Slowly but surely, the free agent quarterbacks are being taken off the market. The crop was not deep this year, but several teams have appeared interested in veterans to help develop rookies. Chad Henne was picked back up by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now, Matt Cassel appears to be gone as well.
ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that the Minnesota Vikings are going to re-sign Matt Cassel to a two-year deal worth upwards of $10 million. The quarterback started six games for the Vikings last season in place of the injured and struggling Christian Ponder. He tossed for 1,807 yards and 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions in nine games total.
Cassel originally decided to opt out his contract with the Vikings and test the free agent market. Plenty of teams were showing interest in the veteran considering he can be used as a veteran mentor or starter if need be. However, he returns to Minnesota to backup Ponder and another rookie the team will likely draft.
With Cassel off the market, the best option is Michael Vick. Originally, NFL sources speculated Vick was headed to Minnesota after running back Adrian Peterson voiced an endorsement for the quarterback. However, re-signing Cassel ends that effort, making Vick one of the better options available.
So where does the 33-year-old veteran land? Vick wants to be a starter in the league which could mean a team like the Oakland Raiders is the best fit. General manager Reggie McKenzie wants a franchise quarterback and that is certainly not Vick, but he also is not sold on the young group in the draft and the veteran could be used to develop a quarterback like Matt McGloin for a year.
The Raiders want a system quarterback and again, that is not Vick. Dennis Allen has said the team would prefer a more pass-first quarterback instead of one that makes plays on his feet more than with his arms. Vick does not fit the long-term plan for Oakland, but if they do not like the way things pan out in the draft, he could be the best option.
ESPN.com suggests the Atlanta Falcons could be a candidate. This idea seems crazy to average Atlanta fan considering how VIck left the team in the first place. Of course this is the NFL which operates under a never say never policy, but owner Arthur Blank might not be too keen on bringing back that athlete they worked so hard to move on from.
The New York Jets will be another option depending on what happens with Mark Sanchez. The New York Post reports that if Sanchez is released, Vick could be signed to help develop Geno Smith. Given the Jets quarterback history, he could also be in play for a starting role.
