So long, Mike Vrabel

I can't say I had ever considered the possibility that Mike Vrabel would not be a Patriot in 2009, yet the news broke today that the Patriots traded him to the Kansas City Chiefs for an undisclosed draft pick. My first reaction when I heard the news: "whaaa?"

This definitely makes me sad--not because I think the Pats made a terrible mistake with this trade--but because the trade is a sign that Vrabel is likely near the end of his career. The Chiefs didn't sign him to be a playmaking presence in their linebacking corps--they signed him to help guide a young team and lead by example. Since Vrabel has always been one of those players who has been satisfied with a palatable salary to play in New England, this move wasn't made for salary cap reasons. No, this is an indication that for whatever reason (age, injuries), the Patriots don't think he can play at a high level for more than another year or so.

What bums me out is the sad reality that the cornerstones of the Patriots dynasty are getting old and are almost gone from the game. Troy Brown and Willie McGinest have retired, Rodney Harrison may retire this offseason, Vrabel has been traded away, and 2009 is likely the last year of Tedy Bruschi's NFL career.

Though the trade details have not been released yet, my guess is that it is probably the Chief's 4th round pick (the 3rd pick of the second day). Anything less, and I'd be pretty appalled that we were robbed of watching him play one more year for virtually nothing in return.