Back in 2006, the Minnesota Vikings used a second round draft pick on a player named Tarvaris Jackson. He was a quarterback out of Alabama State University who immediately lit things up during his first preseason with the team. He started 20 games for Minnesota before visiting Seattle and Buffalo and finally staying with the Seahawks for the last two years.
Sep 22, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (7) passes against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Now, Tarvaris Jackson is part of a group of veteran free agent quarterbacks who could be looking for a new home this offseason. A return to Minnesota could be in the cards now that the Vikings have agreed to trade Matt Cassel to the Buffalo Bills and Christian Ponder will be a free agent.
In a recent interview with the Pioneer Press, Tarvaris Jackson mentioned that reuniting with the Vikings is something that he is open to.
"“I’d definitely love to come back. I still go (to Minnesota) to train every summer. Coming there, I think I could definitely help Teddy out. I love being in Minnesota. It’s a place that I’ll never forget. It’s a part of my life. … I don’t know why (the Vikings) wouldn’t be interested in me.’’"
But would the Vikings be interested in Tarvaris Jackson? What would he have to offer Minnesota? He spoke about that as well.
"“I think I could really help him. I think I could help put things in perspective for him with football and outside of football. … I feel I can help him just making the game a little easier and kind of learning from my mistakes and stuff.’’"
Nov 17, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (7) throws during pregame warmups against the Minnesota Vikings at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
It’s always great to see a player willing to be a backup and a mentor of sorts, but Tarvaris Jackson still wants to be a starter in the NFL. Despite that, he understands how the NFL works. A backup is just one injury, legal issue, or poor performance away from taking the field with the starting unit.
"“I have respect for my position. I still have dreams of being a starter again, but I’m not going to interrupt anybody’s growth. I still have my aspirations, but I don’t know what coach wouldn’t want a guy that didn’t aspire to be a starter.’’"
It’ll be interesting to see if the Vikings go after Tarvaris Jackson as a backup for Teddy Bridgewater during the 2015 NFL season. Considering the weak market and how some players would want a chance to start at their new location, Jackson could be a good option for Minnesota.
What do you guys think? Would you welcome Tarvaris Jackson back to the Vikings? Or would you rather see Minnesota go after a different veteran free agent quarterback? Let us know in the comments below.
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