Vikings general manager Rick Spielman spoke about the Vikings’ offseason goals on Saturday during the 19^th annual Arctic Blast snowmobile rally to benefit the Vikings Children’s Fund, reports Master Tesfatsion of the Star Tribune. Spielman stated his intention to acquire two more draft picks, and find a young quarterback in the draft, though not necessarily with their current first round pick. Here are some other rumors surrounding the team:

• Tesfastsion also notes that Spielman spoke about Matt Cassel‘s free agency, saying the team will be in contact with the quarterback’s agents, leaving open the possibility of his return in 2014.
• In their search for a young quarterback, Kirk Cousins could make sense, writes Ben Goessing of ESPN.com. However, with the Vikings looking to acquire draft picks rather than spend them, this could be a risky move. Goessing warns not to fall in love with the Redskins’ backup, as he sees similarities between his career and Matt Flynn.
• For a secondary that struggled in 2013, a deep pool of free agent cornerbacks could provide a quick fix. Goessing sees Alterraun Verner and Sam Shields as great fits, even if they may prove to be expensive commodities. He also sees the Vikings re-signing Chris Cook, taking a chance on their own player on a cheap contract with some potential upside.
• The Vikings also will have to replace Jared Allen at defensive end, which will be tough with other holes on the defense. Goessing sees the Vikings trying to re-sign Everson Griffin on a short term deal to give him a chance to prove himself. He also writes that if they do not spend money elsewhere, they may be able to make a run at Michael Johnson of the Bengals in free agency.

FRIDAY, 10:45am: Cassel has officially exercised his right to void the final year of his contract, and will become a free agent next month, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

WEDNESDAY, 8:17am: While Matt Cassel has another year remaining on his contract with the Vikings, the deal allows him to opt out and become a free agent this offseason if he decides to void it by this Friday. And that’s exactly what he’ll do, a source tells Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities (Twitter link). Jennie Olson of KSTP.com also hears from a source that Cassel has decided to void his contract.

Cassel’s deal included a $3.15MM base salary and a $3.7MM overall cap number for 2014, so if and when he officially voids the contract, he’ll be looking to sign a deal that increases that salary or at least gives him a little more long-term security. The 31-year-old had an unexpected run as the Vikings’ starter this season and played reasonably well, completing 60.2% of his passes to go along with 1,807 yards and 11 TDs (to nine INTs). That performance would make him a strong backup for nearly any team in the league, and could result in a starting opportunity, depending on where he signs.

As Wolfson notes in his tweet, Cassel may ultimately end up back on a new deal with the Vikings, who will be looking for a long-term solution at quarterback after underwhelming showings by Christian Ponder and Josh Freeman. The ex-Chiefs QB may not be that long-term answer in Minnesota, but he provided the club its most consistent production at the position in 2013, which should at least be enough to earn him a chance to compete for a starting role if he returns.