Adam Schefter, NFL Network

" Our number three Dennis and Callahan Mike Felger in for Dennis Gerry Callahan alongside an on the line. Adam shot after NFL network nfl.com he joins us on the program good morning -- But -- and get a fan that lives in Merry Christmas would you Adam. Would you get offended if we said Merry Christmas were."

" On the side adolescent and what. Happy polish that having everybody this is. Earnest at any different but in these purple. Topped difficult I think the revel in the east."

" Does not -- point that this is not yours point. -- Christmas and -- know items I don't sentencing that opposites shall -- someone who gets offended if he -- America's. I I got lots of Jewish friends include all you guys here and I never seen anyone even real stock. And passes don't -- ended -- if someone says -- sense of a Christmas card. You open up a Christmas cards that dammit this Christmas all my should say season greetings all my basic ingredients and it sort of bugs me. It does I mean I'm who has yet they have a clear the opposite you wish the people be so sensitive. What were all off for Christmas rattle off product is let's celebrate the holiday that gives me the day off that -- out. Lately Adam why should I take the Arizona Cardinals hitters."

" Well. I know that it lost Hideki for the Jets and it was great Becky -- Eagles have lost in embarrassing fashion at but I think at this point. Of the season this team this thing to prove they get embarrassed last week it's Minnesota. Is. They had eight Pittsburgh type of mindset and it was kind of -- and I don't think those coaches have been allowed these guys to play cute dog game general."

" Did really well proper mindset is this a tough team. All of a sudden really."

" You know all of this. I had suppressed in the Cardinals team and the wanted -- they told they west isn't valid then in Philadelphia subpoena from the game on Thanksgiving I was. That this is -- corporate guys. Some of that -- is. It did what a guy who was that are that are in the lethal -- that -- the best group of players he's ever been around."

" So what did one last week tell us what they did today did they quit today it is. The bad don't."

" It was kind of game where it -- football. Games. In optic. But they scored I think last week the economic effect. My brother in law. And survivor pool and so it did it start that was 400 people deducting sixty. -- 10000 dollars the price that. Take an active role in. But try to -- to win that's okay because. They hit a pay cut off I brought a lot of weapons. So I'd I'd but last year that people and and I had surrendered a few people and Arizona Minnesota given exit. They Arizona clinch the division first division. Title since what nineteen. I think there's a personal politics making 47. This first because it's going to be dead -- whatever was. And and it was the feeling that -- the edit the plate or ministers place for everything -- strong running game. And that's what happened at Arizona beautiful -- Flat in Minnesota did not not at this study here. This -- just April -- and I think these cars to say they were talking about just a basic common predictable motion of football just like they XP pro less -- That he is not going to let that happen again."

" I understood the defense in the Patriots obviously have issues on defense but. They gave up four touchdown passes in. In the first eleven completions from Tarvaris Jackson who is no Matt Cassel and you know receiving. Court is. Is not. Randy Moss Wes Welker. Gaffney Faulk the Patriots have more weapons and a better more explosive offense and they are home a million. So what happens to the Arizona defense to the flip a switch in and suddenly start covering guys."

" Well Doug did they're going to struggle you know what. I think doing those quarterbacks are not -- covering Fitzgerald Boldin rested. It goes both ways you you're asking me for recent figures are seriously I would just tell you that. I'm not expecting a simple game for the Patriots -- Sunday."

" I'd I mean that's different but I mean Arizona goes out to Washington loses goes to the Jets. Get smoked 56 point they go to Philly on Thanksgiving game you're talking about 48. -- Carolina I mean you'd mentioned it to make bloody east play outside. They're getting drilled."

" Not admit that it undeniable. But my point is. I get somebody to separate it not happen again that's all about I I don't expect to win the game but I don't expect it will get."

" Okay so you do like the Patriots tell me why I should take Kurt Warner more seriously when the last time I really you know that is Giants years of watching him play outside. He got -- knock at the same guys won his. Under a roof."

" Well. I think you're talking about. What a more accurate quarterback checklists sort of more productive quarterbacks have -- history indicates he's a good quarterback great receiving you don't like court order. All they went. So do you all think quarterback Award -- Beijing veteran quarterback he put better addition of Brent --"

" Let's send them much in the discus -- a ball Pro Bowl is. His current want your MVP. -- guess we guess you have an MVP already in mind."

" You know I don't would have produced an election reside -- automatic rule that I can double -- but it'll last placed team you know valuable but they'd be of their -- last place. I got a couple of ideas right now as we go forward I guess I got to ideas that I am going to moan about -- or offensive or defensive."

