Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman is getting offers on available quarterbacks, but isn’t about to damage the future of the team to get one.
Finding a quarterback in today’s NFL is a huge challenge. There is a large drop-off between starting caliber players and backups in this league, which is why the Minnesota Vikings want to be better prepared in case something happens to Shaun Hill this year.
Rumors have been swirling about who the team would bring in. Names like Mark Sanchez and Michael Vick are being thrown around as possible players to land through free agency or trade. However, general manager Rick Spielman is going to be very careful about the position he puts his team in to add a passer.
According to an article on the Star Tribune website, Spielman has been getting some calls about available quarterbacks, but finds some of the offers to be a little more than he’s willing to bargain with.
"“People are asking for some crazy things,” Spielman said. “People think that you’re desperate. And we’re not going to do something that — in my estimation and [after] talking with Coach Zim and our ownership — puts us in a situation where we jeopardize the future of this franchise.”"
Of course, the hope is that the team can retain as many draft picks and as much of their salary cap as possible while obtaining a solid player to back up Shaun Hill until Taylor Heinicke returns. That might seem unrealistic, but the team has enough faith in Hill to hold things down until Teddy Bridgewater returns next season that they aren’t looking for a long-term answer.
"“I don’t think any of our coaches believe that Shaun Hill can’t get us to where we’re going. Our expectation is still the same,” Spielman said, adding, “We also have to do our due diligence to make sure who that backup is.”"
Next: Vikings game-by-game 2016 season preview
The Minnesota Vikings will be adding a quarterback soon. That is a given. But just who that quarterback will be and what the team gives up to get him has yet to be seen. Expect the team to wait to see what happens during roster cuts to evaluate their next move.