Several sites, including ProFootballTalk, are reporting that New England plans to slap the franchise tag on soon-to-be free agent Matt Cassel this offseason.

The move would prevent Cassel from leaving the Patriots via free agency. Instead, the Patriots would keep him for around $12 million against the cap next year. it is believed the Patriots would then trade Cassel for the right price so long as Tom Brady recovers from knee surgery in time for next season.

It makes a lot of sense on New England’s end. Brady’s recovery from a torn ACL has been under the microscope all season with conflicting reports regarding the progress of his rehab. So if Brady does not report positive progress closer to training camp, at least the Patriots know they have a capable quarterback on the roster in Cassel should they indeed slap the franchise tag on him.

This news is a little disheartening for some fantasy owners, particularly dynasty leaguers who hoped Cassel would jump ship in 2009 to land an undisputed starting gig of his own. Detroit and Minnesota seemed like the most likely of suitors, but I doubt either would pony up the draft picks it would take to acquire Cassel from the Pats in a trade.

UPDATE: Cassel’s cap number actually would be $14.835 million in 2009. How can the Patriots afford to keep Cassel and Brady on the roster without losing value elsewhere?

This report of New England franchising Cassel could be some jockeying on their part to see who would be interested in trading for his services. If no suitors come forward, I think the Pats will part ways with Cassel.

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