Vikings Trade Matt Cassel to the Bills: Trade Grade

Well, the Buffalo Bills are not staying away from offseason moves. One day after acquiring LeSean McCoy from the Philadelphia Eagles, they now acquire veteran quarterback Matt Cassel via a trade. Read the details and grades below.

UPDATE: FOX Sports’ Alex Marvez says the Vikings will receive a 5th and 7th round pick, while the Bills pick up a 6th.

Matt Cassel only started three games for the Vikings, posting three touchdowns, four interceptions and a 1-2 record. Cassel endured his best season as a pro playing for Kansas City in 2010. He passed for 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions to go along with a Pro Bowl selection that season as well.

Minnesota will be acquiring undisclosed draft selections while Buffalo will also be receiving a pick from Minnesota in the deal. Buffalo obviously was not sold on QB E.J. Manuel and bringing in Cassel proves Buffalo is poised for a playoff push.

The addition is a random one, but it’s a potential step in the right direction.

Cassel can come in a be a system quarterback like Mark Sanchez was for Ryan in New York. With a running back in LeSean McCoy and Rex Ryan’s ground and pound offense, Cassel won’t have to go out and do everything. Cassel, McCoy, Sammy Watkins and a Rex Ryan defense makes Buffalo a near threat in the AFC East.

Trade Grades

Minnesota– They give up their backup for undisclosed draft picks so there is no chance they are regretting this decision one bit. If they hit on those picks, Minnesota will be ecstatic they went through with this deal. Grade: A

Buffalo– Adding Cassel adds some better play at the QB position.  The fact that Cassel won’t have to go out and be forced to make plays is encouraging — this one is TBD, but it looks just fine on the surface. Grade: B-