So Much For Franchise QB

The Minnesota Vikings are close to acquiring Houston Texan veteran quarterback Sage Rosenfels. This deal hasn’t come out of the blue. The Vikings were interested in Sage Rosenfels last season but nothing came of it. It would probably cost the Vikings a third to fourth round draft pick to acquire him. But now you have to ask yourself—is the move worth it?

The Vikings have two capable quarterbacks in 37-year old Gus Frerotte and QB of the future, Tarvaris Jackson. Frerotte isn’t getting any younger, but jeopardizing Jackson’s confidence by bringing in someone else might not be the smartest option. Rosenfels is by no means young himself. He will turn 31 on March 6th, and only has one more touchdown pass than interception in his career—30 to 29. His 81.2 QB rating is nothing to get excited about. Tarvaris only has a 76.5 career QB rating, but compiled a 95.4 rating last season in limited play. He played well towards the end of the season when Gus Frerotte was injured. Another year of limited play will only hurt the long-term effects on Jackson who can create more plays than the more limited Rosenfels.

The Vikings defense was the strong point last season finishing 6th in total defense for yards allowed and 1st overall in rush defense—holding opponents to only 76.9 rush yards a game. With the defense in place, the Vikings don’t need to ask too much of Tarvaris. Adrian Peterson is the league’s best all-around runner which will take pressure off of Jackson. So will the offensive line who together are one of the best in the business. Jackson shouldn’t get too many happy feet moments.

So why risk the entire learning process by bringing in a 31-year old veteran who is just as much unproven as Tarvaris? To me it doesn’t make any sense, but there’s a reason why I’m a sports fan and not a general manager of an NFL team. But it still just doesn’t seem like the right personnel move at this time in my eyes.