Christian Ponder's time with the Minnesota Vikings is almost up. With his contract expiring at the end of the season and demotion to third string during training camp, it can be understood if Ponder were to request a move now instead of later. No one would blame him. The free agent market can be tough for a backup quarterback. Just ask Josh Freeman how things are going. However, despite recent reports, Ponder is stressing that he has no interest in a trade this season.
Ponder previously stated that if an opportunity to change teams came up, he would not turn it down. However, the quarterback stresses that was not a demand of a trade. Ponder is getting familiar with the clipboard this season and barely seeing any action during training camp or preseason, but the former first-round draft pick claims he is happy with the Vikings and letting his future play out.
"I'm not asking for a trade," Ponder said, via Pioneer Press. "I'm learning so much right now. I do feel like it's beneficial for me to be right here right now. As a competitor, though, you want to be the guy that's out there playing. But I do feel like in the situation I'm in right now, I am getting better though I'm not playing."
Ponder is not exactly a fan favorite right now. When he got a few snaps during the team's preseason game against Oakland, fans booed his performance. Ponder admits that even during his high school football years in Texas or playing at Florida State, he has never had that happen until playing in Minnesota. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner was not pleased with the fan's reactions towards Ponder and stresses the quarterback has been doing everything and more during training camp.
"I was obviously very disappointed in the opening game the way our fans reacted to Christian because I think he's done everything he can do, and he's working his butt off, and I think he's a guy that's going to be valuable to our team," Turner said.
Wide receiver Greg Jennings echoed the words of Turner. Ponder's teammates have remained supportive of him during training camp. Adrian Peterson has spoken out in support along with the other coaches. The veteran says that Ponder is still very much an important member of the Vikings and fans should treat him as such.
"I agree with Norv," Jennings said. "He's a part of our team. He's a part of this organization. He's been part of this organization for the last four years, so, if you boo one of us, you boo all of us. We're a team."
Interest is low on trades in general for backup quarterbacks. The 49ers, Texans and Browns all have depth issues at the quarterback and yet are not willing to make a trade on Ponder or anyone. All signs point to the quarterback remaining on the roster for the season and then hitting the free agent market afterwords.
