The Atlanta Falcons released cornerback Asante Samuel on Wednesday. Samuel is a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro selection, but he had a bad season in 2013, his second year with the team. He sustained multiple injuries and was set to make $3.5 million this season with another $1.75 million in bonuses. The team also released linebacker Stephen Nicholas.
NFL roundup: Matt Cassel voids contract, Asante Samuel released and more
Matt Cassel elected to void the final year of his contract with the Vikings, the Falcons released cornerback Asante Samuel and more you might have missed from the NFL on Wednesday.
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Here’s what else you might have missed on Wednesday:
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel voided the final year of his contract with the team. Cassel had a player option, and forfeits $3.7 million he was scheduled to make in 2014. Cassel could have been in the running to be the starting quarterback with the Vikings next year, but he might feel as though he has better options elsewhere or he's looking for more money from Minnesota.
Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Richie Incognito has come out in support of Jonathan Martin. Incognito took to Twitter to say that he supports Martin's return to football in 2014, as noted by CBS Sports. It's unclear what the future holds for Incognito and Martin at this point, but at the very least, it seems Incognito isn't trying to make things worse. The whole situation is still a little crazy.
CBS has won the rights to air Thursday Night Football games next season. They’ll air eight games in the early part of the season, and will be simulcast on NFL Network. Said NFL Network will air the final six games on Thursday and two more on Saturday, bringing the total to 14 Thursday games, with the two Saturday games to be a doubleheader in Week 16.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson won't take a potential contract holdout off the table. He wants more money, and as one of the best corners in the NFL, it's hard to argue with him. Still, it sounds like he'll be a holdout if a deal doesn't get done by the start of training camp. The Cardinals don't have a ton of cap space, but the team did recently restructure Larry Fitzgerald's contract, so they have some money to work with.
The Seattle Seahawks are likely to part ways with wide receiver Sidney Rice prior to the 2014 season. Rice is slated to make $9.7 million next season, a number the Seahawks can't work with, especially given his significant injury history. Rice tore his ACL last season and the team would clear up over $7 million in cap space by cutting him.
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