The Minnesota Vikings need a quarterback and Adrian Peterson believes Michael Vick could make the team a playoff contender once again. The free-agent-to-be might be one of the more sought after quarterbacks on the market this season and could compete for a starting role with the team. However, while Peterson may want Vick under center in 2014, the coaching staff appears to have a different opinion.
New head coach Mike Zimmer is hoping the team can bring back Matt Cassel over other free agents. Cassel played relatively well for the team last season in place of Christian Ponder, but decided to opt out of his contract in favor of free agency when the year ended. While Zimmer intends to explore the market for quarterback options, his first choice is re-signing Cassel.
"I would love to have Matt Cassel back if Matt Cassel wants to be back," Zimmer said, via Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "I don't know if that will happen or won't happen. But we're going to find a quarterback somewhere. . . . If Matt wants to come back, I'm sure that we'll get it worked out. I think everyone wants to explore. He's got a bunch of pretty girls looking at him right now, and he wants to explore and see what's best for him."
If Cassel intends on playing in 2014, his best option could be returning to the Vikings. The team is far from committed to former first-round pick Ponder and drafting a rookie may or may not work out. New offensive coordinator Norv Turner could work his magic with Cassel and the backup could thrive as a starter.
It appears Vick's future with Minnesota and the NFL hinges on what Cassel decides to do. Peterson made an uncharacteristic pitch for the quarterback on Twitter. While Minnesota was not predicted to be in the running for the former Eagles quarterback, could Peterson's endorsement be enough?
According to ProFootballTalk.com, the team will make a serious run at Vick if Cassel is not available. Despite what Peterson may think, Vick does not fit the scheme of Turner. The offensive coordinator will operate a pass-first offense which is not Vick's strength.
The Vikings have plenty of options when it comes to their 2014 quarterback. Cassel appears to be the frontrunner, but if they sign Vick and he does not work out, everyone can blame Peterson.