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The 2014 season should be an interesting one for the quarterback position. A solid amount of teams need a quarterback and with the deep incoming class in the draft, teams will clamor for a capable team captain. There will be some decent free agent options available this offseason and one more name will apparently be available.
According to multiple reports, Matt Cassel has opted out of the final year of his contract with the Minnesota Vikings. By doing so, Cassel is forgoing a $3.7 million salary and might be looking to compete for a starting job this season. If not, he may land on a strong team with an established starter at quarterback as a valuable insurance plan backup. Regardless, he didn't appear to be in the Vikings' plans going forward.
Cassel started six games last season and went 3-3, but also came in to play two other games which the Vikings came out victorious. There are a couple of bullet points on Cassel's resume worth noting. He had a strong 2010 campaign with the Chiefs, throwing for over 3,100 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions and made the Pro Bowl. They made the playoffs that season and lost in the first round to the Ravens. That was a follow-up to a 2008 season with the Patriots when he led New England to an eleven-win season in relief of the injured Tom Brady.
Though the postseason success hasn't been there, Cassel has had some regular season success and has a 32-36 record as a starter. He has solid size at 6'4" and 230 pounds and could be looked at by a team who might want a solid veteran option to add to their roster.