Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel opted out of the second year of his two-year contract, making him a free agent on March 11. At a time when many presume he’ll leave, the team’s new coach wants Cassel to return. But only if Cassel wants to return.
“I would love to have Matt Cassel back if Matt Cassel wants to be back,” Zimmer said Thursday, via Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “I don’t know if that will happen or won’t happen. But we’re going to find a quarterback somewhere. . . . If Matt wants to come back, I’m sure that we’ll get it worked out.”
Zimmer realizes that, before Cassel can pick the Vikings, Cassel will look at what’s avaiable.
“I think everyone wants to explore,” Zimmer said. “He’s got a bunch of pretty girls looking at him right now, and he wants to explore and see what’s best for him.”
If Cassel’s objective is to play, the prettiest girl could be the one he’s currently dating. After getting burned by using the 12th overall pick on Christian Ponder in 2011, the Vikings may be inclined to not use the eighth overall pick this season on a quarterback. Maybe with Cassel, who had a direct role in each of the team’s five wins last season, the Vikings could let Norv Turner work his magic with Cassel while perhaps taking a swing at a mid-round prospect who could become a Russell Wilson for Zimmer and company.
Ultimately, a team’s plans for Cassel will be revealed by the financial investment they’re willing to make.