Information on the Cassel Mystery Teams

Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting that Tampa Bay and Detroit along with Denver were in the mix of the mystery teams trying to get in on the Matt Cassel Trade.

Tampa approached Denver to try to make a three-way trade that would have sent Cassel to the Broncos and quarterback Jay Cutler to the Buccaneers. The Broncos entertained the notion and pondered it but ultimately decided against it.

Also, the Lions approached the Broncos about a trade for Cutler, trying to dangle Cassel as bait. Once again, Denver debated the deal and opted against it apparently. What made it a moot point was that while all Tampa, Detroit and Denver engaged in trade talks with New England, the Patriots went ahead and dealt Cassel to the Chiefs.

The Broncos are denying their interest in trading Cutler, but the connection between new Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels, who was Matt Cassel's OC in New England adds credibility and makes sense as Cassel would fit the offensive strategy of McDaniels. But, as of Saturday afternoon, Cutler was angry to hear that his name had been floated in any trade conversations.

In the end the Chiefs have stolen Cassel away from New England for low compensation, the Broncos still have Cutler and the Lions and Buccaneers continue their search for quarterbacks of the future. Stay tuned as things may be heating up in Tampa and Detroit.