More money in the cards for Cassel?

The rest of the Patriots 2008 season may prove another steppingstone for Matt Cassel, as well as a bigger payday for him at season's end. "These players are all human stocks. They go up and down," an agent said yesterday. "But right now, we're at the midterm with Cassel. Let's see what happens down the road. Right now, his stock has definitely risen." In fact, Cassel would command something in the $6 million to $8 million per year range to be a starter next season, according to the agent. Should he remain a backup somewhere and continue to perform well, he could see something like $3 million per year, which Todd Collins was given to back up Jason Campbell in Washington. Even that would be a big raise from the $520,000 Cassel is making this season. -- Boston Herald