The Kansas City Chiefs announced Thursday that they have released former starting quarterback Matt Cassel. Cassel had two years remaining on his six-year, $63 million contract.

The decision to cut ties with Cassel came just one day after the Chiefs officially held a press conference with newly acquired quarterback Alex Smith, whom they landed in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers to become the team's quarterback moving forward. Kansas City also signed free agent QB Chase Daniel to serve as Smith's backup.

Cassel sustained a season-ending hand injury two years ago, and then lost his job to Brady Quinn after sustaining a concussion last season, spending the remainder of the year as a backup. The Chiefs attempted to trade Cassel for a late-round draft pick but were unable to find any suitors for the 30-year-old quarterback.

However, ESPN reports that Minnesota and Arizona have expressed interest in signing Cassel now that he has entered free agency. Cassel started 47 of the 48 games he played for the Chiefs, throwing for 9,549 yards with 59 touchdowns and 44 interceptions.