Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf obviously has his hands full with the situation concerning Mall of America Field. It is not too early, however, to start analyze possibilities at the quarterback position.
We started this exploratory process over a month ago, and you can read our preliminary findings here.
Now, with more evidence coming to light, we continue our potential QB assessment.
Joe Webb has proven thus far that he is extremely talented athletically, but raw. His decision-making ability has been suspect at best. Interim head coach Leslie Frazier is dealing with the game of out, doubtful, or probable with Brett Favre on a weekly basis. This is obviously not a recipe for long term success.
Patrick Herbert is here to give you some options for the club in the offseason.
(note this is begin re-run from December 26th)
Donovan McNabb-
- He fits the bill: re-tread with past success in statistical categories and ability to win in the playoffs. Like Favre, he has battled with his head coach this season; and he’s currently third on the team’s depth chart to prove it. Mike Shanahan has said to the team that he wouldn’t break with Albert Haynesworth and his steadfastness has continued with McNabb. Having an off-season home in the Phoenix area may make a relocation to the Cardinals more likely.
Michael Vick-His play this season has put him in the discussion for MVP. These results will require an organization pay him somewhere in the neighborhood of a million dollars per regular season game. That is the going rate in the league, but could prove too steep for the Vikings who are still paying Brad Childress and essentially lost substantial revenue from their last two home dates of 2010. There is the character issue as well. Some people will never forgive Vick for his transgressions, no matter what he does or how much time passes.
The draft-Andrew Luck out of Stanford is a name that is consistently mentioned as a top prospect from the Pac 10. The collective bargaining agreement that is set to expire in the beginning of March is on the forefront for every general manager in the NFL. If a new agreement is in the cards, it will undoubtedly include less guaranteed money for top draft choices than in the past. Sam Bradford has had a good start in St. Louis, but the type of guaranteed money that he received is for a consistent pro bowl performer, not a new player with questions coming into the league.
Daunte Culpepper-There are some of you out there undoubtedly chuckling in front of your screens. While it’s true that the Randy Moss experiment was an utter failure, Culpepper would have little risk associated with him. He is currently the starter for the Sacramento River Cats in the United Football League. This means that he doesn’t have a lot of leverage to negotiate with. His past success with the organization means the fans will be on his side from the get go. Sidney Rice, Visanthe Shiancoe, and Percy Harvin provide some appealing options for him. Unlike the draft scenario, Culpepper would not require a financial commitment from the organization for many years to come or a learning curve that could prove costly to a team feeling the fierce urgency of now.