An interesting potential quirk to the Vikings’ quarterback group reared its head Thursday morning: at least one NFL reporter believes Minnesota is one of three “likely” landing spots for quarterback Nick Foles.

Traveling, unsure if this is out there: 1. Source said Foles likely to #Vikings, #Bills or #Cowboys. 2. #Jets expressed interest in Foles — Jason Cole (@JasonCole62) July 28, 2016

Thus far, Jason Cole is the only one to float the rumor, and it’s worth mentioning that Vic Carucci—a well-respected Bills beat writer—has already disputed one of the teams on the list.

Despite reports to the contrary, #Bills aren't among teams interested in signing Nick Foles, from what I've been told. — Vic Carucci (@viccarucci) July 28, 2016

If the rumor is at all true, the implication for Foles’ future is pretty clear; he’s now considered a backup after forcing his way out of Los Angeles because of unhappiness with the team drafting Jared Goff. The Vikings, Cowboys, and Bills all have established starters at quarterback. Foles started the first nine games last season, throwing seven touchdowns and six interceptions before being benched in favor of Case Keenum.

Purely in terms of talent, this would be an upgrade at backup quarterback for the Vikings. Foles has seen mixed results as a starter but did make the Pro Bowl in 2013 after throwing 27 touchdowns and only two interceptions in 13 games. He’s never started a full season, but (God willing) the team wouldn’t be asking that in this scenario. The current backup—Shaun Hill—is on the roster more for “veteran leadership” and guidance qualities than he is his capabilities as a spot starter, and while fans are often fond of the sagely-old-veteran-player-sitting-behind-a-young-starter arrangement, I’m not sure Teddy needs a ton of guidance from other quarterbacks at this stage (and I question how much of Hill provides, anyway).

Foles, on the other hand, would better play the “critical spare” role my colleague Adam Warwas often talks about; a replacement part that would theoretically cause limited drop-off in the case it was needed for a short time. I don’t see Foles providing a lot of “veteran leadership,” but I would be a lot more comfortable with him starting, say, five games in Bridgewater’s absence than I would be Shaun Hill.

Update

Kare 11’s Ryan Shaver just tweeted that Taylor Heinicke showed up at training camp with a cast on his leg. While we don’t yet have the details, this puts the Foles rumor in context. The Vikings might need to add another quarterback if Heinicke is out for an extended period.