During his eight-year stint as a high-ranking official in the New England Patriots’ front office, Scott Pioli must have learned a lot under head coach Bill Belichick.
For Belichick’s sake, perhaps a bit too much.
That was shown Saturday as Pioli, now general manager for the Kansas City Chiefs, absolutely fleeced his former boss by acquiring quarterback Matt Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel for but a second round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Kansas City gets a possible franchise quarterback and a do-everything linebacker who will be a leader on and off the field in helping the Chiefs learn the Patriot Way. What the Chiefs gave up? A draft selection that, while it is high, would have essentially netted them a talented player with some question marks in one area or another.
Swing and a miss, Bill.
This move has implications for the Packers, as well. Some, myself included, thought the team would yet again make a run at acquiring superstar tight end Tony Gonzalez, perhaps by offering the Chiefs a third (or maybe second) round pick in this year’s draft.
Now, though, it appears likely Kansas City will hang on to Gonzalez.
By hiring an offensive-minded head coach, Todd Haley, and trading for Cassel, the Chiefs are sending a clear message that they are going to try to field a high-powered offensive attack, similar to what the Patriots have done over the past couple years.
Gonzalez will be one of the major players in that attack. Therefore, there will be no green and gold jersey in his future. What a shame.
-Chris Lempesis
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