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Matt Cassel released by Chiefs, becomes a free agent

After more than four years together, Matt Cassel and the Kansas City Chiefs are breaking up. The Chiefs cut Cassel, sending him to free agency. This move was expected. Cassel is now a free agent and free to sign with any team.

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Nineteen wins and 28 losses is how we'll remember Matt Cassel. The Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday released Cassel, who spent four seasons with the Chiefs. Adam Teicher reported the news and it was confirmed by the team shortly after that.

The end of an era, for sure. Just not always a very entertaining era as the Chiefs were losers in three of Cassel's four seasons in Kansas City. Cassel is now free to sign anywhere with Minnesota and Arizona as teams to watch.

Cassel came to the Chiefs in a 2009 trade with the New England Patriots. The Chiefs gave up their second round pick that year in exchange for Cassel and Mike Vrabel. That second round pick for the Pats turned into Patrick Chung.

Cassel missed his first start in Kansas City after suffering a knee injury in the 2009 preseason. He came back to start 15 games that year, winning four of them. Cassel improved significantly in the 2010 season, earning a Pro Bowl nod behind 27 touchdown passes and just seven interceptions as the Chiefs won the AFC West. The 2011 and 2012 seasons were forgettable as Cassel suffered injuries and saw his play decline dramatically, especially turnovers last season.

So long, Matt.

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Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Star: Otherwise, his time with the Chiefs was a disappointment. The Chiefs repeatedly changed offensive coordinators. Other than Dwayne Bowe, the Chiefs failed to field a potent group of receivers around him. That all took its toll on Cassel. Not counting his Pro Bowl season in 2010, he threw 32 touchdowns and 37 interceptions with the Chiefs.

NFL.com: Cassel very quite developed past being a capable, but slightly below average NFL starting quarterback. He piled up 59 touchdowns and 44 interceptions in four years with the Chiefs and helped the team win the AFC West title in 2010. But his accuracy, pocket composure, and ability to improve the players around him never developed.

CBSSports.com: And though there might be a pile of jokes about where he could land given the lack of success Cassel had in Kansas City, he'll be a wanted man on the free-agent market. In fact, Cassel will vie with the recently-released Ryan Fitzpatrick for the ignominious title of "Best Quarterback Available" in 2013 free agency.

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Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

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