If the Patriots decide to keep Matt Cassel as Tom Brady’s backup, Cassel’s OK with it.

Speaking to Comcast SportsNet’s Michael Felger last night, Cassel said contract discussions with the Patriots have not yet begun, but when they do he’d be 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,” Cassel said.

Cassel did a series of TV interviews Thursday after accepting the award as Vizio’s Top Value Performer of the Year. Speaking to ESPN, Cassel made it clear that he doesn’t expect there will be a QB controversy if both he and Brady return.

“This is Tom’s team,” he said. “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.”

Beginning Feb. 5, the Patriots will have two weeks to decide whether or not to place the franchise tag on Cassel. The assumption is they will use it and tender Cassel a one-year deal worth roughly $14 million.

Nifty 50 logo

The Patriots unveiled a 50th anniversary logo for use next season that will, “brand all of the team’s anniversary activities, publications and press announcements in 2009,” according to a press release. The red, white and blue logo features both the team’s original Pat Patriot, as well as the current Flying Elvis.