Next Year's Backup Quarterback

[Mr. Scot]

Derek Anderson is a free agent this offseason, and he hasn't looked so hot in his most recent outings.  Now granted, that doesn't necessarily stop the team from bringing him back, but it could be time to look elsewhere.

Before anyone says it, Colin Kaepernick is still not an option.  Jerry Richardson still owns the team and likely will at least through this offseason.  If that's not enough, Ron Rivera is not a fan of players engaging in politics to the point of distraction.  You're free to feel he should be an option, but the reality is he's not so don't waste everyone's time by arguing for him.

Here are some of the names that actually could be realistic options...

Teddy Bridgewater - former Turner pupil; I think the Vikings will re-sign him, but you never know
Sam Bradford - former Turner pupil; arguably more likely to be brought back than Bridgewater; Vikes traded a first and a fourth for him
Josh McCown - former Panther, still playing well
Matt Moore - former Panther, not playing as well
Joe Webb - former Panther, not playing much at all
Brandon Weeden - played for Norv in Cleveland but is currently a number three
Brock Osweiler - yep, on the road again; probably still thinks he's a starter though
Ryan Fitzpatrick - can be decent, but he thinks he's better than he really is
Geno Smith - not sure even Squirrel backs this idea anymore
Tom Savage - didn't exactly look great with the Titans but showed lots of potential in college
T.J. Yates - North Carolina boy has been around and looked good in spots; Texans may keep him to back up DeShaun Watson
Chase Daniel - has been backing up Brees for a while now
Mark Sanchez - no, just no
Jay Cutler - he's done; he just doesn't know it yet
Blaine Gabbert - wouldn't that be funny, but no
Chad Henne - Bortles backup with the Jags; I honestly didn't know he was still playing
Ryan Mallett - heh heh...no

FYI: I haven't included the name of every free agent quarterback because some (Garoppolo, Cousins) aren't looking for backup jobs.  And while a guy like Case Keenum might be humble enough to do that, I sincerely doubt the Vikings are letting him go (heck, they may not let any of their QBs go, but the others are more likely than Keenum).

Others who are free agents but not especially noteworthy...

Drew Stanton
Austin Davis
Matt Barkley
E.J. Manuel
Tyler Bray
Josh Johnson
Scott Tolzien

[Panthera onca]

The answer is on the roster.

 

[Mr. Scot]

12 minutes ago, Panthera onca said:

The answer is on the roster.

Not unless the answer is Garrett Gilbert.

He's had his moments but is he ready to be a full time backup?  I'd be iffy on that idea.

[Panthera onca]

I feel almost certain he will be the guy. Not that I agree with it but I think that's what will happen. Getting bridgewater would be great but he likely sees himself as a starter and won't want to go where is is destined to be a backup.

[Mr. Scot]

2 minutes ago, Panthera onca said:

I feel almost certain he will be the guy. Not that I agree with it but I think that's what will happen. Getting bridgewater would be great but he likely sees himself as a starter and won't want to go where is is destined to be a backup.

My feeling is we'll probably still go for a veteran option on a one or two year contract while Gilbert develops some more.

Mind you, I will be kind of interested to see what Norv Turner can do with Gilbert.

[t96]

14 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

Not unless the answer is Garrett Gilbert.

He's had his moments but is he ready to be a full time backup?  I'd be iffy on that idea.

DA's still on the roster until March, and I bet he comes back.

 

I also expect that we draft a QB this year.

[KillerKat]

I wish we had picked up Brissett

[Panthera onca]

3 minutes ago, KillerKat said:

I wish we had picked up Brissett

I agree, that would be a perfect situation.

[Mr. Scot]

5 minutes ago, thomas96 said:

DA's still on the roster until March, and I bet he comes back.

I also expect that we draft a QB this year.

Both are possible.

I'd like for us to find better than Anderson because he's looked awful in his last few, but I know that doesn't always happen here.

[Still Brooklyn]

DA will be back.

I think Minn lets both Teddy and Sam go unless Keenum blows it in the next game(s).

[Mr. Scot]

12 minutes ago, Still Brooklyn said:

DA will be back.

I think Minn lets both Teddy and Sam go unless Keenum blows it in the next game(s).

If the Panthers were to sign Bradford, Zod might need new hamsters.

[SmokinwithWilly]

We really should draft another QB. Cam is showing signs of all the hits he's taken with nagging injuries here and there, so we really need a QB that can step in and actually be productive. It takes a couple of years to really develop a backup, and hopefully, with Norv and a new QB coach, we can start doing that in house. I'm not saying we need to spend a 1st or 2nd on a QB, but a 3rd wouldn't upset me if the right guy falls far enough. We need Cam 2.0. A guy who can step in and run the offense with similar style so the entire offensive group doesn't have to try and change the scheme if an injury to Cam does happen. 

[outlaw4]

DA was kept around because he was the veteran compared to Cam. That's no longer the case. Time to start using a later draft pick for a fresh face. 

[Soul Rebel]

I could definitely see one of the Minny cut QBs due to Norv's previous tenure with them, but it would have to be cheap.

I'm personally done with DA as our backup. I think the need for a reliable QB2 becomes more important with each season due to Cam's style of play and age. This year's QB class is shaky and so unpredictable. Even at the top of the draft there's huge question marks for a true franchise QB, and it only gets worse as the rounds of the draft click by.... so no thank you on drafting one this year.

Odds are that DA signs back because he loves his role here and for him, he rarely gets called upon. For fans and the franchise, I hope we go in a different direction. I personally think Kaepernick is the ideal QB2 for us and wish that we would bring him in, but like Scot said, it's probably a no-go. 

Of those mentioned, I'd prefer Bridgewater ideally due to age and upside, but I would have to think his pricetag would be too rich for our blood this offseason, given our needs at other positions. Knowing this franchise, book Joe Webb on a 2-year deal.