Cesar Tordesillas

Kansas City, MO

Hours after he was released by the Kansas City Chiefs, quarterback Matt Cassel has found a new job with the Minnesota Vikings.

A source told ESPN.com that Cassel signed a deal with the Vikings and will compete with Christian Ponder for the starting job.

The 30-year-old Cassel was earlier let go by the Chiefs after acquiring Alex Smith via trade with the San Francisco 49ers.

Also, the Chiefs added a backup when they signed Chase Daniel to a three-year, $6.85 million contract that included $4.75 million in guaranteed money.

The Chiefs acquired Cassel from the New England Patriots along with linebacker Mike Vrabel in exchange for the No. 34 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Cassel passed for 9,549 yards with 59 touchdowns and 44 interceptions in 48 games during his four seasons with the Chiefs.

Cassel's best season came in 2010 when he passed for 3,116 yards with 27 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.

However, Cassel has more interceptions (21) than touchdowns (16) in only 17 starts, missing time due to injury and ineffectiveness over the last two seasons.

By releasing Cassel, who has two years and $17 million remaining on his contract, the Chiefs have saved $7.75 million in cash ($7.5 million base salary plus a $250,000 workout bonus).

However, if it will be designated as a "post-June 1" release, $5.875 million in salary cap room in 2013 and $1.875 million against the team's 2014 cap.

Quarterback Matt Cassel Signs with Vikings