The Minnesota Vikings are still not sure exactly what Christian Ponder's future looks like. The team has no intentions on having him be the starter in 2014, but are still unsure about seeking a trade for him prior to the NFL Draft. General manager Rick Spielman is not sold on this year's quarterback crop and could retain the former first-round pick as a backup. One thing is clear, the clock is ticking for Ponder.
The Vikings are certain on one thing, if Ponder sticks around this season, he only has one year to prove his worth. ESPN.com is reporting the Minnesota Vikings will not pick up the fifth-year option on the quarterback's contract. That means that if a trade is not done this offseason, he is on a one year audition to show that he still has some value to both Minnesota and the league. Ponder is not concerned about his option not being picked up and is simply seeking a clean slate with the team or elsewhere.
"Honestly, I'm not thinking about it," Ponder said, via ESPN.com. "Plus, the option doesn't really mean much. They can cut me without anything after this year so it doesn't matter. It was disappointing how the year went, but honestly, when I left, it was more motivation than anything. I think I really worked hard this offseason, more than I have in the past, and I didn't want it to happen again. I knew there was going to be a competition to play, and I tried to do my best to prepare."
With Matt Cassel returning as the assumed starter, Ponder's fate is sealed. The team could easily cut Ponder and absorb $3.2 million which might happen depending on the outcome of the NFL Draft. The Vikings have been looking at quarterbacks in every round and will take someone they hope can eventually take over the franchise in two years when Cassel's time is up. However, the Vikings would prefer to get something in return for the quarterback considering they drafted him 12th overall in 2011.
It is unclear if Ponder would get any looks on the market, but if Josh Freeman can sign somewhere then so can he. A team will not give up anything more than a mid-round pick for the quarterback. The Atlanta Falcons could be an option considering the team really needs a solid backup behind Matt Ryan and has not glanced at any draft prospects in the position. The Chicago Bears could be interested in someone to play behind Jay Cutler. The St. Louis Rams or Tennessee Titans are also an option. Ponder will be nothing more than a backup right now, but could have potential after spending some time developing.
