One of the most popular linebackers in recent memory will no longer wear #50 for the New England Patriots as the team traded Mike Vrabel to the Kansas City Chiefs Friday for an undisclosed draft pick.
The 33-year-old joined the Patriots in 2001 after four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He spent eight years on defense for Bill Belichick, becoming an unlikely team leader and helping the club to three Super Bowl championships and an undefeated regular season in 2007.
In 12 years, Vrabel racked up 55 sacks, 11 interceptions and 641 tackles with his 12.5 sacks in ‘07 a career-best. He also became popular for lining up on goal line possessions on offense at the tight end spot and has eight career receiving TDs on just 11 yards.
While the connection to Kansas City is obvious with former Patriots GM Scott Pioli running the show there with a young team, what could the Patriots be up to? They clear $3.35 million in cap room and could be targeting a specific free agent or perhaps be preparing for the acquisition of Carolina Panthers defensive menace Julius Peppers in a rumored deal for quarterback Matt Cassel.
This offseason officially became very real for Patriot Nation, who will undoubtedly miss cheering for #50 on Sundays.
Josh Nason founded the New England and media centric sports blog
Small White Ball in 2007. He can be reached at josh [at] smallwhiteball
[dot-com].
1 response so far ↓
Evan // February 27, 2009 at 11:36 pm |
I couldn’t believe it when I heard. I hope Bill knows what he’s doing.