Viking Quest
by Shawn Zobel
The Minnesota Vikings quarterback situation is going to be one that draws plenty of attention this offseason. After the Vikings decided to pass on significantly upgrading the position last offseason, it can almost be guaranteed that they will opt to make that move this year. With Tarvaris Jackson's disappointing play at the beginning of the season, he proved that the Vikings' will indeed be in the market for a new quarterback of the future. For my inaugural blog post here for Blitz Magazine, here is a look at who the Vikings could consider this offseason:
Matt Cassel – The out-of-nowhere starting quarterback for the New England Patriots this season, Cassel has raised his value more than any other player so far this year. Thought of at the beginning of the season as a possible backup quarterback in the NFL, he's now expected to generate tons of interest this offseason. With him being eligible for unrestricted free agency after this season, it's a safe bet to assume that he'll test the free agency waters and see what options could be out there for him next season. One key option could definitely be Minnesota. The one thing that the Vikings could use is a young quarterback with starting experience who is able to win a game with his arm. Cassel, while at times inconsistent in his first year as a starter, has proven that he should be capable of doing that. It's just a question of whether or not both parties feel the same way about each other.
Derek Anderson – The Browns now-backup quarterback has fallen off the earth since second-year quarterback Brady Quinn took over the starting job. Anderson had a great start to the 2007 season before seeing his production slow down at the end of the year. That slow production continued into this season before Anderson was benched a few weeks ago. While he could be an affordable option for Minnesota, I'd find a hard time believing that he'd be their first option.
Donovan McNabb – I said last year that the Vikings should go after McNabb and still feel the same way this year. With McNabb beginning to seriously struggle in Philadelphia, it appears that his time with the Eagles could be coming to a close. With Philadelphia already having their quarterback of the future in Kevin Kolb, they can afford to trade McNabb away. I personally feel that there may not be a better fit than McNabb with the Vikings. Head Coach Brad Childress was McNabb's offensive coordinator when Childress coached in Philadelphia. The Vikings' quarterback's coach Kevin Rogers was McNabb's quarterback's coach when McNabb played at Syracuse. Between his old offensive coordinator, old quarterback's coach, and a new change of scenery, I find it hard to believe that this wouldn't be a move worth considering.
The Draft – The Vikings currently appear to be on pace for a pick between 13 and 20. At this point, it's very hard to say exactly what quarterbacks could be of help to Minnesota in the draft. With 4-5 different juniors/sophomores considering the draft (Matthew Stafford, Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow, Josh Freeman), it's hard to say exactly which one would be available for Minnesota if those select players opt to come out. With Stafford and Bradford likely going in the Top 5, that takes them out of the equation. Sanchez, a player with the tools needed to start in the NFL, could be a Top 15-type talent. Tebow, in my opinion, is too risky of a pick for Minnesota, and Freeman is a JaMarcus Russell-Daunte Culpepper type who is too raw to make an immediate impact for Minnesota. Seeing as the Vikings' just took former USC quarterback John David Booty last year, I think that they would definitely entertain the idea of selecting Sanchez, a USC quarterback, if he were to come out. Remember this, Sanchez, while only in his first year as a starter, has two former #1 recruits behind him after this season in Mitch Mustain and Matt Barkley. With his stock currently high, does he want to risk going back for his senior season and losing the starting job to either of the two elite quarterbacks? That, in essence, is what makes this process so fun.
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With the Vikings currently winning on the shoulders of Adrian Peterson, there is now one sure thing about Minnesota's upcoming offseason: They WILL be looking for a new quarterback, so keep an eye on the players listed above.
Shawn Zobel is a contributor to BLITZ Magazine and www.blitzmagonline.com. He is also the President & Founder of Draftheadquarters.com.
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November 2008
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Oct
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