Combine Talk: Rick Spielman Says Vikings Want Matt Cassel Back

Dec 22, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel (16) pitches the ball to Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) during the second half of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati Bengals beat Minnesota Vikings 42-14. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Cassel was the Vikings’ best starting QB in 2013 – not a great accomplishment when you consider the alternatives. But Cassel is currently on the free agent market after voiding the second year of his two-year deal with Minnesota.

If the Vikings have their way, Cassel will be back in the fold for 2014.

Rick Spielman told KFAN’s Paul Allen Thursday morning that the Vikings do want Matt Cassel to return, and said he plans to sit down with Cassel’s agent at the combine and have a chat.

Whether this preliminary contact between Spielman and Cassel’s representative will lead to a new contract is anyone’s guess.

My guess is that Cassel will keep his options open. He voided his contract knowing how thin the crop of free agent quarterbacks is this year. He figured he could hit the market, shop around and maybe score himself a better deal. Or at least leverage the Vikings into a better offer.

The deal Cassel had for 2014 was for $3.7 million, but only $500,000 of that was guaranteed. The chance to score more guaranteed money and possibly a two-year deal had to be on Cassel’s mind when he made the decision to opt out.

Maybe Cassel’s plan all along was to come back to the Vikings and ask for more guaranteed dollars and a second year.

If I’m his agent, all I say to Rick Spielman is, “Christian Ponder.” And then I walk out.

Not that Spielman needs to be reminded of how dire the Minnesota QB situation is right now. He knows. He created it, after all.

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