Last week we discussed scenarios with which the Vikings could package together enough picks and basically sell out the farm in order to move up in the draft to secure one of the Big Three quarterbacks: Matt Leinart, Vince Young, or Jay Cutler. But there is another option available to the club and they might not have to give up quite so much. Not to mention take the safer road. And that would be 24-year-old Atlanta backup Matt Schaub.

Declaration around the NFL is the Miami Dolphins presented the Falcons with a package that included a second-round pick and additional picks or player(s) for the services of Schaub. So the ‘Fins either considered Schaub more impressive that Daunte Culpepper whom they received for a 2nd round pick…..or they simply Herscheled the Vikes.

In any event, the Cowboys, Ravens, Titans and Vikings have called the Falcons about Schaub and been snubbed. Why all the commotion over a backup quarterback?

Schaub was a third-round pick out of Virginia in 2004. He was the fifth quarterback selected behind Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger, and J.P. Losman. Schaub is the Falcons backup QB and has filled in on numerous occasions for the oft-injured Michael Vick.

In Week 5 of the 2005 season, Schaub put through the shredder the Patriots' defense. See video here. He amassed 298 yards and three touchdowns in a three-point loss. Why do I remember this? Just one week earlier Schaub had a magnificent second half in the win over the Vikings, running for 56 yards on four carries. Our guy at the head of the Triangle of Authority, Zygi Wilf, had a front-row seat for Schaub's vibrant relief accomplishment against his defense.

But I rather doubt the Vikes can come up with something….anything…that the Falcons want in exchange for Schaub. For the Falcons to do business involving Schaub, a team will have to offer Atlanta someone they can prevail with when and if Vick goes down for a game or two.

And that is the conundrum. Can the Vikings offer the combination of a starting-caliber backup and high pick(s) to get Schaub? Probably not. But should they look hard? As we say up in The Tundra, “Yeah, ya betcha.�

If the Triangle of Authority is going to role the dice on a quarterback this year, why not do it on a guy who's bargain basement priced. Schaub is due just $385,000 next year, the last of his contract, after which he becomes a restricted free agent. Wouldn’t you prefer the Vikings not to gamble a plethora of picks and players on an unknown in the draft?

Let me make this last point. Schaub is primed to step in and lead right now. Atlanta took care of a lot of the tutoring.
With the little bit of armchair coaching I have, I nonetheless deem the Big Three will be good players. On the other hand, Schaub just might be the preeminent gamble. He's without doubt the selection I’d prefer the Vikes pursue.