If the Patriots decide to keep quarterback Matt Cassel as Tom Brady's backup, he's completely content with the decision. Cassel told Comcast SportsNet's Michael Felger on Thursday night that contract negotiations haven't begun, but he's open to returning in a reserve role. "If the situation is what it is, then I would accept it and I would continue to do what I have done my entire career which is work hard, put my best foot forward and continue to work on the things that I need to and put out my best effort. "This is Tom's team," Cassel added. "The Patriots have been Tom's team. He's built that franchise up with his own two hands. He's the guy, and he was the MVP the year before. I realize that. He's been such a mentor for me that I would say, 'No, there is no quarterback competition.' But I've learned so many things from Tom, and hopefully it'll help me in my career."