don't know how Jason Whitlock ties into the situation. Is he a Chief O-lineman? Is he a player or a front-office guy or a beat writer?

Regardless, can the Chiefs afford to franchise Cassel again in '10? I agree that he won't have the year he did last year based on available offensive personnel alone. Cassel would be wise to sign a 6 year, $48 mil deal with $36 guaranteed. Yeah, he gets $15 mil in '09 but if he turns out to be a one-hit wonder, he won't get $5 mil next year. Is Cassell a gambler ??

5-31-2009 @ 12:37AM

kespr1 said...

Whitlock writes for KC Star

5-28-2009 @ 9:41PM

area51 said...

what if they just want tebow next year? keep the fans peaceful this season, then grab one of several prospects in the draft, seeing as the qb class is pretty solid for next year

5-29-2009 @ 12:01AM

Murph said...

Who is Jason Whitlock? Are you kidding? Whitlock is a columnist for the KC STAR and one of the most respected writers in the country. That’s why Ryan steals from him (Ryan only steals from the best it seems) go read some of his work you will be impressed ! now does anyone know who the hell pete metcalf is?

5-29-2009 @ 12:05AM

murph said...

Who is Jason Whitlock? Are you kidding? Whitlock is a columnist for
the KC STAR and one of the most respected writers in the country.
That's why Ryan steals from him (Ryan only steals from the best it
seems) go read some of his work you will be impressed ! now does
anyone know who the hell pete metcalf is?

5-29-2009 @ 12:53PM

Why do you have to act like a moron, Murph?
Did I call Ryan a name?
Did I insult him?
I ask an honest question because I never heard of Jason Whitlock.
Apparently, his butt-crack fans like you have to reply with cheap shots.
The fact that you double-posted shows you have yet to master a computer. What are you... 12 ??? Oh, and BTW- what does Jason's a$$hole look like from where you are- bending down behind him ???

5-29-2009 @ 2:32PM

CurtMerzFan said...

KC fans don't call him 'Jabba the Witless" for nothing.

5-29-2009 @ 5:43PM

whats the matter Pete cant take a little of your own medicine? and im not 12 im 14 and it seems more well read at 14 than you are at 50! and the double post is their glitch not mine

5-29-2009 @ 6:44PM

My "medicine" was to ask legit questions.
Yours was to cheap shot.
Not sure how you anoint yourself better read than I am, but I guess 14 year old kids think they know it all.
One thing is clear- you're certainly not better educated than most 14-year-olds. Grammar and punctuation are obviously not taught at the school you attend.
Be happy to send you some caps, commas and periods if you'd like.
Enjoy your day.

5-30-2009 @ 12:51AM

Gee-whiz Miss Crabtree don’t fail me for a missed Capitol letter. Not that it’s any of your business, I attend Choate. And here’s a Tampex for that period you’re so worried about! Now shouldn’t you be running back to the drive through window to ask that fool if he wants fries with that?