Christian Ponder is well-aware his time with the Minnesota Vikings is just about up. The quarterback has come a long ways from being a first-round draft pick and not necessarily in a good way. The Vikings handed Ponder the task of replacing Brett Favre, something impossible to do. After failing to meet expectations, Minnesota re-signed a veteran and drafted a rookie to solve the problem. However, Ponder still remains on the roster, he just is not playing as much.
Ponder has currently been demoted to third string despite head coach Mike Zimmer stating anyone had a shot at earning the starting spot. Right now, Minnesota is more focused on helping Teddy Bridgewater develop for the future while working with Matt Cassel to be ready to start Week 1. Ponder has been demoted to the clipboard-holding position, taking snaps with the third string. After not picking up his fifth-year option, Ponder is preparing to hit free agency, but would prefer a trade instead.
"There are benefits for me being here," Ponder said, via USA TODAY Sports. "I'm learning a lot. It's less stressful. At the same time, I've always got to be ready, because football's a crazy game. I could play at some point. But it's an opportunity for me to learn. I do really feel like it's going to benefit me in the long run. If something happens - I get traded, or there's an opportunity elsewhere to play - I want to play. But this is where I am right now. I can't control it."
Minnesota looked to be ready to trade Ponder in the offseason, but a lack of interest ended that pursuit. Financially, the Vikings still owe the No. 12 overall draft pick over a million dollars in his rookie contract, likely figuring into why he was still on the roster at the start of training camp. The quarterback continues to keep his head up and work when he is given the opportunity. He hinted at frustrating, nothing that he simply gets three reps a day and not much else, hence why he would prefer a change.
"I can get frustrated in practice. When you're getting three reps a day, you can walk away and be a little disappointed," Ponder said. "I go in the locker room, check my phone, and my wife sent me a picture of our daughter smiling. The fact that some things are more important than football, it definitely helps. I've got to go to the right situation, and there obviously are things I've got to improve upon in my play."
The coaches and front office continue to praise Ponder for his work ethic. Team veterans like Greg Jennings and Adrian Peterson have thrown their support behind their former starting quarterback. While a trade is unlikely simply due to lack of interest, Ponder might be able to find a new team in free agency.
"For as hard as it's been for (Ponder), he's been a true pro's pro, and I know how difficult that is and the circumstances he's in right now," Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said. "But Christian has done everything asked, has really worked his tail off, and I think he should be commended for that, too."
