Patriots trade Cassel, Vrabel to Chiefs

The New England Patriots must feel certain Tom Brady's injured knee will be fine next season.

After putting the franchise tag on Matt Cassel as insurance for their two-time Super Bowl MVP, the Patriots shipped Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel to Kansas City on Saturday. The Chiefs gave up shockingly little - the 34th overall pick in the April draft for both players.

The Chiefs have the third overall selection following a franchise-worst 2-14 season. In yielding their second-round draft choice, they acquire a reliable 12-year veteran linebacker and a proven young quarterback who could immediately fill one of their most urgent needs.

Brady's rehab of a severe knee injury was set back when an infection forced a second operation. By putting the franchise tag on Cassel, New England would have had to pay him $14.5 million to keep him as a backup.

Broncos sign Dawkins: The Denver Broncos signed seven-time Pro Bowl safety Brian Dawkins to a two-year, $9 million deal. Dawkins spent his entire 13-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Although Dawkins turns 36 next season and is clearly on the downside of his career, he brings a hard-hitting style and leadership qualities coveted by new Broncos coach Josh McDaniels.

Cowboys acquire Kitna: The Dallas Cowboys took care of one of their top off-season priorities when they acquired quarterback Jon Kitna as the likely backup for Tony Romo.

Then the Cowboys signed linebacker Keith Brooking to a three-year deal worth about $6 million - with about $2.5 million guaranteed - to provide a veteran defender familiar with coach Wade Philips at a position the Cowboys expect to lose at least one free agent. The Cowboys got Kitna from Detroit for starting cornerback Anthony Henry.

Extra points: The New York Jets shored up their shaky secondary, acquiring two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Lito Sheppard from the Philadelphia Eagles for undisclosed draft picks. ... The St. Louis Rams made Jason Brown the highest-paid center in the NFL, signing the former Baltimore Ravens lineman to a five-year, $37.5 million deal, including $20 million guaranteed. ... Tight end Jim Kleinsasser has re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings for a three-year, $9 million contract.