The Minnesota Vikings on Sunday signed quarterback Josh Freeman to a one-year deal. Although Freeman is unlikely to start next week against the Carolina Panthers, he's expected to supplant incumbent starter Christian Ponder as the starter at some point this season.
Freeman's agent announced the deal on Twitter and later confirmed it to the Associated Press. The deal is for one year and worth close to $3 million, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
"I think Josh Freeman is a good player," a Vikings source told ESPN. "We just have to figure out where things went wrong in Tampa Bay so we can help him. He is too young not to progress."
The signing of Freeman indicates the Vikings no longer feel tied to Ponder, the team's 2011 No. 12 overall pick. Vikings coach Leslie Frazier has said Ponder would start in Week 6 against Carolina, provided the signal caller is healthy. A fractured rib near Ponder's heart sidelined him for last week's game; he could end up missing three to four games, according to ESPN radio's Judd Zulgad.
Freeman will need time to learn Minnesota's offense, which gives Ponder an opportunity to win games and convince the coaching staff he's still their answer at quarterback.
There's also backup Matt Cassel, who helped Minnesota to their first win last week against Pittsburgh, completing 16-of-25 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns. If Ponder is unavailable for next week's game and Freeman is still learning the playbook, Cassel could make a case to remain the starter with a win against Carolina. Still, Cassel isn't considered to be the team's quarterback of the future.
With Freeman under contract, Minnesota appears ready to move in another direction at quarterback. Now in his third season, Ponder's play continues to be inconsistent. It's his job to lose at this point.
