Viking Interest in Cassel?

Vikings eye Pats QB Matt Cassel?

It was clear Thursday after Brad Childress' postseason media gathering that the Vikings' coach has no No. 1 quarterback heading into next season. That makes it a good bet the team will pursue New England's Matt Cassel if the Patriots are reasonable about a trade. If not, the next best bet for a starting quarterback appears to be Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck. With the Vikings expected to save about $13 million by not re-signing free agents Matt Birk, Darren Sharper and Jim Kleinsasser, and saving at least an additional $5 million in guaranteed money that it would have taken to extend quarterback Tarvaris Jackson's contract, the team should have the resources to justify spending on a clear No. 1 quarterback. Jackson, whom the Vikings still figure has considerable upside, is expected to return to backup status. Cassel, expected to be given the franchise tag by New England, could cost the Vikings as much as $30 million in guaranteed money, plus first- and second-round draft picks. Hasselbeck might cost a second- or third-round draft pick that could escalate if he were to perform well. -- Pioneer Press

Vikings looking to add QB from free agency or trade

Four days after Tarvaris Jackson struggled in the Vikings' wild-card playoff loss to Philadelphia, Brad Childress did not completely close the door on Jackson being his starter in 2009, leaving open the strong possibility of pursuing a quarterback through the draft or free agency. He didn't mention it, but a trade also is an option. Free agents include Kerry Collins, Jeff Garcia, Kurt Warner, J.P. Losman, Dan Orlovsky and Chris Simms. The Patriots reportedly will place a franchise tag on young standout Matt Cassel, but the Patriots could trade him if Tom Brady makes progress in his return from a knee injury. -- Star Tribune


Vikings QB odds for 2009

Who will be the starting quarterback for the Vikings for the first game of the 2009 season?

Tarvaris Jackson 3/2
Gus Frerotte 7/4
Any other veteran QB 2/1
Any rookie QB 9/2
John David Booty 5/1 -- Bodog