The Minnesota Vikings did not exercise a fifth-year option on quarterback Christian Ponder, according to reports.
The deadline for teams to exercise options on players who were part of the 2011 draft class was Friday.
Ponder, who is entering his fourth season, told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune earlier this week that the team will probably go with Matt Cassel as the starter.
It is unlikely the team would pay a backup the $9.68 million option for 2015 is worth.
“I think the expectation is that (Cassel is) going to be a starter,” Ponder said. “But for me, I’m competing for the job. That’s what’s going on in my mind. It’s a competition. It’s a clean slate for all of us. I don’t think any of the coaches have made a decision about what’s going on yet, but hopefully the best guy gets to play.”
In three NFL seasons, Ponder has 38 touchdowns and 34 interceptions while completing 60 percent of his passes over 35 starts.