Matt Cassel Released by Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs released quarterback Matt Cassel Thursday, continuing a 2013 offseason of drastic change at the position.

NFL.com's Around the League Twitter page broke the news:

The team traded for former San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith earlier this offseason and recently acquired former New Orleans Saints backup Chase Daniel in free agency. The writing on the wall from those moves implied that Cassel's time in KC was finished.

Cassel had a breakout season with the New England Patriots back in 2008 when he filled in for injured superstar Tom Brady to guide the team to 11 victories. 

That triggered a lucrative, long-term contract with the Chiefs once former Pats executive Scott Pioli took over as GM in Kansas City.

However, things did not quite pan out for the signal-caller with his new team. An outstanding 2010 season saw Cassel throw for 27 touchdowns and just seven interceptions as the Chiefs won the AFC West—only to lose in the Wild Card Round to the Baltimore Ravens.

Other than that year, it has been a pretty tumultuous time for Cassel. Injuries and poor play cut short the past two seasons. Cassel appeared in just nine games in 2012 and the same amount in 2011, throwing 16 touchdowns and 21 interceptions and registering a per-attempt average of just over 6.4.

With $7.5 million in salary due this year (h/t Pro Football Talk), it was an easy decision for the Chiefs' brass to cut Cassel loose. Due to the shallow quarterback market, it's possible that Cassel catches on elsewhere. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that the Buccaneers, Cardinals and Vikings are all interested.

Cassel's chances of being a starter, though, are not so good after his lackluster finish to his tenure with the Chiefs.