Chiefs lock up Cassel

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City has not officially named Matt Cassel its starting quarterback, but there can be no doubt now.

After praising his leadership and work ethic through spring workouts, the Chiefs announced Tuesday they had signed the 27-year-old Cassel to a multiyear contract. Terms were not disclosed, but he will almost certainly be one of the highest-paid members of the team.

“We are excited to be able to reach a long-term agreement for Matt Cassel to be a Kansas City Chief for many years to come,” owner and board chairman Clark Hunt said in a statement.

A lifelong backup until Tom Brady went down with a season-ending knee injury last September, Cassel was obtained from the Patriots during the offseason along with linebacker Mike Vrabel.

The former seventh-round pick led New England to an 11-5 record and the Patriots made him their franchise player, meaning his salary for this season will be about $15 million.

New head coach Todd Haley, taking over for Herm Edwards after a 2-14 season, refused to name a starter at any position during offseason workouts. But it was obvious to everyone the team belonged to Cassel.

“I go out there each and every day with that focus that I’m the starter,” Cassel said during a June minicamp. “Competition brings out the best in everybody.”

The signing will come as welcome news to Cassel’s new coaches and teammates. Amiable and hardworking, he appeared to win over everyone at minicamp.

“I think he’s got some unique leadership qualities. I think his teammates like him and have respect for him. I think he’s doing a pretty good job on the field, too,” Haley said last month. “He’s doing everything that I’m asking him, that our coaches are asking him to do. I don’t have one single complaint how he’s carrying himself.”

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