Minnesota Vikings Fresh Start: 10 Options at QB for Club in 2011
The Minnesota Vikings are a team that is "all in" this season, and when you look at their free agents this offseason, you would agree.
With Brett Favre likely to retire after this year, Minnesota will be looking for a new franchise quarterback that can finally get them the Super Bowl ring they desire.
There are truly plenty of options out there, but the Vikings likely will look for a fresh start, rather than searching for a mediocre one year replacement.
It's always been said that Minnesota is a quarterback away from the Super Bowl. Well, if Brett Favre can't get it done, who can?
Read the list and you may just find out!
1. Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings
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The legend is in the last year of a two-year contract that he received back in August of 2009.
Favre, who had a career year in 2009, has had a sub-par season in 2010, which has even led many Vikings' fans to wanting Favre being benched.
Minnesota made the wise choice with sticking with Favre through thick and thin. Without Brett at the helm, it's a wonder what the Vikings' current record would be.
Brett recently stated on the NFL Network that this would indeed be his last season in the NFL. For some reason, I actually believe him.
With all the wear and tear he's taken this season, Favre will not want to further injure his body for another 16-game season.
2010 stats:
180-289, 2,066 yards, 10 TD, 16 Int
Final verdict:
Favre will retire, as expected. Minnesota would likely welcome him back for another year, but it's not going to happen. Brett will retire a Viking, like it should be.
2. Tarvaris Jackson, Minnesota Vikings
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Tarvaris Jackson, a former second-rounder in 2006, has been placed with the unfortunate "bust" label to his name.
Jackson, coming out of Alabama State, was expected to be the future of the Vikings' franchise, a team that was used to Daunte Culpepper throwing touchdowns for many years.
Despite being given multiple opportunities to prove himself, Tarvaris has failed in each and every chance he's received.
His best season came in 2008, where he started five games for the Vikings, throwing for nine touchdowns with only two interceptions.
2010 stats:
4-6, 36 yards, TD, 1 carry, 33 yards
Final verdict:
He's in the final year of his contract, but I could see the Vikings holding onto him for one more year. Not many teams will view Tarvaris as a starter.
That being said, he's definitely not the future at quarterback.
3. Joe Webb, Minnesota Vikings
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Not many people have heard of the former UAB quarterback, Joe Webb, but you may know of him in the very near future.
Minnesota selected the 6'3", 225 pound quarterback in the sixth round of the 2010 draft.
Many speculated as to whether he would play wide receiver or quarterback once he was in the NFL. As is obvious, he's a quarterback.
Joe Webb looked very sharp in preseason, which could either be a sign of promise or the simple fact that he was playing against second and third-string defenses.
He's only 24 years old, so he definitely has plenty of time to further progress in the future.
2010 stats:
Has not played
Final verdict:
Joe Webb is a great athlete, but he's not ready to take over the reigns this early in his career. However, nobody expected Colt McCoy to start right away either.
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4. Donovan McNabb, Washington Redskins
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I recently wrote an article stating why the Minnesota Vikings should not sign Donovan McNabb. Since writing that article, I am continuing to stick with my opinion.
McNabb, who recently signed a five-year extension with the Redskins, is likely to stay with the Redskins through the 2011 season.
It puzzles me as to why Donovan even got the extension from the way he's played this season. Perhaps things with himself and Mike Shanahan have simmered down.
Donovan will be celebrating his 34th birthday on November 25, which means he likely doesn't have many years left in him to win a ring.
Minnesota shouldn't go after McNabb in a trade, but perhaps if he's released they could give it a potential look.
2010 stats:
176-308, 2,266 yards, 9 TD, 11 Int
Final verdict:
As I stated earlier in the slide, I don't feel as though Minnesota should sign or trade for McNabb. I would rather look to rebuild than overpay for a quarterback that is inconsistent.
5. Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles
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How would the potential MVP for this year look in purple and gold? Perfect.
Michael Vick has had the greatest season of his career thus far, which nobody expected because Kevin Kolb was slated to begin his lengthy tenure with the Eagles as their starting quarterback.
Despite his troubled past, Michael has rejuvenated his career to become one of the best quarterback's in the league today.
While there is almost no chance the Eagles let Vick walk away, you can never count out them doing a sign-and-trade or just simply letting him walk.
Minnesota would have to give up at least a first-rounder to acquire Vick.
2010 stats:
96-153, 1,350 yards, 11 TD, 0 Int, 44 carries, 341 yards, 4 TD
Final verdict:
There's an extremely small chance Michael Vick will be a member of the Vikings in 2011. Philadelphia fans would go ballistic if he weren't on the Eagles' roster.
6. Kevin Kolb, Philadelphia Eagles
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Kevin Kolb, the 36th overall selection in 2007 out of Houston, started out as the protege' behind Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia.
