Christian Ponder might no longer be in contention for the starting quarterback job for the Minnesota Vikings, but that has not stopped his name from popping up in regards to other jobs potentially available in the league. Ponder has not played much this preseason and gotten booed the few times he did step onto the field. Assuming he gets time in the final preseason game, it could be an audition for another job, something Ponder denies he is after.
The Vikings have Teddy Bridgewater and Matt Cassel penciled in as the potential starters for the 2014 season while Ponder holds the clipboard on the sidelines. His future was sealed once the team opted not to pick up his fifth-year option and draft Bridgewater in the first round this past April. Ponder faced plenty of trade rumors during the offseason, but nothing was finalized and he enter training camp as third string. However, recent injuries and struggles have rumors popping up once again.
Ponder expects to play a large amount of time against the Tennessee Titans during the final preseason game and several teams could be watching. However, the quarterback stresses this is not an audition for another job and he is not requesting a move from Minnesota.
"I just want to go out and have a good game, not for an audition for another team or anything, but for myself and this team," Ponder said, via the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "Right now, my thoughts are securing a spot on this roster."
Ponder's name has come up in multiple situations. The St. Louis Rams have officially lost Sam Bradford for the season and could make a move on the quarterback since he does have starting experience. The Buffalo Bills are getting concerned about depth behind EJ Manuel and could recruit Ponder after releasing Thad Lewis. The San Francisco 49ers are not thrilled with their quarterback options as Blaine Gabbert struggles behind Colin Kaepernick.
Ponder is still owed $1.76 million from the Vikings making it unlikely that he gets all-out cut from the team. That would simply be a waste for Minnesota. But a trade could come if he plays well on Thursday. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner notes that the quarterback has improved a lot this offseason and training camp. It might enough to get him a better job for 2014.