Prediction for next season starting QB will be ......

[Just Me]

It sounds to me like PDS may have spiraled out of control in Minnesota and the Vikings fan community. It's time to call in the CDC!

[Raptorman]

Ponder is the guy!

Ditto.

[Mothman]

Ditto.

LOL! Well-played!

[Raptorman]

Ok, here is a scenario the most here will not like. It involves Ponder being the starting QB this year. Yeah, something to think about.

1. Cassel decides he has had enough and opts out, and leaves to another team.
2. Freeman decides he can do better elsewhere and signs with another team.
3. MN signs one of the FA on that list.
4. MN drafts a QB in round 2 or 3 of the draft.
5. During training camp it is determined that of the three QB's Ponder is still the best option.

Man I hated typing that. But it is possible. It would suck.

[Eli]

Ok, here is a scenario the most here will not like. It involves Ponder being the starting QB this year. Yeah, something to think about.

1. Cassel decides he has had enough and opts out, and leaves to another team.
2. Freeman decides he can do better elsewhere and signs with another team.
3. MN signs one of the FA on that list.
4. MN drafts a QB in round 2 or 3 of the draft.
5. During training camp it is determined that of the three QB's Ponder is still the best option.

Man I hated typing that. But it is possible. It would suck.

That's actually very feasible. The Vikings are in a _bad_ place right now.

Hopefully, the Vikings make the decision for Freeman, and don't express any desire to re-sign him.

While this QB draft class looks very deep, I don't see a lot of first rounders and the Vikings could end up badly reaching again if they choose a QB with the #8 pick. Going BPA at #8 and taking a QB in round 2 or 3 is looking like a strong possibility.

And the FA class of QBs this year is so weak that whoever they sign may only be a distant backup.

So, yes, what you've outlined could easily happen. The big unknown is what Cassel is going to do. Maybe the Vikings need to sweeten the pot a little to get him to stay. That is, *IF* they're truly done with Ponder.

[CbusVikesFan]

You would have to ask where would Cassel go to have a better opportunity to start?

[Eli]

There are plenty of teams looking for quarterbacks. The bigger question is whether one of them might offer him a more lucrative long term contract.

[PurpleKoolaid]

And we can send out a big shout out to Rickie for our wonderful QB roster. And he gets to pick our next one too!!!! What a draft master he is.

[Orion]

it's going to be derek carr.

[Pondering Her Percy]

Ok, here is a scenario the most here will not like. It involves Ponder being the starting QB this year. Yeah, something to think about.

1. Cassel decides he has had enough and opts out, and leaves to another team.
2. Freeman decides he can do better elsewhere and signs with another team.
3. MN signs one of the FA on that list.
4. MN drafts a QB in round 2 or 3 of the draft.
5. During training camp it is determined that of the three QB's Ponder is still the best option.

Man I hated typing that. But it is possible. It would suck.

To be honest, I don't see Cassel opting out at all. Minnesota gives him the best chance to start and surrounds him with the best offensive talent out of QB needy teams. He's not stupid....he knows Freeman is done and Ponder very well could be. He has a very reputable HC and OC here now. I can't imagine why he would want to opt out. I'm pretty sure he has to make the decision within 5 days after the Super Bowl so we will see soon enough. However, I will bet money he doesn't opt out

[Webbfann]

Kinda depends on whether Zimmer and Turner want him, don't you think? Do they even discuss these things in the "off" season, or does Cassel have to decide without even knowing what their plans are if he stays?

[Purple Rage]

Just have a hunch that this kid will be the NEXT VIKINGS QB! I think we go Barr/Mack/Mosley 1st rd.....in the 2nd we pick Jimmy G. Now I'm not sure how I feel about the kid yet, strong arm, 6'3, smart, class act are some of the speculations. Just from what I've read, where we stand in the draft and just a guess.....he will be our QB pick. I def like Teddy in the 1st if he slides but if not my choices would be Aaron Murray or Garrapolo in the later rds.

http://youtu.be/K-H-7mA-

[majorm]

Ok, here is a scenario the most here will not like. It involves Ponder being the starting QB this year. Yeah, something to think about.

1. Cassel decides he has had enough and opts out, and leaves to another team.
2. Freeman decides he can do better elsewhere and signs with another team.
3. MN signs one of the FA on that list.
4. MN drafts a QB in round 2 or 3 of the draft.
5. During training camp it is determined that of the three QB's Ponder is still the best option.

Man I hated typing that. But it is possible. It would suck.

I'll never forgive you for posting this.

If they can't draft a QB that is at least a better option than Ponder, then there is truly no hope for this organization.

[Mothman]

Kinda depends on whether Zimmer and Turner want him, don't you think? Do they even discuss these things in the "off" season, or does Cassel have to decide without even knowing what their plans are if he stays?

I'm sure they'll have a discussion about it.

As for Raptorman's scenario: it's FAR from optimal but it wouldn't be the worst thing that could happen. The Vikings aren't exactly a likely Super Bowl winner next season and we've already seen that with good enough overall team play, the Vikings can reach the postseason with Ponder at QB. If they draft a QB in R2 or R3 who needs some time on the bench before starting and Ponder has to serve as a one year bridge to that QB, it doesn't mean the Vikings can't compete for a playoff spot, especially if Zimmer is able to deliver on the high expectations people seem to have for him in his first season.

People might as well start resigning themselves to erratic QB play next year because there's almost no way it won't happen. That's Ponder's pattern, Cassel's pattern, Freeman's pattern and most rookies aren't consistent in their first season. Most of the free agents listed above probably wouldn't be either...

[Eli]

I'm sure they'll have a discussion about it.

As for Raptorman's scenario: it's FAR from optimal but it wouldn't be the worst thing that could happen.

You're probably right. It's not the worst thing that could happen at QB, but I'm trying to think of worse, and having a hard time. If you consider it a good possibility that Ponder might be released if Cassel decides to return and the Vikings take a QB with a high draft pick, then the thought of Ponder being the starter next year comes pretty close to the worst possible scenario.

I suppose a worse scenario might be that the Vikings use their #8 draft pick on a QB who they force into a starting role, he completely bombs and then they're either right back at square one or else at the start of another three year trial with a guy who should be playing in the CFL.