The Facts: Following up on a previous item. ... The Vikings are ready to move on from the wayward Ponder Experiment. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that the team has declined to pick up the quarterback's fifth-year option, all but setting Ponder free to test the open market after the 2014 campaign.

Diehards Line: Minnesota's decision comes as no surprise. The Vikings weren't about to pay Ponder $9.6 million when it's no guarantee he even makes the team this season. It's clear the front office favors Matt Cassel, leading Ponder to tell The Star Tribune this week: "I think the expectation is that (Cassel is) going to be a starter. But for me, I'm competing for the job." With Vikings looming as a strong bet to draft a rookie passer in next week's draft, Ponder -- the 12th overall pick in 2011 -- could enter camp as far down as third on the depth chart. Indeed, as NFL.com notes, Ponder isn't a great fit for Norv Turner's pass-heavy attack and we shouldn't be stunned if Ponder is in a new uniform come September.