Matt Cassel is staying put.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday that Cassel signed a two-year, $10 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings, according to a source informed of the team's move.
Cassel voided the final year of his contract with the Vikings last month under the belief he could get a better deal on the open market. The door always had remained open for the quarterback's return to Minnesota.
Cassel left $3.7 million on the table when he opted out of his previous deal. His new contract could end up being similar to the two-year pact Chad Henne signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier Friday. That deal included $4.5 million in guaranteed money and could max out north of $15 million if all incentives are hit.
And what does this signing mean for the future of Christian Ponder? The Vikings could look to trade the erstwhile starter, clearing the path for them to draft a signal-caller they can groom for the future. Ponder is due a guaranteed $1.7 million. Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said on Feb. 14 that Minnesota would add quarterbacks, but Ponder "will be here."
We'll see if that's still the case with Cassel back in the fold.
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