When Donovan was traded to the Redskins this offseason, Kolb was almost guaranteed the starting job for the Eagles.
In the season opener against the Green Bay Packers, Kolb suffered a concussion after taking a hard hit from linebacker, Clay Matthews.
On September 21, Vick was named the starter over Kolb. Kevin once again took over the reigns for Philadelphia, this time against the Washington Redskins.
Kolb has only started three games this year, six going to Michael Vick.
2010 stats:
97-153, 1,035 yards, 6 TD, 4 Int
Final verdict:
There's been speculation that the Eagles would be looking for a first and third-rounder for Kolb's services. He definitely hasn't shown enough in the NFL to prove he's worth that much.
With that said, there's a very good chance Kevin Kolb could become a member of the Vikings.
7. Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos
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Nobody truly expected Kyle Orton to become the better quarterback between him and Jay Cutler, especially Broncos' fans.
Orton, who was taken in the fourth round by Chicago in 2005, ended up starting in 15 out of 16 games for Chicago that season.
Kyle ended up only starting in three games in the following two seasons, which likely didn't go over well with him.
Since being traded to the Broncos, Orton has put up great numbers, which includes a 476 yard passing performance against the Indianapolis Colts in 2010.
With Tim Tebow waiting in line, Kyle Orton could somehow be available through a trade.
2010 stats:
217-350, 2,806 yards, 16 TD, 5 Int
Final verdict:
Denver will likely hang onto Orton for one more year before letting him walk in free agency. Minnesota would potentially have to give up a first-rounder, if not more, to acquire the potential Pro Bowl quarterback.
8. Chad Henne, Miami Dolphins
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Chad Henne, a second-rounder in 2008 out of Michigan, has started in 21 games for the Miami Dolphins in his three year career.
Henne was recently benched in favor of veteran, Chad Pennington, who left early in the game with what went on to be a season-ending injury.
Chad came in to replace Pennington, and as fate would have it, Henne also went down with an injury that took him out of the game.
Henne has never been a consistent quarterback with Miami. He threw for only 12 touchdowns in 14 games last season.
While Tyler Thigpen may not be the future, neither is Henne. With one year left on his contract, Miami may look to trade away Henne while his stock is still somewhat high.
2010 stats:
176-277, 1,900 yards, 8 TD, 10 Int
Final verdict:
There's a chance he could become a great quarterback with the great offense Minnesota has, but it's likely going to be a risk they won't take. Nonetheless, I wouldn't be opposed to investing in the former Wolverine.
9. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas Razorbacks
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At this rate, Minnesota is looking towards a top ten pick in the draft. It'll be a serious debate until then as to whether or not the Vikings will draft a franchise quarterback with their first-rounder.
Ryan Mallett is a great quarterback with a strong arm, great size and accuracy. His 6'6", 240 pound frame will attract many teams looking for a quarterback early on in the draft.
Mallett, who would have likely been a first-rounder in 2010, decided to play his Junior year, which looks as though it might have been a mistake.
Ryan threw for 30 touchdowns with only seven interceptions in his Sophomore season. However, his quarterback rating is much better this year (166.48)
I would love for Minnesota to take Mallett in the first round if he's available. I feel as though he'll be the type of quarterback that will keep the Vikings as a winning franchise.
2010 stats:
212-315, 2,967 yards, 24 TD, 8 Int
Final verdict:
Minnesota may not want to take a quarterback in the first round, but with Mallett's talent being undeniable, the Vikings shouldn't have a choice.
10. Jake Locker, Washington Huskies
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Washington's quarterback, Jake Locker, made a big mistake in returning for his senior season with the Huskies.
Locker, who was expected to be the first overall pick had he declared, is now being projected to fall into the second round by many scouts.
His poor accuracy could be a huge problem going forward. With that said, Washington has never really had many great targets for Locker to throw to.
His ability to scramble and throw on the run will be what he relies on once he's in the NFL.
Walterfootball.com has the Vikings taking Locker with the ninth overall pick, which to me would be a gigantic mistake.
While Locker may be a good talent, he's far too risky to take in the top 15, let alone top ten.
2010 stats:
148-267, 1,746 yards, 14 TD, 7 Int
Final verdict:
Definitely not in the first round, but if he's available in the second, Locker would be a tremendous pick. Hopefully he turns out better than Minnesota's last second-round quarterback.
What Are Your Thoughts?
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My apologies if anybody finds the photo to be offensive, but I found it to be pretty funny.
Does anybody have any agreements or disagreements that they would like to share? If so, please let them be known.
There is a good chance I left out a quarterback or two that you think the Vikings should Ponder, no pun intended (Christian Ponder).
Also, tell me which of these quarterback's would be best suited off behind center for Minnesota in 2011 and beyond.
Let the banter begin!
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