Speaking to some people around the league about the Patriots surprising decision to cut Kevin O’Connell just a year after making a third-round pick, and they believe the team could end up dealing him before actually losing him on waivers.

It’s generally expected that the Chiefs, run by Bill Belichick’s former right-hand man, Scott Pioli, will claim O’Connell. However, Broncos coach Josh McDaniels, another Belichick product, could also use a quarterback and wouldn’t want to see a division rival get the prospect for nothing on waivers (Kansas City would get first crack as result of a worse record in 2008). So, some believe Belichick will parlay O’Connell into a late-round pick from Denver (or possibly somewhere else).

“I can’t imagine Belichick just giving away a third-round pick,” one league source said. “He’s going to try to squeeze McDaniels for a pick.”

O’Connell has strong athletic skills, but has been inconsistent. The Patriots are expected to acquire a more experienced option behind Tom Brady (Andrew Walter remains in New England, too), with A.J. Feeley a player they have interest in, league sources said.

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