From: Boston Herald

The Patriots are preparing to franchise quarterback Matt Cassel next month rather than let him walk away in free agency, according to a published report. Following up on a report in the National Football Post, ESPN reported yesterday that the Pats will apply the tag to Cassel for a little more than $14 million. Franchising Cassel will give the Patriots some protection in the event starting quarterback Tom Brady is not ready to go because of knee surgery. The move also will allow the Pats to get something for Cassel, who’s coming off a breakout year, should they deem Brady healthy and want to trade his understudy