Chiefs Release Matt Cassel

November 1, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel (7) during the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers won 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have given up their efforts to force a trade and have released QB Matt Cassel.

It’s true because Adam Schefter said it. Well, tweeted it.

The Chiefs were reportedly trying to trade Cassel but in the end, the QB’s contract was likely too high for any NFL teams to want it on their books. Cassel was due starters’ money in 2013 and his play in 2012 did not do much to inspire anyone that he definitely could take the reigns of an NFL team.

Cassel has had his ups and downs in KC, mostly downs. He was awful in 2009 but bounced back and made the Pro Bowl in 2010. The Chiefs won the AFC West that season and it will be remembered as the high point of the Cassel/Pioli/Haley era.

Unfortunately, Cassel did not continued to build off of his 2010 season. In fact, he regressed in 2011 and was even worse in 2012.

Cassel will now hit the market. The Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots are teams that could be interested in his services. For Cassel, the Vikes might be the best bet. Their starter, QB Christian Ponder, has been uninspiring to say the least. Cassel would likely serve to push Ponder and would provide a solid backup option should the young QB continue to struggle.

How will you guys remember the Matt Cassel era?