Matt Cassel has agreed to terms with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, a source confirmed to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The move comes hours after Cassel was released by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Cassel will compete for the starting job with current Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder, the source said. He started 47 of the 48 games he played for the Chiefs, throwing for 9,549 yards with 59 touchdowns and 44 interceptions.

Despite a winning record and a playoff birth, improvement during his second NFL season. Ponder was absent in the Vikings playoff game against Green Bay, telling the team he was unable to throw hours before kickoff.

The Vikings will look to add to their receiving corps as they currently have two active wideouts on their depth chart. Minnesota traded their No.1 WR and kick returner Percy Harvin to Seattle on Monday.

Minnesota also has needs at the linebacker position. Middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley is testing free agency and has gained interest from the Giants and Cardinals.