Kansas City acquired Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel from New…
Kansas City acquired Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel from New England for the 34th pick in the 2009 draft. Cassel became a Pro Bowler while leading the 2010 Chiefs to an AFC West title, and Vrabel supplied two seasons of veteran leadership. New England used No. 34 on Patrick Chung, who became a long-term defensive starter and three-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, giving New England the stronger lasting return.
Kansas City Chiefs Received
- player Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel
New England Patriots Received
- pick 2009 2nd round pick (34th overall, Patrick Chung)
Trade Analysis
New England entered the 2009 offseason with an unusual surplus. Matt Cassel had played well while replacing the injured Tom Brady, but Brady was returning, and veteran linebacker Mike Vrabel was nearing the end of his Patriots tenure. Kansas City, now led by former New England executive Scott Pioli, sent the 34th overall pick for both players and immediately installed Cassel as its quarterback.
The Chiefs' return had a real peak. Cassel struggled in 2009 but rebounded dramatically in 2010, throwing 27 touchdown passes against seven interceptions, earning a Pro Bowl selection and helping Kansas City win the AFC West at 10-6. Vrabel started 30 games over two Chiefs seasons and provided leadership to a young defense. Cassel's six-year contract ultimately outlasted his effectiveness, however, and Kansas City released him after four seasons as the offense regressed.
New England turned the lone pick into Oregon safety Patrick Chung. His first Patriots stint was uneven enough that he left for Philadelphia in 2013, but he returned one year later and became a dependable, versatile part of Bill Belichick's defense. Chung spent 10 total seasons with New England, started in multiple Super Bowls and earned championship rings after the 2014, 2016 and 2018 seasons. His ability to cover tight ends, support the run and handle varied assignments gave the Patriots years of scheme-specific value.
Kansas City deserves credit for obtaining a starting quarterback and veteran linebacker at a reasonable acquisition cost, especially because Cassel produced a division title and Pro Bowl season. That earns a B-. New England converted two expendable veterans into a long-term championship contributor and earns an A. The Patriots win the trade, but Kansas City's 2010 success keeps it from being lopsided.