K.C. Chiefs sign Matt Cassel to big deal

KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 15 (UPI) -- The Kansas City Chiefs have signed quarterback Matt Cassel to a multi-year contract.

No terms were disclosed by the NFL team, but the Kansas City Star reported he will receive as much as $63 million through the 2014 season, $28 million guaranteed.

The Chiefs acquired Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel from New England in February for a second-round pick in this year's NFL Draft.

"I am honored and humbled by the faith that the Chiefs organization has displayed in me," he told the newspaper in a statement.

"He has embraced the team and the community," said General Manager Scott Pioli in a statement released by the team. "His work ethic, his ability and competitive presence is what we expect from our players."

The seventh-round pick in 2007 by New England out of Southern California threw for 3,693 yards with 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 16 games last season after starter Tom Brady suffered a season-ending left knee injury in the 2008 season-opener.