Chiefs head coach Todd Haley watched the Super Bowl with the idea that someday quarterback Matt Cassel will take the Chiefs where Drew Brees and Peyton Manning carried their teams. "I can see him in that role," Haley said. "I don't have any doubt." That's fortunate for Haley, because this year Cassel certainly will get paid like one of the NFL's top quarterbacks. Cassel's base salary of $11.75 million ranks third among 2010 projected starting quarterbacks, behind only former Super Bowl champions Manning of Indianapolis and Brett Favre of Minnesota. Source: Kansas City Star
I knew Cassell came with a high price tag, but didn't realize his contract is at #3 for highest paid NFL QB's...that surprised me. Still, I just read an NFL article related to Cassell's committment with leading the Chiefs to a Super Bowl...the man continues to work daily in the off season towards that goal. From what I've witnessed so far of Matt's ambition and work ethic to be among the best QB's in the NFL, including leading the Chiefs to a Super Bowl and returning the Lombardi to Arrowhead...he appears worthy of his contract. Only time will tell...it takes an average of 5 years playing in the NFL, for a QB to develop talent fully and reveal greatness. As well, a QB can only achieve greatness when his team members and coaches are just as committed to winning.
I've said it before, I like Matt Cassel...I think he'll do fine once he has consistent O-line protection and WR's who don't have a bad case of dropsie's.
He took the Pats to within a game of making the playoffs. And in a season where his Pats won more than the Cardinals who did make them.
I think Charlie Weis will have a HUGE impact on how he develops this year. I couldn't stand him as Notre Dame's head guy...but he could develop QBs and WRs.