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Minnesota Vikings' mission: Find franchise quarterback in 2013

This season's mission for the Minnesota Vikings -- see if their franchise quarterback is on the roster, per a team source.

Who will win out? Said the source: "I have no idea how it's going to turn out."

The Vikings have several options. Former backup Matt Casselstartsthis week against the Carolina Panthers. Newly acquired quarterback Josh Freeman used this week to get acclimated to the Vikings' playbook.

Minnesota loved Freeman before the 2009 NFL Draft. So far, per the source, the Vikingslike what they've seen from the former Tampa Bay Buccaneer.

And still in the mix is former starter Christian Ponder. Ponder sat down twice this week with general manager Rick Spielman. Spielman's message to Ponder, per the source: sink or swim. Ponder still needs to prove he's "the guy" in Minnesota.

Ponder is expected to fight for his job, and the quarterback appeared receptive and ready for the challenge. If Ponder gets frustrated, that's OK with Minnesota.

Best-case scenario: The Vikings have a really hard decision to make at the end of this season. Worst-case scenario: The Vikings try to find a quarterback for next season and get compensatory picks for Freeman.

Follow Ian Rapoport on Twitter @RapSheet.

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