It's not such a bad question and does deserve some thought, even though my initial reaction is OMG no.
But
Lets examine the positives:
For the better part of last season (first 8 games or so) Grossman was playing very very well and considered a lock for the pro-bowl and even being mentioned as a possible MVP. So we know he has moxie and mechanics.
He has a big arm, possibly stronger than Brady's and when he is on his game pretty accurate.
He has fire and guts, proven on the many comebacks from bad games.
Seems to have the backing of his team mates, even when things are not going well (maybe there are more blown coverages which expose him than we can tell).
He's still young and ambitious, but is not likely to get a starter's job on anything other than a scrub team.
Now the negatives:
Inconsistency, he can play exceedingly well on one game (or even a half) and then come out playing pop warner (poorly) the next.
Tries to make the big play instead of taking what the defense gives him. A long drive full of short yardage is not his style.
Lacks vision too many times. Sometimes he appears to have the nous to scan the field, measure the defense and make his play, and then others when he almost rushes his check downs and panics by throwing into deep coverage.
Lacks patience, partly covered above, but instead of being cautious when his game is not firing on all cylinders he assumes that all his skills will return the next play. Summing up he doesn't play within himself.
Over-confident, which probably amplifies and accelerates all the negatives.
So back to Keeg's question - would he merit being a backup to TB next year?
It will of course depend on money, and even though he cant get a starter job on a good team, will likely be looking for relatively big bucks.
Can he learn patience? Probably and sitting behind TB,watching and learning would help him become a better player.
Could he throw to Randy, Ben, Jabar and Donte on deep routes? Absolutely
Could he throw to Wes, Kevin, Laurence and Kyle in the slot or flats? Most of the time, but depends on how he developes his patience.
Can he learn to view the field better? I am not sure as vision seems to be a gift of nature rather than nurture and would have to say no.
Summing up he is good in parts, and may get better in parts. I very much doubt that he would ever become an elite QB or even top 10, the vision and patience is lacking. Is he worth paying a few million over a couple of years until we know what we have with Guttierez, or would we be better sticking with Cassel until 2008? Possibly but I also think that Brady would prefer Cassel and in the end it is all about chemistry and upsides.
I am still not sold on Cassel, its those happy feet, but I still prefer him over Sorgi and most other backups (even more than some starters). There would have to be a bigger reason to bring in Grossman other than replacing Cassel, and making the big play doesnt quite cut it.
