Tarkenton did leave MIN for several seasons then come back. When he did, though, he was even better than he was before he left. I doubt that happens if Jake returns.

And, after he finished up in MN after his second tour, he ended up in the Hall of Fame with the 1986 class.  Don't get me wrong, I loved Jake.  My favorite games include the first Season he was the QB at Tampa Bay.  What Panther fan could forget that one?  Of course, the St Louis playoff game in our Superbowl season not to mention the Superbowl itself.  All awesome games in which Jake played a pivotal role.  But, realistically, he's no Fran Tarkenton.

therev wrote:

If he had the moves of Tarkington, he might still be playing for us! He got so much heat from the defense that he was forced to make some bad choices in his passing. If he could have moved around and eluded the pass rush some, he may have fared alot better.

Sadly, Jake's mentoring would be hindered some due to his lack of mobility. He certainly could't "teach" Newton (with his insane mobility) about avoiding pressure in the pocket. And as badly as Clausen was at avoiding the sack last season, he looked worse than Jake ever was (that includes the 2008 playoff meltdown and all his 2009 struggles). I think Jake's mentoring would be relegated to teaching the young guys about being a pro, gaining the respect of your teammates, being a leader on and off the field, and perhaps what not to do with regards to throwing into double coverage. And I'm not saying any of that stuff should be considered less important than reading defenses, calling protection shifts, etc. He just lost his field vision and his confidence in his throws the last two season he was here and I'm not sure a season with Cleveland cured any of that.