" I'd defensive. DeMarcus Ware. Offense. Matty Ryan."

" I look that it and he might be right there but I think I would really treat Peterson. Right now right now right you know like I said it a few we should've stayed up. A lot will depend another -- finishes the Cowboys lose the last two games or -- short of the playoffs I couldn't vote for the markets where."

" says there's like ten candidates who have seen this I don't know -- seen this in any sport. And -- all all of a chance to make their case for MVP in the last two weeks. And all in on this not a lot of meaningless games yet at least not for the good team for the bad ones. So they can win the MVP. In these next two games in these next you know eight days."

" Cool I was -- question midseason you don't give repeatedly has said. It's going to be decided in the second half of the season and now it's at the point where that race so close -- it's going to be decided in the final two weeks my mind."

" Adam -- and a on the -- amassed an off season question. Patriots need is obvious that the defensive secondary. Passable as a guy that we've heard a lot about out -- openly got to see him firsthand last week Randy Moss beat -- pretty consistently in that game. Caught three balls against -- mowed through three holding calls. Against that some. Is -- going to be afraid of the or are the Raiders going to franchise him or is he really going to be on the market. The Patriots a team that you think would be in play for him. And second with the John Dennis questions see. If the if not impossible. Who else is out there for the Patriots."

" Well first of all. In regards to not need here absolutely. Unequivocally. Not even a question point franchise and yet."

" Okay so take off the board."

" It it is now always say this but what they let that guy just he wants out of Oakland or -- just switched agents. And switched over to count on the demand daughter of CAA. Law are. Probably the most powerful agents in the business -- I think that those guys can do anything he did it at a local. I don't because the best quarterback in football."

" I've got a trade possibility for you when -- that can act Cassel and I'd tell us a bowl and and me."

" I a lot of -- Is if your. Why would you trade your best quarterback. The best player can't -- for a quarterback will give a hundred million dollars invested -- JaMarcus Russell."

" Because John has dementia and because castles better than JaMarcus Russell."

" Well it'd better that you -- of that value get no argument. It's meant that point but. It's not a movie to make right now and I'll I'll tell you what I want. I guess it's a real long time before we see -- make a deal to New England Patriots to get."

" That's probably right it probably it's as it was eight --"

" Not so. Safe bet not it will not be -- on the market for sure and I'm -- to -- be available certainly. You want to know what was an ex quarterback analyst at. A guy that I think will have a lot of appeal out there. Who won't get the franchise -- I think could be tested or could be up 32 so that he will be -- the Robinson used to quarter Houston Texans quarterback who. To -- a free agent formidable picked. Lola was a great player -- secret is that rookie year. -- that is -- came back the field this year played well players apiece CL used to put that there's that your. And rarely did top young quarterback should the market and my guess is that he would be one of the top ones out differently and to be able to go aside."

" Okay here's a maybe a more important question you're close with Patriots ownership so I know you have a clue on this because you told us about it Ellis Thomas the day before it happened. It seems like this this team goes in waves of we're going to spend money this year we're not going to spend money this year. All of 3 was a huge year we know with Colvin Harrison Tyrone Poole Ted Washington. 6 was a down year than they come back O'Sullivan splashed. With Moss Welker Kelley Washington. Donte' Stallworth except -- okay. Then last year they did nothing -- last year in free agency and it's kinda guy above veteran minimum all right. Is -- nine going to cycle back to one of those years where they are aggressive or does economy playing what's going to be they're spending mood that's like."

" Well I can't answer that just give -- might -- written heatley -- should be that. I think -- to always -- disparity that issue I think just because it is sad but Lester doesn't mean that they weren't. Willits spent it is such a relationship already lost a bet -- free -- 327. Million dollars that was a rather large acquisition right."

" I mean I don't know but I -- Adam I know they want to sell -- like that and you know if you like help with that no problem I'd much. Hope they resigned the wrong guy but it's a huge needs -- where elsewhere and they came home with Fernando Bryant at minimum salary was cut from the Lions well."

" It may they may try to moves left -- That they've made Beckett the Australian. Two and Dallas didn't want. Where they wanted to Super Bowl and you're saying look -- Target range Sidney -- okay the guys that chip -- and everybody was ready that's going to be a trip to their critics here try to -- free agents. Quantity of the bargain basement guy so it can't -- that you doubt I would say that I keep economy. Is going to affect it'll lot of teams and I'd do -- get a player like TJ Houshmandzadeh. Or. Somebody like that -- for Eric top free -- clearly. Okay. Those guys get paid. Chris can't seeded Dallas cowboys' defense event didn't get paid a premier position. But once you get past that. Top tier free agents. I think the owners should've pulled back which I really deal I think it's going to be tougher on that -- level player. They get these elite level contract. That it becomes routine in free agency in the years that."

