Grading Tarvaris Jackson's Fit with These 5 Potential Destinations

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The question no longer appears to be if Seattle Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson will be traded or released, but when. 

Several media reports, including from ESPN's John Clayton and CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, confirm that Seattle is attempting to move the veteran quarterback before the start of the regular season. 

Clayton reported on Twitter that Jackson "won't play again for the Seahawks," while La Canfora wrote Sunday that Jackson was open to working with his new team to re-structure the $4 million he's owed in 2012. 

La Canfora was the first to report the Seahawks' interest in shopping the quarterback last week. 

Jackson has yet to take a snap this preseason, with free-agent acquisition Matt Flynn and 2012 third-round pick Russell Wilson handling all the quarterbacking duties through two games. The two have obviously shown the Seahawks' brass that they are plenty capable of holding down the position without Jackson around. 

But who will eventually pull the trigger on Jackson? That's a much harder scenario to run through. 

There are teams in need of backup quarterbacks, however, and in the following slides, we grade the fits for Jackson's five best landing spots.

Green Bay Packers

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The struggles of journey-man Graham Harrell have thrust the Packers into the forefront of the discussion for a backup quarterback this preseason. 

While Harrell has continued to receive the backing of his staff in Green Bay, he's been below average in extended appearances against San Diego and Cleveland. Overall this preseason, Harrell has completed just 52.9 percent of his passes with a horrendous passer rating of 55.6. 

If the Packers give up on Harrell and want a veteran behind Aaron Rodgers, Jackson could be one option. While Harrell has never thrown a regular season NFL pass, Jackson comes complete with 34 career starts. 

Still, Harrell has spent three years in the Packers offense and knows the playbook inside-and-out.

Could Jackson get acclimated in time to even make him a substantially better option than Harrell? 

Trading for Jackson is still an iffy fit and the kind of panicked move GM Ted Thompson rarely makes. 

Grade: C

Arizona Cardinals

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The Cardinals only makes sense if John Skelton wins the starting job outright and Kevin Kolb is released. At that point, Arizona could be in the market for a cheaper, veteran backup. 

However, how much do the Cardinals really want to give up for a division rival's third-best quarterback? And would either team even consider making a move in the division?

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic sings a similar tune:

I've been asked several times if the Cardinals will show interest. I don't see it. I think it's questionable if Jackson is better than what the Cardinals have already. Do you give up assets for Seattle's 3rd QB? Plus, I don't see teams in the same division trading. I've been surprised before but I don't see this happening.

Arizona simply doesn't look like the most viable of options for Jackson. There is a fit on the surface, but too many obstacles stand in the way of making this work.

Grade: D+

Philadelphia Eagles

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With a West Coast offense in place and a backup quarterback situation that seemingly lacked a solid answer, the Eagles were originally viewed as one potential landing spot for Jackson. 

That all changed Monday night. 

After Michael Vick (shockingly) suffered a rib injury early against the New England Patriots, rookie quarterback Nick Foles stepped in and did a terrific job. 

Foles completed 18-of-26 for 217 yards and two touchdowns Monday night, displaying a willingness to make every throw and make it with accuracy. The performance came on the heels of a 144-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week 1 of the preseason against the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

What was once a question mark is likely the beginnings of the Eagles' next starting quarterback. Jackson simply doesn't fit now. 

Grade: D-

Minnesota Vikings

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There continues to be whispers on Minnesota sports talk radio about the potential of Joe Webb being cut, but that still appears to be an unlikely scenario. 

It does show, however, that the Vikings could be displeased with their current backup situation behind starter Christian Ponder. 

Jackson obviously has a history in Minnesota—he started 19 games for the Vikings from 2006-10—and the team was comfortable rolling the dice on Donovan McNabb last summer. 

Bringing Jackson back into the mix still seems like a long-shot. Minnesota made little to no effort to bring him back last summer, and that relationship has likely run its course. Webb is a more attractive backup option long-term, anyway. 

Grade: D

Oakland Raiders

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The theme of West Coast offenses continues here, with the Raiders a fit in scheme for Jackson. 

Matt Leinart, the Raiders' current backup, has been safe but unspectacular this preseason, and Terrelle Pryor has shown absolutely nothing in terms of being an NFL quarterback (although, to be fair, Pryor is still taking baby steps in learning and playing the position). 

Could Jackson be brought in to solidify the position behind Carson Palmer? 

It looks doubtful. 

Leinart is a cheaper option and has spent time already this season in the offense, and Pryor's ceiling is sky-high if he can start learning the basics of the position. Why add an aging, expensive option to the mix? 

Grade: D