Allen Park — The structure of Matt Cassel’s contract with the Detroit Lions indicates the team’s backup quarterback competition will not influenced by financial considerations.
Cassel’s one-year deal with the Lions carries a $1.015 million veteran minimum base salary, with $260,000 guaranteed. He also received a $90,000 signing bonus.
For cap purposes, the deal qualifies as a veteran minimum benefit and will count for $720,000 against the Lions’ cap in 2018.
Cassel is expected to compete with Jake Rudock for the right to back up starter Matthew Stafford. Rudock, an exclusive-rights free agent, signed a non-guaranteed $630,000 tender last month.