Josh Freeman Wants to Play For the Vikings

Aug 16, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) talks with wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) on the sideline during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

As if the Josh Freeman-to-Vikings speculation needed anymore fuel, here’s a nice big barrel of high-octane gasoline right on top of the fire. We have Mike Florio, professional stoker of speculation, to thank for this one. Really Mike. Thanks for your report on Freeman’s possible destinations and specifically your blurb about the Vikings. Here’s what Florio wrote:

"Minnesota Vikings:  This is the team, as we hear it, Freeman most wants to play for.  But coach Leslie Frazier and G.M. Rick Spielman seem to be committed to who they have, whether it’s Christian Ponder or Matt Cassel.  Unless and until Spielman says the Vikings have “no intent” to sign Freeman, consider him a non-option."

Why exactly does Freeman wish to play for the Vikings? Several reasons I can see. 1) Adrian Peterson. 2) He figures he can beat out the QBs they already have. 3) Receiver corps that has plenty of talent and is getting more solid by the week. 4) Dynamic playcaller in Bill Musgrave. That last one was a joke.

So yes, I guess Minnesota would be an attractive destination from Freeman’s point of view. But the interest has to be mutual for anything to happen and I simply don’t believe it is. I don’t think the Vikes are just going to bail on Christian Ponder after all they’ve put into developing him. They will give Ponder the chance to play out this season provided he can get healthy.

Those who like Josh Freeman as a potential long-term solution? Maybe you’re right. But I don’t think you’re going to get the chance to find out for sure. And frankly I think a lot of the pro-Freeman sentiment is really just anti-Ponder sentiment in disguise. Either way, Freeman isn’t coming. So you can cool your jets and get ready to watch Matt Cassel for a couple weeks until Ponder is healed up.

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