The Kansas City Chiefs Saturday received Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel from the New England Patriots for a 2nd round draft pick, a relative song considering the price tag that allegedly had been hung on the backup to Tom Brady.

John Clayton and John Seibel on ESPN Radio this afternoon were doing some solid analysis of the first couple days of free agency. They’re two of the better hosts out there and they definitely have their hands on the pulse of the league.

But when they said Tony Gonzalez and Dwayne Bowe have to be thrilled with the acquisition of Cassel, I’m not sure I agree.

Sure, Cassel had a fantastic season and got better almost every week filling in for Brady after the NFL’s best quarterback tore up his knee in week one. And sure, the Chiefs struggled at quarterback for most of the last couple years.

But Tyler Thigpen started showing signs late in 2008 that his NFL career might have some juice. Gonzalez put up one of his best statistical seasons ever, scoring 10 touchdowns on 96 catches and eclipsing 1,000 yards for the fourth time.

And Bowe followed up a 70 catch rookie season with 86 catches for 1,022 yards and 7 touchdowns.

I’m not disputing that Cassel could likely be a better quarterback than Thigpen – though I have some questions about whether or not he can follow up his successful 2008 when not surrounded by Randy Moss, Wes Welker and the multitude of weapons the Patriots have both on the field and on the sidelines.

I also think it’s perfectly reasonable for new GM Scott Pioli and head coach Todd Haley to bring in their own guy to run their new offense.

But I am urging caution for Chiefs fans. In order for Gonzalez and Bowe to be completely happy I think there have to be more moves to come. That’s largely because while the Chiefs offense was inconsistent at times during 2008 it was not the main reason the Chiefs went 2-14.

Kansas City lost five games in which the defense gave up 31, 21, 31, 27 and 24 points. The defense gave up 30 or more points seven times while holding teams under 20 points in just four contests.

The Chiefs did also receive veteran linebacker Mike Vrabel in the Cassel deal and that can’t hurt. But Vrabel alone isn’t going to reverse the fortunes of a team that was one of just five to give up more than 400 points last season.

So sure, Cassel likely gives the Chiefs a better option for running a more conventional pro style offense than did Thigpen or oft-injured Brodie Croyle. And Cassel earned the opportunity to go somewhere as a starter in 2009.

But if anyone expects him to duplicate the numbers he put up with New England last year they’re likely going to be highly disappointed, at least for awhile.