The nation's Soccer League deal

The nation's Soccer League deal saw Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel sent to the Chiefs for Kansas Town's second-round pick, 34th overall, in Apr's NFL Draft. "It is so easy to root for blokes like Matt Cassel, who do everything the correct way and flourish as a result," Patriots coach Bill Belichick asserted. "As much as we might have loved to resume working with Matt, we wish him nothing but the best as he takes this next step forward in his career.".

Cassel, set to be paid 14.65 million greenbacks next season, gives the Chiefs stability at a difficulty spot. Kansas Town had 3 starters in a 2-14 campaign, the worst in club history.

Kitna, a 12-year vet, will serve as a backup for Tony Romo after missing almost all of Detroit's winless 2008 campaign with a back injury. Dawkins, 35, had 34 career interceptions and 1,294 tackles in a team-record 183 games for the Eagles.