LOCAL SHOTS
- Chris Gasper notes safety James Sanders drew significant interest from other teams, but took less money to remain a Patriot. Sanders feels this will give him a chance to grow and become a playmaker.
- Mike Reiss reports the Patriots currently have around $15-16 million in cap space, and reports safety James Sanders agreed to a 3-yr deal.
- John Tomase would spend the Patriots cap space by locking in Wilfork and Mankins, and picking up free agent LB Julius Peppers.
- Chris Price says there was no conspiracy and no favors. Pats and Chiefs both acted in the best interests of their teams and if the Pats spend wisely, it'll all be good.
- Jim Donaldson takes stock of what Cassel won't have in Kansas City.
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Michael Felger figures the Bucs and Broncos bungled this one badly, waiting until the Cassel-to-KC story broke before submitting thier own offers.
LONG SHOTS
- Dan Wetzel (Yahoo! Sports) Belichick hasn't lost his mind.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) Why would Pats turn down 12th pick for Cassel?
- Jason Whitlock (Kansas City Star) Trade for Cassel, like Pioli and Haley, looks good on paper.
- Adam Schefter (NFL.com) Patriots' trade with Chiefs is a money-saver.
- Clifton Brown (Sporting News) Early returns: Free agency winners and losers.
- Adam Schefter (NFL.com) Cutlers agent: No meeting yet between QB, Broncos.
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Mike Klis (Denver Post) Can Cutler and the Broncos get along?