Top offseason bargain just might be Frerotte

The Vikings' offseason spending spree has been well-documented. Defensive end Jared Allen, receiver Bernard Berrian and safety Madieu Williams all received six-year contracts worth a combined $44.5 million in guarantees.

But none of those moves might have meant much if the Vikings didn't make a relatively modest two-year, $3.75 million investment in quarterback Gus Frerotte.

Any question about just how important it was to sign Frerotte was erased in the first quarter Aug. 16 at Baltimore as Tarvaris Jackson lay on the ground because of a sprained right medial collateral ligament.

A year ago, the Vikings' plan for the quarterback position was faulty at best.

The company line entering 2007 training camp was that Jackson and Brooks Bollinger would compete for the starting job. But Bollinger's preseason struggles were such that the team ended up sending a 2009 sixth-round pick to Philadelphia late in camp so that now-retired Kelly Holcomb could be the primary backup.

That also didn't work.

Jackson started 12 games, missing time because of a strained groin, a fractured finger and a concussion. While he was far from perfect, Jackson went 8-4 as a starter. Holcomb (0-3) and Bollinger (0-1) were winless in a combined four starts.

The Vikings' brass realized the error of their ways and addressed the issue by adding Frerotte in April.

The fact the 15-year-veteran was not the team's top choice was no secret. Minnesota attempted to pry Sage Rosenfels from Houston for a third-round pick, but the Texans wanted a second-rounder. While Rosenfels would have competed with Jackson, Frerotte was signed in part so he could help mentor the second-year starter.

Frerotte also provides a crucial safety valve in case Jackson can't stay on the field. And right now there is no guarantee Jackson has the durability to play an entire season.

This latest injury is the fifth malady he has had since the Vikings selected him with a second-round choice in 2006.

Many believed the Vikings needed a solid backup behind Jackson in case the quarterback struggled this season. The reality is that Jackson's résumé of injuries has to be as much or more of a concern to the folks at Winter Park.

Those are the same people who added Allen, Berrian and others so the Vikings could contend immediately -- not down the road.

Frerotte might have turned 37 on July 31, but anyone who watched the Vikings practice on a daily basis in Mankato this summer saw that he still has the arm strength to be successful in the NFL.

The Rams jettisoned Frerotte after last season in part for salary-cap purposes and also because they hired a new offensive coordinator in Al Saunders. He wanted to bring in veteran Trent Green, who was familiar with his system.

Frerotte arrived from St. Louis with the advantage of recent starting experience -- something Holcomb lacked when the Vikings traded for him. Holcomb's three starts last season marked his first time in that role since 2005.

Frerotte started three games for the woeful Rams (3-13) in 2007 and saw action in eight games. About the only disadvantage for Frerotte is that he wasn't very familiar with the West Coast offense the Vikings run.

He played in the system with Denver, but that was five teams and seven years ago. Frerotte admits he continues to adjust, but he has appeared comfortable and in control when he's on the field.

He entered the preseason victory at Baltimore after Jackson was injured and led the Vikings to a field goal and touchdown on consecutive drives. The latter ended with a savvy 5-yard pass to Robert Ferguson on which Frerotte looked right and ended up throwing left.

It was the type of play that has to give the brass at Winter Park the peace of mind that no matter what happens with Jackson this team's quarterback situation is in a better place then it was a year ago.

Judd Zulgad • jzulgad@startribune.com