Good news for Christian Ponder. The Minnesota Vikings will not pursue free agent quarterback Peyton Manning, according to the Pioneer Press.
Manning was released yesterday by the Colts. Already, there are reports that 12 teams, perhaps more, have at least some interest his services, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Manning, if he is indeed healthy enough to play in 2012, is an add-water solution for turning around a team. He will be 35 this season, so it is not a long-term solution.
Minnesota has a long-term solution in Ponder, their first-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Ponder took over for Donovan McNabb midway through the 2011 season. He struggled some behind a mediocre offensive line. Losing Adrian Peterson dealt him a particularly tough blow. Ponder completed 158 of 291 passes for 1,853 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
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