The Minnesota Vikings and Matt Cassel obviously like each other quite a bit. Cassel opted out of his contract with the team after last season but on Friday night, agreed to return to the Vikings with a two-year deal worth $10 million according to various sources. It also allows Minnesota to go into free agency without having to sign a quarterback before the draft.
It is an interesting decision however considering what the future of the team is. Adrian Peterson wanted Michael Vick but obviously, Cassel is the better fit for what new coach Mike Zimmer and offensive coordinator Norv Turner want to do. The two-year deal also will allow the team to wait on a quarterback in the draft if they really wanted to this season. They could wait to see what next year’s quarterback class looks like if they have another rough season. It is quite possible though that the team does make a move if the right quarterback falls to them in the second or third round. The first round picking of a QB is likely now a complete non-issue however.
Cassel threw for 1,807 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions in nine games for the Vikings and led the team in passing yards. The team obviously has no confidence in Christian Ponder moving forward with this move though. If they thought that Ponder was the answer, they wouldn’t have signed Cassel again. Cassel is also 31 years old it must be noted so he isn’t the long-term answer. That answer is either Ponder or a quarterback that the team drafts either this year or next year.
The Vikings have a very narrow window with the talent they have presently and did finish last in a very competitive NFC North last season. If they want to make a serious run at the division title, this is the kind of move that probably had to be made. The fan reaction will be something to keep an eye on as the days and weeks go on and especially when the 2014 season begins. Cassel has the potential to be the right answer for a full season with the Vikings or he could end up continuing the revolving door at the position and that won’t make Vikings fans real happy.