Chiefs sign quarterback Cassel to long-term deal

KANSAS CITY (Reuters) - The Kansas City Chiefs have signed new quarterback Matt Cassel to a multi-year contract extension, the team said on Tuesday.

"We are excited to be able to reach a long-term agreement for Matt Cassel to be a Kansas City Chief for many years to come," Chiefs Chairman Clark Hunt said in a statement on the team's website (www.kcchiefs.com). "His proven leadership on and off the field will be a tremendous asset to the organization."

The team did not announce terms of the deal.

Cassel, 27, was acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots in February.

A four-year NFL veteran, Cassel took over as the Patriots starting quarterback last year when Tom Brady suffered a season-ending knee injury. He started 15 games, completing 327 passes for 3,693 yards and 21 touchdowns.

(Reporting by Gene Cherry in Raleigh, North Carolina, Editing by Nigel Hunt)