Rick Spielman Still Says He Wants Christian Ponder Back

Nov 24, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) throws a pass prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Rick Spielman is staying on-message when it comes to Christian Ponder’s future. And I’m still calling BS on that “message.”

The Vikings GM said not long ago that the team wanted Ponder back for next season. During his combine media rounds Thursday, Spielman reiterated that he plans for Ponder to stay with the Vikings in 2014.

Spielman laid out his “ideal scenario” for the Vikings at QB: A veteran, Christian Ponder and a young QB.

That veteran could well end up being Matt Cassel. Spielman says he will meet with Cassel’s agent at the combine Thursday afternoon.

The young QB will likely be someone the Vikings pick up in the draft, but not necessarily at #8. Spielman has said he likes the depth in this year’s QB class, so don’t rule out a QB being taken with a later pick.

And to all of this I say…still not buying it.

Nope. Still not buying that Ponder is a lock to be back in 2014. Still think Spielman is just saying that to avoid undermining Ponder’s trade value.

Still think Spielman wants to deal Ponder for a late-round pick.

Now does that mean Spielman will be able to trade Ponder? No. It’s quite likely that no trade will be worked out. So the Vikes will have to decide between cutting Ponder and keeping him.

Given those choices, I think the Vikings just hold on to Ponder, since the cap relief from cutting him would be zilch due to dead money.

So yes, they could very well end up keeping Ponder. But that would not be an “ideal scenario” for Spielman. Spielman doesn’t want Ponder back in 2014. He will hold his nose and keep Ponder if he has no other choice.

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