" Have you heard anything lately. About Matt Cassel and his future and."

" You know a couple of thoughts here and hoping we stuck that this that. I spoke to teams about -- the Patriots can -- that make conversations. And this feeling it's. That it's going to be very difficult for that the franchise -- at this French president church creative there's no guarantee that other team trade for a minute if you have him. And you're carrying that fourteen plus million dollar salary do you really -- Tom Brady's base salary the next two years it is at least fourteen."

" Adam -- know what I mean is no guarantee some trades you'll you'll get so if you may not get what you want. But don't tell me that also there's not a team that they'll give -- a second or third round."

" That gave up for match we've gone over many times it was two thirds of them two thirds. And then flipped. They gave up. Something's out and going to catch something will be study largely."

" They did -- but I spoke with is the Patriots are too good and too smart to let him walk for not like the okay I don't know how it's going to play out exactly just yet. I don't know what they know exactly how to play practice yet. Okay but to see eight Frontline player walk out the door for not to return. That's ultimately that and."

" Well that's. They're not -- day. It's that we're a franchise and trade and they may not get that -- first runners or even 81 I -- get a first amid tell me tell you don't teams overpay for quarterbacks that fall in love with quarterbacks or is. And you know they they're not just players their faces of the French as their their marketing. Vehicles they they they give up stuff."

" Don't mean did -- attendance. You're you're talking like hitting a first -- expect out of it came. That -- quarterback."

" And out at top collected through you don't get me and my second round pick from Detroit is almost the first that's the."

" Okay so -- keep it topic. I don't believe. Is going to be trading. It's going to be treating eight mile at top and expect -- I I don't keep."

" And I'll tell you what Adam I don't know the Patriots won a top ten pick daylight next. In the team's hitting has more value their anyway the the money the bonus money you're given out these top five guys they. And that money I don't think. As I'll be as it sounds want to top five."

" That that -- great point and a -- last year and it was sitting at seven all out. They're at their two top rated players. Jerod Mayo and Dominique Rodgers to party potatoes the two players they want it. And they would keep going back and they -- they had comment. Sport Detroit to fifteen which would take a drug -- they had a decision as far back as fourteen. They got back to -- they would immediately got to 111213 fourteen at stake -- they would of kept parlay that pick. But they got ten they couldn't go any further so -- wanted to mail right yes."

" I smuggle back we'll let him finish that thing out of the free agency in the spending money or not at a monument in the 1 year and I think people get stuck on that too much if you look at the Patriots history. I think the whole league's history. As we've gone for here but certainly the Patriots after all won when they've shot at the bargain rack. They've gotten crap all one they hit and as you've gone forward when they've spent little they've gotten little -- last it was certainly the case voted him in other examples if you want. And there's a reason for that I believe is instinct condition in the league. Back in 1. There were still teams struggling with the salary cap trying to get under trying to figure out how to beat it. The numbers weren't as high as they are now back you know one you'll remember Adam. We used to get to June 1. And teams used to unload all these players because they need to take advantage of a certain date and a and it -- and then in the CBS K to get under the cap. Well I can't the last time someone was cut it to one who could play it doesn't exist teams have figured out the cap. The caps have grown so much there's just. Billions of dollars all of the league so my point is is that good players are very rarely available anymore nowadays teams sign them."

" I was getting cut in late February now."

" But but but they're not good they're not as good you could get better you could get a Mike Vrabel. It as a second tier guy in a one nowadays those guys get paid by the team that that helped them because the cap space is their Adam that's my point."

" That as an -- is a very developed what if you look at the list last year all the teams the cap space they had. There or have been very -- there were pressed up against the cap Washington's lowest the New York Jets were. But -- were not many in that particular situation that were forced to cut. -- mid level player who might make a difference -- and."

" Jets were up against the cap this site Calvin Pace Al Alan Faneca they trade for Brett Favre and they. I don't like to -- Giricek thank --"

" They average up into the got -- forward but I'd. Adam is that a billion dollars last year."

