The Minnesota Vikings never realistically entertained the trade rumors involving Adrian Peterson at the deadline this year, but it raised some interesting questions about the team and now Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson has commented that the star could use himself a quarterback and some options in the future could be names like Jay Cutler, Michael Vick or Matt Schaub.
The Vikings have Christian Ponder and Josh Freeman and while those names could be in the mix next season, after the tough year in 2013, chances are changes are coming and that could mean some new blood. Freeman has not looked impressive since coming over from the Buccaneers, while Ponder hasn't done much to instil confidence in the team. Dickerson brings up some good points, as he said to ESPN that the situation for Peterson is similar to his own when he played, as he also dealt with mediocre quarterback play and the HOF running back said he would reach out to Peterson.
Heading into next season, trading Peterson might not be what the team wants to do, which makes the quarterback position very interesting, as both Michael Vick and Jay Cutler will be free agents, while other players could be available, including Matt Schaub and Kirk Cousins. Schaub could be available with the disaster season the Texans are having, as he has a big contract after signing an extension and he is one a five year deal worth over $60 million and the team could decide to cut ties with him, while Cousins will also be mentioned, as he is considered one of the better young backups in the league and while the Redskins like him, they may want to get any competition for Robert Griffin out of the way.
Vick and Cutler are interesting for various reasons, as the Eagles have a clear star in Nick Foles now and the Bears could opt to keep Josh McCown while letting Cutler walk in free agency. The Vikings might be willing to spend on Vick over Cutler since he likely will get much less money, but either way, both of those players offer an upgrade over Freeman and Ponder. Last season Peterson nearly broke the rushing record set by Eric Dickerson and now he has 851 yards and nine touchdowns this season, still solid, but nothing close to what he did last year.
Peterson has said that he understands if he is traded, but that he would like to stay in Minnesota and to get the team back on the successful side of things, an upgrade must be made at the quarterback position. Based on their record, the team could be in play for someone in the draft like Teddy Bridgewater, but depending on how things play out, they could get one of the free agent QBs or someone that is available in a trade. Matt Cassel, Ponder and Freeman have all played for the Vikings this season and while making a move for next year could be tough, names like Cutler and Vick will be out there and it will be up to franchise to evaluate where they are at the end of the season and whether they want to try and sign one of those names or make a trade.
