Christian Ponder has seen the writing on the wall for some time now, and he admits that change is likely a good thing for him.
The former first-round pick told Tom Pelissero of USA Today that he’s open to being traded away from Minnesota.
“There are benefits for me being here,” Ponder told Tom Pelissero of USA Today. “I’m learning a lot. It’s less stressful. At the same time, I’ve always got to be ready, because football’s a crazy game. I could play at some point. But it’s an opportunity for me to learn. I do really feel like it’s going to benefit me in the long run.
“If something happens — I get traded, or there’s an opportunity elsewhere to play — I want to play. But this is where I am right now. I can’t control it.”
Ponder has made good money and is likely destined to be a career backup. In this league, Matt Flynn, Rex Grossman and others can tell you that’s not a bad thing at all.
Ponders days as an NFL starter are over.