Thursday's NFL roundup: Chiefs cut Matt Cassel,Vikings sign him

Minneapolis — Two of the biggest priorities this offseason for the Vikings were to bolster a thin receiver corps and get a quality veteran to back up quarterback Christian Ponder.

One down, one to go.

The Vikings agreed to terms with Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel on Thursday.

It's been a busy day for the Vikings, who also were hosting Packers free agent receiver Greg Jennings (Western Michigan).

The agent for Jennings, Eugene Parker, said his client was visiting Green Bay's North rival.

Cassel agreed to terms with the Vikings, the same day he was formally released by the Chiefs with two years left on his contract. He spent the last four years in Kansas City, making the Pro Bowl in 2010. But he has struggled the last two years, with 16 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.

He completed 58 percent of his passes for 1,796 yards with six touchdowns and 12 interceptions in nine games last season.

"He's a good football player and deserves the respect we're going to try to give him right now," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "That's important."

Cassel, who lost his job when the Chiefs traded with the 49ers for quarterback Alex Smith, will replace Joe Webb as Christian Ponder's backup.

The Chiefs also signed former Saints backup quarterback Chase Daniel.

Personnel dept.

The Falcons agreed to terms with free agent running back Steven Jackson on a three-year deal. Jackson was with the Rams last season.

… The Eagles signed linebacker Connor Barwin (U-D Jesuit) to a six-year deal. They also signed cornerback Cary Williams to a three-year deal and safety Kenny Phillips .

… The Patriots have agreed to terms with receiver Danny Amendola on a deal that would reportedly pay him $31 million over five years.

… The Saints signed free agent corner Keenan Lewis to a five-year contract. The deal is worth $26.3 million with $10.5 million in guarantees, including a $6 million signing bonus.

… Cornerback Sean Smith agreed to a three-year, $18 million deal with the Chiefs.

… Defensive end Michael Bennett agrees to a one-year, $5 million deal with the Seahawks, Pro Football Talk reported. Bennett is the second pass-rushing defensive end the Seahawks agreed to terms with in two days. They officially announced the signing of former Lion Cliff Avril Thursday.

… Charles Woodson 's representative said the defensive back's visit with the 49ers a day earlier went well and they were waiting to hear from the team.

… Corner Nnamdi Asomugha , released by the Eagles, reportedly visited the 49ers.

… The Giants agreed to deals with safety Ryan Mundy and cornerback Aaron Ross .

Extra points

Geno Smith completed 60 of 64 throws at West Virginia's pro day.

… The tuck rule could disappear from games if owners approve a proposal from the competition committee to dump it.

The owners also will consider a change to instant replay rules allowing for a video review even when a coach makes an illegal challenge. The league meetings are next week.

… Former Bears player Chris Zorich pleaded guilty Thursday to federal tax charges, admitting to the judge he didn't file "in a timely fashion."

… Broncos safety Quinton Carter is facing felony charges in Nevada alleging he cheated at a craps game last weekend at a Las Vegas-area casino, authorities said.

Carter, 24, faces three counts of committing a fraudulent act in a gaming establishment, a felony that carries a possible sentence of one to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.