Reports: Pats To Slap Franchise Tag On Quarterback Cassel

January 4, 2009 4:45 p.m. EST

Foxborough, MA (AHN) - The New England Patriots have reportedly decided to ensure that Matt Cassel will not be an unrestricted free agent in March by placing the franchise tag on the quarterback.

As a result, the Pats are expected to give the 26-year-old Cassel a one-year contract worth an average of the five highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL.

According to reports, the franchising gives the Patriots two options: trading Cassel in exchange for a significant compensation once Tom Brady is fully recovered from a knee injury.

The Pats could also decide to work out a short-term deal with Cassel until Brady returns.

In the meantime, New England would be allotting about $29 million in salary cap for the two quarterbacks.

The reported average amount Cassel will receive is $14,444,461.40, about $180,000 less than the 2009 salary cap figure for the injured Brady, who will be earning almost $15 million.

The Patriots then would be left to manage about $94 million for the rest of their roster, as the cap will rise to $123 million per team.

This season, Cassel started in 15 games for New England, throwing for 3,693 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.