Peyton Manning to Minnesota Vikings Would Ruin Christian Ponder

Peyton Manning will soon be in search of a new team, but if he were to choose the Minnesota Vikings, it would greatly hinder the progress Christian Ponder is striving to make. 

The best way for Ponder to get better and to succeed at a high level is by playing. If Manning joins the Vikings, he won't get the chance to improve the way he needs to. 

Sure, Ponder could certainly learn from Manning, which would be beneficial. Let's be real—anyone who learns from the Pro Bowl QB is going to be better off. 

However, just like Manning did, Ponder needs to get out there now and play full-time. Yes, at first it's going to be rough, but as we all know, Manning was able to turn out very well.

The same could easily happen to Ponder if given the proper coaching and a great supporting cast. 

ESPN's Chris Mortensen first reported that Manning is set to be released and that it will officially happen on Wednesday. 

Once Manning's name appears on the NFL waiver wire, he is free to join whatever team he wants.

Jeff Howe of NESN.com wrote about that Manning may be "enticed by keeping his home games in a dome." 

While that is certainly true, it's just not a good move for both parties. There are other options that have dome stadiums that Manning should consider. 

It would be in Manning's best interest to avoid Minnesota and the right thing for the Vikings to stay clear of the aging QB. 

They took the risk in selecting Ponder so high in the 2011 draft, and trying to bring in a veteran QB once again just isn't going to work. 

It's time the Vikings go young and focus on improving the team around Ponder. Signing older QBs in hopes of big success hasn't worked, which is why Minnesota needs to stay away from Manning. 

Nobody really knows if Manning will be healthy enough to play anyway, so the Vikings would be spending a lot of money for possibly an injured player. 

What's more, signing Manning would essentially be telling Ponder that they don't fully believe in him yet, which would greatly hinder his confidence moving forward. 

Ponder needs to know that the team wants him and him only. It will help him thrive as a QB in the NFL. He showed signs of brilliance this past season, and now it's time Minnesota gives him the starting job for the entire season. 

Adding better pieces through free agency and the draft to help Ponder is the best decision the Vikings can make. Trying to make things work with Manning will be a setback for Ponder, which is something the team does not need right now.