Sage a wise move for Vikings?

[Doug Monson]

The potential trade for Sage Rosenfels is drawing a lot of criticism from Purple fans, but it is also drawing a lot of interest from analysts and the like. What I've been hearing from Vikings' fans is that Jeff Garcia (who is really overrated by desperate Vikings fans, by the way) is the way to go, or that the team should try to acquire Donavan McNabb, Derek Anderson or Matt Cassel. The reality is, Minnesota can't continue to sacrafice its future for these big name guys. The Jared Allen deal last year, while beneficial to the Vikings, is a rarity in the NFL, and it is time the fans realize what few options are out there. That is why adding a guy like Rosenfels, who isn't flashy but gets the job done, is a better move than trying to find a low-level guy on the free-agent market or making another big-name trade. This isn't perfect, it doesn't necessarily answer the QB quandry, but it does give the Vikings another option.

[Bob Jentges]

The potential trade for Sage Rosenfels is drawing a lot of criticism from Purple fans, but it is also drawing a lot of interest from analysts and the like. What I've been hearing from Vikings' fans is that Jeff Garcia (who is really overrated by desperate Vikings fans, by the way) is the way to go, or that the team should try to acquire Donavan McNabb, Derek Anderson or Matt Cassel. The reality is, Minnesota can't continue to sacrafice its future for these big name guys. The Jared Allen deal last year, while beneficial to the Vikings, is a rarity in the NFL, and it is time the fans realize what few options are out there. That is why adding a guy like Rosenfels, who isn't flashy but gets the job done, is a better move than trying to find a low-level guy on the free-agent market or making another big-name trade. This isn't perfect, it doesn't necessarily answer the QB quandry, but it does give the Vikings another option.

Rosenfels was drafted in 2001 so he must be about 30 years old. Short of serious injury he should have many years in the league ahead of him. Apparrantly the trade could be struck for a 3 year contract extension of $9M and a fourth round draft choice. I see those as a positives. The question is would he be good enough to be the long range solution to the Vikings quarterback problem.

One negative might be that he was Gus Frerott's backup at Miami in 2003. If he came to the Vikings would he end-up as Frerott's backup again? If the answer is yes, how would that effect Tarvaris Jackson's development? Does Rosenfels have more long range potential than Jackson? Are the Vikings ready to give-up on John David Booty already?

If I was forced to make a decision now, with the limited knowledge I have on the situation, I think I would pass on the trade.

[Doug Monson]

I think you have to consider Gus gone if this trade goes through. Childress already seems uneasy about bringing him back to compete with Tarvaris. As far as $9 million for 3 years, that's chump change. He's had some pretty impressive games, and a few blunders. He works in a West Coast Offense, even though it still is probably a different offense from the Vikings. I just heard on the radio that this is a done deal Friday, though I'm always skeptical until an actual deal is announced.

As for taking a chance on Rosenfels and his long-range potential, what's a fourth rounder, really? Booty was a fifth rounder, and here we are a year later wondering what the Vikings think of him and where he fits into the overall picture. So really, would it hurt to trade a fourth rounder with a chance to have a real QB competition at camp with a chance to improve the team elsewhere with the lower contract?

But I'm with you on Booty. Does he have a future? Only time will tell. Ah, nothing like a little football talk ahead of the draft, which by the way, is still a long ways out. But hey, it comes with warmer weather!

[Bob Jentges]

I agree with you that Frerotte is probably gone if the deal for Rosenfels comes to fruition this Friday. But if the Viking brain trust decides to pay Frerotte the roster bonus (only about $250,000 I think) in about one month it might mean there will be a serious competition for the #1 & #2 spots and Jackson could be the one gone with Booty as #3. I have no personal preference as to who the quarterback(s) will be when the season opens next year, but as you say it is fun to speculate. I just want the team to succeed.

