Having traded to replace him as a starter, Chiefs deem Cassel surplus to requirements.
The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Thursday that they have released quarterback Matt Cassel, as confirmed by NFL.com.
Having brought in Alex Smith from the San Francisco 49ers and Chase Daniel as his back-up, Cassel was deemed to be effectively surplus to requirements.
The Chiefs tried to trade the 30-year-old but given his $7.5m salary guarantee for 2013, it proved to be a difficult task. His departure clears around $6m of salary cap room.
Cassel enjoyed a solid season in 2010, where he threw for 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions as Kansas City won the AFC West championship, while he made the Pro Bowl.
However, he went on to struggle in the next two seasons as he tossed 12 interceptions and fumbled six times in just nine games last year. Things took a turn for the worse when a small section of the crowd applauded after Cassel suffered a concussion during a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Along with a poor effort from the rest of the roster, the Chiefs failure resulted in both head coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Scott Pioli leaving, paving the way for a new strategy.
The franchise signalled their intent to move in a new direction with the acquisitions of Smith and Daniel earlier this week, leaving Cassel facing an imminent exit.
While he may have fallen short of being a “franchise quarterback” during his stint with the Chiefs, Cassel will now be looking for pastures new ahead of the new season.
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