This Chad won’t be left hanging

August 8, 2008   ·   Paul Raymond   ·   Jump to comments

What options does former New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington have? Surprisingly, quite a few. Tom Condon, his agent, claims there are over half a dozen teams that are interested in his services. That could be true but in reality the number is about four, give or take a surprise entrant, or non-entrant. His options for starting are very slim but he could be a very valuable backup for a contender. Let’s look at all the teams interested.

Miami Dolphins - This is where the smart money is. This would be his best opportunity to start, even if it would only be till second round draft pick Chad Henne is ready to take over. Most people expect Pennington to sign with the Dolphins due to his relationship with Bill Parcells. For those that don’t know, Parcells was the coach of the Jets when Chad was drafted in 2000. Talks between the two sides began to heat up as soon as Chad was released. It’s being reported that Condon and team management spoke twice yesterday, with more talks planned. Dolphins in Depth takes a look at the situation and how aggressive the Dolphins may be in their pursuit.

Kansas City Chiefs - The Chiefs are another strong possibility as another former coach of Chad’s, Herman Edwards, is running the team. Pennington’s best years came with Herm at the helm, so a reunion would make sense there for both. Even so, Chad would probably wind up a backup in Kansas City as the team seems pretty content with Brodie Croyle as their starter. Chiefs’ General Manager Carl Peterson says “There’s nothing to comment on”, but even with that the Kansas City Star still says that the Chiefs are looking at the former Jet. A move like this would let the team part ways with Damon Huard.

New York Giants - Yes, the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants have interest in the former Jet. The team has struggled for years to find a capable backup for Eli Manning, and what better choice then the former QB of the team who shares your stadium. The team currently has a battle between David Carr and Anthony Wright for the role, and both actually performed well in the teams first pre-season contest. It doesn’t stop the NY Daily News from reporting that the Giants may look at Pennington. General Manager Jerry Reese was pretty diplomatic and honest with the paper saying, “We take a look at everybody that’s out there … That includes him.” While that doesn’t mean the Giants will make a move, he’s just being straight forward and saying of course we looked him. I’ve never been a big fan of Chad, but as a Giants’ fan I wouldn’t mind a signing here. We’d get a capable starter should Eli go down, and someone who understands the notorious winter winds of the Meadowlands.

Minnesota Vikings - The Vikings have also been a popular destination amongst many. Personally, I think they’re a long shot thou. Many think the Vikings would love for a new starter, and move Tarvaris Jackson to a back-up role. I feel the Vikings have a good young nucleus thou with Adrian Peterson and Jackson together. His numbers weren’t outstanding, far from it, but down the stretch he showed glimpses of being a competent NFL starter. Down the stretch he cleared the 90 QB Rating mark 4 times in the final 6 games, including 6 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, but more importantly leading the team to a 4-2 record. Don’t try and say the teams success was due to Peterson either, he missed two games and played minimally in a couple others in that run. Now that there is no chance for Brett Favre joining the team, I’m pretty sure the Vikings are all about giving Jackson a chance this year.

So are there any other teams looking at Pennington? Probably, but they’re keeping their interest pretty quiet at the moment. I could also see a team like the New England Patriots taking a look as they’ve also never had a true back-up for Tom Brady. Any where Chad goes it will probably be for cheap, with many performance based incentives.

Right now I’ll agree with the masses and say he ends up with the Miami Dolphins, but that Giants scenario really peaks my interest. Would he give an even deeper discount to stay where he’s comfortable? One has to wonder.

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