Tarvaris Jackson's Top Five Landing Spots

With Brett Favre's signing, one thing is certain, the Vikings have too many chickens in the coop. Someone's gotta go and word is that Tarvaris Jackson is the one on his way out.

With Sage just acquired and John David Booty with untapped potential, Tarvaris's chances are up and his likely place in 2009 won't be in purple.

The word is that Minnesota will entertain offers until the weekend until they consider releasing him, but will probably want something for him. A late-round 2010 draft pick seems like a likely payment for the fourth-year quarterback.

The Vikings will want to keep him out of the division, but you can't always get what you want. Here's a look at the top five teams that could give T-Jack a second chance as a backup or Wildcat quarterback.

5. Chicago Bears

Jay Cutler has become the man for Chicago and now will boast as one of the best quarterbacks in the division. Problem is, without any options at receiver, his acquisition isn't that big of a deal.

Matt Forte is the only other offensive player that is worth mentioning that could assist Cutler in production. Other than that, the upgrades at offensive line will give the Bears a sounder, but not more productive, passing game.

Jackson would fit here only if he got released. The Bears need a backup and maybe a Wildcat type of player to work with Forte, but other than that, the Bears would only want Jackson for that reason alone.

The Vikings won't even think about trading here unless it's worth their dime, and Jackson won't go for much more then a fifth round pick at best. Like previously stated, this option only works if Jackson is released.

4. New England Patriots

Okay, I know. T-Jack isn't going to knock the likes of Tom Brady for a starting job, but it's no secret that the Patriots want a Wildcat variant.

The Patriots had interest in taking West Virginia standout Pat White, but were beat to the punch by division rival Miami.

It also is no secret that Brad Childress taunted the Patriots that the Vikings had stolen star wide out Percy Harvin one pick prior to the Patriots. Such taunting may provoke the Patriots to take T-Jack and use him in a Wildcat formation, and if they face the Vikings in the Super Bowl, they have a laugh that they made something of Tarvaris.

Of course, only time will tell.

3. Green Bay Packers

Like New England, no one expects Jackson to take the starting job from an incumbent such as Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has too solid an arm and too much job security.

However, like Chicago, the Pack wouldn't mind a good backup or Wildcat variant. Add on the fact that the very player that had Jackson booted off is their former "Messiah" and there is a motive in Green Bay to sign Jackson. Maybe they can even make him into something that could thwart Minnesota's playoff hopes?

Unfortunately for Green Bay, that option would only come if the Vikings release Jackson. It's for this reason Minnesota will likely seek a trade.

2. Denver Broncos

Denver's a mess, filled with chaos and weak at QB in light of sending off Jay Cutler to Chicago and getting Kyle Orton. Not to say Tarvaris would have welcome reception (then again, where would he?), but the team needs to make their offense more open in their playbook.

T-Jack would provide a Wildcat-like kick with the ability to stretch the field and a bit more of a liability if Orton falters. With how heavy of a running team that Denver is going to have, they will need all the support they can get and Minnesota will be more then willing to deal Jackson for sixth or seventh rounder out of the division and better yet, the conference.

The question is if McDaniels, amidst the chaos, will choose to take a snatch at Jackson.

1. Cleveland Browns

With another quarterback battle occurring, Cleveland may be a prime landing for Jackson as Mangini tries to piece together a broken team. Jackson with that said would get a chance to earn potentially a starting job if he out-duels the likes of Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson.

Mangini is desperate and may entertain the thought of having a speedy Jackson take the reins.

For Minnesota, this launches T-Jack out of the division and conference. Although the Vikings do start the year in Cleveland with the season opener, so there comes a slight bite if he does reach high in Cleveland.

No Go: Detroit Lions

Even though the Lions need a drastic overhaul on their roster, the quarterback situation is crowded as it is. Stafford is going to get any nod ahead of Jackson and Culpepper would seriously test Jackson's ability.

It is true that if released, Jackson might target a division team like Detroit, but with the situation there, the Lions would be best suited to address other needs.