" They once they expect them audience free agency the first the first couple weeks that you don't -- it okay to -- that's what they were up against it. And the reason that they collect Teddy -- they -- kept -- If they could afford it. But they had at that particular point. Eight million dollars -- salary cap space they were taking on Brett Favre twelve million dollar contract. They had to put any -- To free up the money right there. Eight million and they had to make other. Significant roster contract restructured to make sure that it -- far under the cap."

" I could talk and while another example I was going to keep him anyway him in -- and it."

" kept him pretty exact reason of what happens once they did release them you know you hole out to a it is that you can -- him. What other teams that get something back to return -- I can't. -- summit in Miami Dolphins a week later as faced the prospect of that. Very quarterback that you -- ain't got nothing short term -- talked about. With the Patriots avoiding coming back to beat you're -- on the spot also initiated the cost to keep -- playoff spot."

" A year ago you know that that's what we've we have him on every week and -- it brings it man you are you in Jacksonville."

" injected the next game."

" It was hot -- isn't going to happen Adam tonight Peyton Manning's going to light it up even though. Marvin Harrison is not there right not with the team."

" what he has seen that."

" Espn.com says you have an at -- Harrison has not to travel to Jacksonville with the team."

" You know what I was steady in the lobby of the team -- they were walking issue way to do interviews. And daddy say that. That would be I cannot recall seeing part of what kept you right."

" So Manning lights it up blows away the Jaguars and by Sunday morning in between all the TO interviews and all that TO discussion everyone's gonna say. Indianapolis is the one team no one wants to face in the playoffs and Peyton Manning is Europe's favorite for the two win another MVP."

" Well anyway he he's definitely harder than definitely he's he's that instead of forgot about them. He's definitely in the conversation right now that this is that fifth straight seasons that they that it winning streak of at least seven games. Except believable okay and that he was on the ropes early they were doing what it -- go to -- lost in Minnesota right. They're they're awarding. Q what do I think it's like it used to action St. Louis post gift wrap against them. Okay they lose those two games there done. Done -- to talk about it anymore."

" And tonight they can win their eleventh game."

" Yeah add to that that was their eleventh game migrant."

" Adams after NFL network you can read about nfl.com Adam thanks to taking the time Merry Christmas look at to next week. -- I don't know I promise I can argue and."

" Also -- that says yeah I like the Buick and without being specific. Unique agree point and read and heard you say that. EET it's an overrated in the -- in salary cap -- wanted salary -- salary cap -- sell the capital of an exit -- let me read in the book about the Cowboys talk about the -- negotiations like Emmitt Smith and Troy Aikman said they had to get under the cap which was at the time. 27 million or -- ago. It just goes up in the opener -- 130 remotely think that it's it's it's 8 since Emmitt was holding out it's gone up like -- hundred million dollars. They can get product and we just time alone gets you out of salary cap hell. But your point is that note quality TV money it's gotten so crazy that the caps or giant -- and knee. Every team now -- apologist and been at it now for fourteen years they've all figured out that there in the late ninety's and early two thousands teams -- coming to grips with all the and we were led to -- he's hit a bomb to gene -- illegible elect the Redskins would never be able to sign another player for the rest of the league to the end of times by whoever they want and they. That's -- other all the guys on -- the model Colts would be am stronger -- by themselves -- the ground. Well done is make the playoffs every year like eight straight and -- now we hear people around here GCC they can't. Franchise Cassel because if they do Vince Wilfork relief and first of all they could second of all. They would trade him ten minutes have to write franchise them up thirty seconds they could hit the -- tomorrow and work out betrayed and why is that you I'm ledger with in this exact replica bag and against the wall from month. Why is that discussion what are they going to do with them. They're going to trade him of course one option is there. I didn't easy he'd call and say we'll keep and LB of backed up for fourteen million like in like kill goal along with that plan to be real happy being a back up 27 years old or he walks away for nothing. Those two are not to. Reasonable. Viable a possibility -- there's only one. It was like until -- a missed some -- They sign on the franchise that traded to people don't get that when you -- people think when you franchise -- automatically paying him not. You don't until her you know I don't Italy -- the soccer all this designation like oh that's not what differences was intended for -- want thome who object to. -- going to go somewhere else getting huge contract like seventy million dollar contract he's going to start they're going to get their starting quarterback for me. Late first second round pick whenever -- get a guy who -- broken play in this league and the Patriots are going to get. Something back ray backed up a guy who wasn't going to stop them anyway. Who's gonna have a problem with that scenario and Jared Allen and have a problem yesterday from -- in Minnesota in the same situation happens every single year 617779850. 888525850. Metre break follicles."