The Oakland Raiders must be attempting to spruce up their back up quarterback situation. They have reportedly signed Christian Ponder to a one-year deal.
New Raiders offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave, whom Ponder worked under for three years in Minnesota, wished to reunite with the Vikings’ first-round draft pick from 2011. The signing of Ponder likely closes the door on veteran back up Matt Schaub who currently counts $5.5 million towards the team’s cap space. The underwhelming Schaub, who ran out of gas over two years ago, was a costly roster add to the Oakland Raiders last season.
Ponder totaled 6,658 passing yards, 38 touchdowns and 36 interceptions. This past season saw him play in just two games with Teddy Bridgewater out due to an ankle injury.
With the free agent quarterback pool extremely thin, the Raiders really did not have many choices available when attempting to strengthen the position. When he’s officially inked, Ponder will compete for one of the Raiders backup jobs.
Photo: USA Today