Quarterback Matt Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel are now coming with him.

After putting the franchise tag on Cassel as insurance for their two-time Super Bowl MVP, the Patriots shipped Cassel and linebacker Vrabel to Kansas City on Saturday. The Chiefs gave up shockingly little — the 34th overall pick in the April draft for both players.

The Chiefs have the third overall selection following a franchise-worst 2-14 season. In yielding their second-round draft choice, they acquire a reliable 12-year veteran linebacker and a proven young quarterback who could immediately fill one of their most urgent needs.

Starting quarterback Tom Brady's rehab of a severe knee injury was set back when an infection forced a second operation. By putting the franchise tag on Cassel, New England would have had to pay him $14.5 million to keep him as a backup.

Cassel hadn't started a game since high school but stepped in when Brady was hurt less than eight minutes into the season opener against Kansas City. He went on to throw for 3,693 yards and 21 touchdowns in 15 starts.

"It is very easy to root for guys like Matt Cassel, who do everything the right way and flourish as a result," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said in a statement. "As much as we would have loved to continue working with Matt, we wish him nothing but the best as he takes this next step forward in his career."

Financial compensation on a new contract with Cassel has not been reached yet, a source told FOXSports.com.

The Patriots' 11-5 record kept them out of the playoffs, but Belichick and personnel director Scott Pioli were again hailed for their ability to reach deep into the draft and uncover a gem at quarterback. Brady was the 199th player drafted in 2000 and Cassel was a seventh-round pick in 2005.

Pioli was hired as general manager of the Chiefs in January. About a month later, the housecleaning began — he fired coach Herm Edwards and hired Arizona offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

Now comes this latest move, which will depend on Vrabel and Cassel passing their physicals.

"I have a long history with both players," Pioli said in a statement. "Mike and Matt are men that I respect both personally and professionally. I look forward to having them as new members of the Chiefs family."

Kansas City Chiefs News News » Chiefs acquire Cassel, Vrabel in trade with Pats 2009-03-01
Chiefs acquire Cassel, Vrabel in trade with Pats 2009-03-01
Scott Pioli left the New England Patriots to become Kansas City's general manager. Tom heals wounds