Josh Freeman's Perplexing Explanation For Why He Signed With The Vikings

J. Meric/Getty Images

Because of the specifics of his contract and the sad state of Christian Ponder, it appears that new Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Freeman will get a crack at the starting job.

He's the highest-paid quarterback on the team, and they only gave him a one-year contract.

But Freeman's explanation for why he picked Minnesota over other suitors (Oakland and Buffalo) seems to contradict that idea.

Here's what he told reporters yesterday (via NFL.com):

"From standpoint of a career move, thing I like about the Vikings is, they've got a guy. It's an opportunity to pump the brakes. It's been a crazy couple of weeks."

This suggests that he signed there in order to bring some stability to his career and slowly work his way back into a starting job. To put it in more blunt terms, he signed there so he could be a back-up.

That is ... strange.

The Vikings signed Freeman to play, not hold a clipboard. They already have a solid back-up in Matt Cassel, Ponder has been underwhelming, and Freeman seems to be the type of uber-talented player who can thrive in a new situation.

He could just being trying to diffuse a QB controversy here. But it's an odd thing to say nonetheless.