KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -
The Kansas City Chiefs announced Thursday that they have released quarterback Matt Cassel.
Cassel lost his starting job to Brady Quinn last season and then watched Kansas City trade for Alex Smith to be his replacement.
The move Thursday came less than 24 hours after Smith was introduced at Arrowhead Stadium.
He wasn't out of work for long. ESPN and Fox Sports reported that the Minnesota Vikings signed Cassel. He will compete with current starter Christian for the top play-calling spot.
Cassel was originally acquired by the Chiefs in a 2009 trade that brought him along with linebacker Mike Vrabel to Kansas City from New England in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Cassel was the first major acquisition by the Chiefs under previous general manager Scott Pioli, and he was quickly given a 6-year, $63 million contract. But after leading the Chiefs to the playoffs in 2010, Cassel struggled to live up to the same expectations.
He sustained a season-ending hand injury two years ago, and then lost his job to Quinn after sustaining a concussion last season, spending the rest of the year as the backup.
In four seasons with the Chiefs, Cassel accumulated 9,549 yards on 854 completions (54.7 pct.) with 59 touchdowns and 44 interceptions for a 77.5 rating.
Cassel had two years remaining on his contract.
Copyright 2013 KCTV (Meredith Corp.) All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
