Matt Cassel wants to earn more than $3.7 million in 2014 after a surprisingly solid season as the Minnesota Vikings’ starting quarterback.
Cassel intends to void his contract to become a free agent, according to ESPN 1500 Twin Cities. Cassel had one year left on his deal and was set to make $3.7 million in 2014.
By testing free agency, Cassel must think he can earn more on the open market. He also might be maneuvering around the Vikings’ continual uncertainty at the quarterback position after Minnesota oscillated between him, Christian Ponder and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman under center last season.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network lists the Vikings, Buccaneers, Houston Texans, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos or Atlanta Falcons as possible landing spots for Cassel. The Vikings quarterback threw for 1,807 yards in nine games (six starts) in 2013. He had 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions with a 60.2 completion percentage. His 81.6 passer rating was the third highest of his nine-year career.
Cassel played for the Patriots from 2005 until 2008. He threw for 3,693 yards with 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while leading the Patriots to an 11-5 record when Tom Brady missed the 2008 season with a torn ACL.
The free-agent market for quarterbacks is shallow this offseason. Freeman, Michael Vick, Josh McCown, Shaun Hill and Chad Henne are the best available players.
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