Kmoch's Sports Shorts

Curious George

On Monday, the Minnesota Vikings signed Jeff George as their new backup to the high flying Randall Cunningham. George's career, thought to have been washed up by many, have been given another chance by Dennis Green, who preaches that two good quarterbacks are a neccesity in the NFL today. Although terms have been undisclosed, it has been reported that George signed a one year $400,000 deal with the NFC Central front runners. The Vikings were in desperate need for an experienced backup quarterback to Randall Cunningham when they traded Brad Johnson to Washington for three draft picks. Otherwise, they would have been hoping for a healthy Cunningham all season long, or else faced the consequences of putting the inexperienced Jay Fiedler in at quarterback. With the accquisition of George, the Vikings can concentrate more on the defensive side of the ball in the upcoming draft. They have a few key needs with the signing of cornerback Corey Fuller in Cleveland, and the slim possibilities that Jerry Ball and Derrick Alexander will return next season. George had previously been played for the Atlanta Falcon's, where he got into a heated argument with the coach and owner and was sent packing to Oakland. After an unproductive season in 1998 as a highly paid starter, the Raiders felt the sting of free agency and were unwilling to extend his contract. George was willing to take substantial paycut is hopes that signing in Minnesota would resurrect his career. Unless he sees extended playing time in Minnesota, his prospects of becoming a starting quarterback in the NFL again are slim at best.

Will the acquisition of George add to the Vikings success?

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