Fresh on my latest 2,000+ word post, Sports Illustrated’s “Truth and Rumors” section of their site had a very interesting idea that I felt compelled to bring to you:

Before Sunday’s playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Tarvaris Jackson was expected to be the Vikings’ top quarterback heading into training camp next season. Now, though, Jackson’s status is unclear. The Vikings might have options to find a starting quarterback, but those, too, are unclear. If team owner Zygi Wilf, who invested $60 million in guaranteed contracts this season, is willing to guarantee an additional $30 million or so, the team might be able to pry Matt Cassel away from the New England Patriots. Besides a new contract for Cassel, 26, the price of a trade would be high — perhaps first-round and second-round draft picks. It’s unclear whether New England would be willing to trade Cassel, an unrestricted free agent who is expected to be designated a franchise player, thus guaranteeing him about $14.5 million for the coming season. Cassel would provide hope for Vikings rooters, retain the team’s visibility and might even enhance Wilf’s effort for a new stadium. A more realistic and practical objective, though, might be to trade with Seattle for Matt Hasselbeck, 33, who probably would be available for a second-round draft pick. The Seahawks, 4-12 this season, need to rebuild.

I absolutely love this idea. If Cassel is not available, which it looks like the Patriots will be retaining his services through this next year, then Hasselbeck fits exactly the mold I wanted for the Vikings. He’s a veteran, he’s experienced, he’s still got at least three to four really good years left in him, and he’s ready for a fresh start.

Future QB of the Vikings? I hope so

Could it honestly fit much better?

If Hasselbeck is healthy, he’s accurate enough and has got enough of an arm to really get the job done for Minnesota. Not only that, the Vikings could get him for a second round pick, which would be completely worth the sacrifice.

Cassel, on the other hand, would probably cost a first rounder, a second rounder, and any number of players as well as a very healthy contract with big money up front. If the Vikings could get Cassel as an unrestricted free agent, things would be different. Assuming his cost is too high, Matt Hasselbeck could be the perfect fit for the Vikings.

It’s the third day of the offseason, so take these rumors with a grain of salt, but you know what? It’s fun to speculate.

I’ll be back soon with more.

Skol Vikings!

Woot Woot!