Heeeere’s Jonny! Gomes Lifts Red Sox to Extra Inning Win over Twins

Connelly’s Top Ten: Bruins Keep Rolling

Middlebrooks Delivers in 9th as Sox Rally in Dramatic Fashion

2013 NHL Playoffs Expert Picks: Second Round

Patriots Franchise Matt Cassel

In an obvious move, the Patriots placed the franchise tag on quarterback Matt Cassel, who performed admirably this season in a pinch for Tom Brady. Cassel will be guaranteed a one-year tender offer of $14.65 million.

Now, the Patriots have a decision to make. Do you keep the two quarterbacks (who will make a combined total of nearly $30 million) or do you trade one of them? Decisions, decisions…

The Patriots have a few options:

• Keep Cassel while the team waits to see if Tom Brady is 100% healthy.
• Trade Cassel while his value is at its highest.
• Do the unthinkable….trade Brady and start Cassel.

Despite the fact that option No. 2 seems most plausible (it’s the move I think they should make and will make assuming Brady is healthy), Bill Belichick says he looks forward to working with Cassel.

“Matt has been a pleasure to coach his entire career and last season in particular, when his years of hard work and commitment resulted in a most impressive performance,” said Belichick. “We look forward to working with Matt again in 2009.”

About KC Downey

KC is the "head coach" of the Sports of Boston, LLC blog network. Follow him on Twitter: @kc_downey

Tags: Bill Belichick, Matt Cassel, Patriots