Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel had until Friday to opt out of the second year of the two-year deal he signed in Minnesota last year. He opted not to push his decision to the deadline.Per a league source, Cassel already has exercised his right to extinguish the final season of the contract.And so, instead of making $3.7 million in Minnesota next year, the former Chiefs starter will become a free agent on March 11. It remains to be seen whether another team will give him a chance to compete for the starting job, or whether he’ll join a new franchise as the backup.Cassel appeared in nine games last year, with six starts. He won three and lost three, but Cassel had key roles in the team’s only two other victories of the season, coming off the bench to engineer wins over Washington and Chicago.The lingering New England connection could lure Cassel to Houston and former Pats assistant Bill O’Brien. With the Texans, Cassel could be paired with a first-round draft pick, mentoring the youngster and possibly playing until the rookie is ready.Cassel also could end up being the backup to Matt Ryan in Atlanta, where the man who brought him to Kansas City (Scott Pioli) is now the assistant G.M.Then there’s Tampa, where new defensive coordinator (and former Vikings coach) Leslie Frazier could vouch for Cassel to coach Lovie Smith and offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford, neither of whom seem to be sold on Mike Glennon.It’s also possible that Cassel returns to Minnesota with a contract that better reflects his potential role as a starter. But with the Vikings having a new coach and a new offensive coordinator, a second season becomes less likely.The move leaves the Vikings with only one quarterback under contract for 2014: Christian Ponder. Which means that the Vikings will be adding multiple quarterbacks over the next three months.
Link: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/07/cassel-has-opted-out-of-his-contract/
I don't know that it means he's coming to Tampa, but I'm pretty sure it means he thinks he'll playing somewhere next year. Leaving 3.7 million on the table is dumb unless he believes strongly he'll get a legitimate shot somewhere next year.
Could be as backup.That, or cassel wants to get the hell out of that craphole.
Not thanks! Cassel is a downgrade from Glennon and my opinion of Glennon is a backup.
Not thanks! Cassel is a downgrade from Glennon and my opinion of Glennon is a backup.
Having gone round and round with you on Glennon...for you to think Cassel is worse speaks volumes lol
Not thanks! Cassel is a downgrade from Glennon and my opinion of Glennon is a backup.
Having gone round and round with you on Glennon...for you to think Cassel is worse speaks volumes lol
The facts speak for themselves. I won't interject my personal experience watching him play for the Pat's either. No need as the facts trump anything I could say. :)Career rating of 80.5 I want that on my team! Not to mention they were forced to get Freeman over Cassel to try to win games. No thanks!
Competition, Vet and a backup. Serves the purpose well. As a starter? Meh.
He's better than Dan the man Orlovsky. I'd take him as the backup Glennon Cannon.
Matt Cassel would be a worse option than Mike Glennon. At least Glennon protects the football.
Puke.
he's going to Houston? His coach is there? they are a contender? . . sort of
Nah.... I'd rather hold out hope for a QB in the draft that will be taken well before the #7 selection....
Matt Cassel would be a worse option than Mike Glennon. At least Glennon protects the football.
It's possible that tedford thinks he can get the best football from cassel.A quick look through cassel's career seems to show his need for good coaching. If he has that, is seems he's a solid option.The short term stuff is my problem with it. It also might fly in the face of what the glazers said about long term, sustainable success. Nonetheless, he should be a backup option, nothing more.
This is a move I would expect the previous regime to make. Good thing Lovie is in town, now I don't have to worry about such nonsense taking place.
Lol. Bashing them for things they never actually did and in all likelihood never even considered doing. The butthurt is strong with this one.
