When opportunity knocks, will you be prepared to make the most of it?

Well, Matt Cassel, a career backup in college and in the pros, parlayed a great 2008 season, during which he made his first start since high school,  into a lucrative franchise tag. Now, he’s locked himself into a deal to be the long-term quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Cassel and the Chiefs worked out a six-year deal that will pay him in excess of $10 million a season, according to a source. The contract will keep Cassel with the Chiefs until 2014.

The deal is for $63 million, with $28 million guaranteed, according to a source. He’s going to make $40.5 million in the first three years of his contract.

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