2012 Week 7: Ryan Mallett Traded to Chiefs, May Start Against Raiders

Just three years after trading their second round pick to New England for their backup quarterback, the Chiefs have done it again. In a shocking mid-season move, Kansas City has traded their 2013 2nd round pick and rookie quarterback Ryan Lindley to the Patriots for quarterback Ryan Mallett.

This trade comes after a string of three horrible games by Matt Cassell, in which he has completed only 19 out of 51 passes for 254 yards, 1 touchdown and 6 interceptions. This trade could spell the end to his starting job, something that fans have been begging for the last few weeks.

“I live here year round. I’ve had nothing but support from the people in Kansas City,” Cassel said. “From the people we’ve met, my wife has met and my children go to school with.”

“The fact of the matter is, Kansas City is a great place to play. We have a passionate fan base. I’m sure that they’re frustrated. We’re frustrated as well.”

No doubt there will be some that are frustrated by Cassel’s politically correct answers, but it would be silly to expect anything else from him. He has never been one to rock the boat and he’s smart enough to know that taking on the fans at any level is a losing proposition.

Cassel’s play has put him on thin ice with the fan base, but coming out against them — even if it’s just a small group — would make Coach West getting him back into the starting lineup that much harder.

Especially if 24-year-old Ryan Mallett, nicknamed “Big Tex”, lives up to expectations. Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Mallett has never thrown a pass in a regular or postseason NFL game. The 6’6 238 pound quarterback is known for his arm strength, something that Cassel clearly is lacking this season.

Ryan Mallett had a very short but prolific career at Arkansas, after transferring from Michigan. In just two years he threw for 7493 yards and 62 touchdowns, before foregoing his senior season to declare for the NFL draft.

The Chiefs have their bye this week, and Mallett is receiving first-team reps. They host the undefeated Oakland Raiders in week 8.

When asked if Mallett would get his first start against their rival, coach West replied “You don’t give up that high of a pick for a guy who will ride the bench. Our passing game has been a problem this season, and I mean to fix it.”