Vikings target free agent quarterback Tyler Thigpen to back up Ponder?
By Nam Huynh
Oct. 14, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback (4) Tyler Thigpen against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Bills defeated the Cardinals 19-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
If the Vikings learned anything about the Wild Card blowout loss at Lambeau Field, it’s that they need a veteran quarterback ready to step in and play.
Free agency starts on March 12 and a quality backup quarterback is on general manager Rick Spielman’s list of things to do.
Unrestricted free agent Tyler Thigpen looks to be Minnesota’s best bet as a backup quarterback to Ponder, according to Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press.
This would not be a surprise, considering Spielman’s history with Thigpen.
Thigpen was originally drafted by the Vikings in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Spielman, who was then the Vikings vice president of player personnel, was one of the main reasons why Minnesota drafted Thigpen in the first place.
The Vikings tried to pass Thigpen through waivers in order to sign him to their practice squad but the Chiefs claimed him. He went on to play for the Chiefs, Dolphins and Bills.
Thigpen, 28, has appeared in 29 NFL regular season games (started 12) with a career 72.5 passer rating.