I think Thigpen could still be kept as his backup, especially with Huard gone. Thigpen was thrown into the fire and helped keep the Chiefs close... only 2 wins last year but 7 losses were by a TD or less. They had to adjust the offense for him though, that's why we were running the spread. More time to prepare as a legit backup (vs the 3rd or 4th string as he was last year) and I think he'll be fine. I'm still not sure we'll keep Larry Johnson, but we'll see, he's lost his burst IMO.
The biggest thing Cassel has shown vs a fresh QB in the draft is the ability to play at this level. Some quarterbacks hit the NFL and splatter, and others hit the NFL and become Matt Ryan.
The Chiefs need to ensure the OL is good, and give Cassel some better targets to throw to... Bowe still developing and Gonzo may or may not be on the way out.
There's a bit to debate, for sure... Cassel the product of a system or a good quarterback? His success the result of the tools he had in New England or was it him that helped them get many of those wins?
One thing is for sure, if you're a team that needs a leader on defense, and a starting quarterback, and have an opportunity to pick Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel with your 2nd pick in the draft, you'd be rushing to the front of the room with that on your draft card.
One site reporting there are '2010 considerations' in the trade, so could see some more picks or something involved later. Incredible trade when you consider Sage was just dealt for a 4th, and Schaub last year was dealt for 2 2nd rounders.