[Bob Jentges]

Well Doug, Frerotte is gone as we expected. It looks like training camp competition for the starting job will be between Rosenfels and Jackson. It should be interesting to see how the Minnesota sports writers report on that competition. They have not been real supportive of Jackson in the past, and
from what I have read since the Rosenfels trade this week many have their doubts about him too. But I doubt many of those sports writers have much more to base their opinions on than you or me i.e. his limited statistics over his nine years in the league with four different teams.

I think the sports writers will almost be forced to pick a favorite early in camp. Will they pick Rosenfels because he is the new guy, or will they pick Jackson because they think he is now the underdog, or will their pick be more objective? Whoever Childress and his staff eventually decide to open the season with, because of the high profile of the quarterback position, I am expecting their will be plenty of sports writer (and also fan) criticisim as the season progresses.

My hope is that if Rosenfels wins the job he demonstrates the reason he was a back-up all those years is because he never got a real chance at the number one job, and if Jackson wins the job it is because of what he learned under the pressure of significant playing time over his relativly short time in the league. I would much prefer a deep run in the playoffs than reading/hearing critical opinions about the quarterback from the media and/or the fans. I can dream can't I?

[Doug Monson]

It doesn't matter who wins that QB job, I think people will find a reason to gripe. Not me. I heard a fan who was angry the Vikings didn't trade for Matt Cassel if it only cost a second round pick, but I think the Vikings would have had to pay a 1st round. I mean, the K.C. pick is 34th overall, which is essentially a low, first-round pick. The Vikings second round pick is more like a high third rounder, and their first-round pick is closer to the second round. Pretty obvious what has to happen there.

I'm looking past the QB and worrying about Birk and hoping the Vikes sign T.J. Houshmandzedah. That would be pretty sweet, but we'll see if that actually happens. Hopefully we'll know soon.

[Steven Schmidt]

Should we be interested in Cutler, even though we have Sage?

[Bob Jentges]

Should we be interested in Cutler, even though we have Sage?

Welcome, Steve.

I have liked Cutler since the draft. I wish the Vikings had worked something out at that time where they could have drafted him. But now that the Patriots have sent Matt Cassell to KC I'm not sure Denver would part with Cutler. I think Denver wanted Cassell. But if for some reason Cutler is still available and the Vikings could work out a trade for him in exchange for Rosenfels or Jackson or both I say go for it. But I think the chances for that happening are slim at best.

[Steven Schmidt]

I haven't listened to any sports talk in the last couple of days, but last I heard Cutler was demanding to be traded because he found out that Denver was shopping him around behind his back. Has he changed his mind, or is he still a trade option? If he is an option, I don't think I would give up a ton for him. Unless he came fairly cheap (2nd round pick or so), I think I would give Sage a shot.

[Bob Jentges]

I haven't listened to any sports talk in the last couple of days, but last I heard Cutler was demanding to be traded because he found out that Denver was shopping him around behind his back. Has he changed his mind, or is he still a trade option? If he is an option, I don't think I would give up a ton for him. Unless he came fairly cheap (2nd round pick or so), I think I would give Sage a shot.

I could be wrong about this because it's been a while, but I think the reason Denver was shopping Cutler is because their new coach may have had connections with the Patriots and wanted to get Cassell. If there is any truth to that I can understand why Cutler may have been upset, especially if Denver was not up front with him.

I think Cutler was a pro bowl quarterback last year and I think the Vikings could use sombody like him. But everything tells me you will get your wish and Sage will get a shot. He seems like a nice kid and I hope he does well.

[Bob Jentges]

The Jay Cutler saga is back in/still in the news today. For those that are interested, Charlie Walters and Tom Powell of the Pioneer Press and Patrick Reusse and Sid Hartman of the Star Tribune have dedicated all or parts of their respective columns this morning to the situation. From what I have read and heard elswhere I tend to side with the "Fulda Flash" on this one.

[Bob Jentges]

There is an interesting (but long) article by Rick Alonzo about Sage Rosenfels in the Pioneer Press this morning. For those interested the link is:

http://twincities.com/sports/ci_12120925