January 4, 2009 Brock: Franchise tag a 'huge disservice' Play video

(NECN) - Mike Giardi welcomes former Patriots offensive lineman Pete Brock into the NECN studio out of habit, if anything else. With New England's season in the can, the discussion turns to offseason moves -- such as what to do with free agent quarterback Matt Cassel.

"I think they'd be doing him a huge disservice if they franchised him, kept him on this team and Brady comes in and plays," Brock said. "He took it upon himself to better himself to get ready to play the sport."

"But if they're franchising him to say, 'Okay, he's our franchise guy' -- if you want him bad enough -- it has more value for us as Patriots, then I think it's a smart business decision," Brock said.

Of course, Cassel's future truly lies on the fate of Tom Brady's knee. Reports have surfaced that Brady's knee is behind schedule in rehabilitation, only to be refuted in separate reports.

"We're going to find out in August whether he's out there in training camp, or not, doing two-a-days and throwing a football around," Giardi said.

"I bet he is," Brock said.

"I would put my money on Tom Brady," Giardi said.

"I would, too," Brock said.