Eden Prairie, MN (Betting Express) - The Minnesota Vikings released veteran quarterback Donovan McNabb on Thursday.

"I had a discussion with him and we both agreed mutually that this was the best decision for both parties," said Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier.

McNabb, who started just six games in his lone season with the club, was acquired from Washington this past summer, but hasn't taken a snap since he was benched during an October 16 game against Chicago and has watched rookie Christian Ponder start each game since.

The Vikings were 1-5 when head coach Leslie Frazier decided to make the switch to Ponder.

McNabb completed 60.3 percent of his passes for 1,026 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions during his brief stint under center this season.

The six-time Pro Bowl selection can be claimed by another team until Friday afternoon. If he goes unclaimed, any team can sign him.

Chicago and Houston are contending teams in need of a veteran presence at quarterback after injuries to each club's starter.

The Bears have lost Jay Cutler until at least the January 1 season-finale, and possibly the rest of the season, because of broken thumb. Caleb Hanie is the current starter with Josh McCown and Nathan Enderle both on the roster.

Houston has lost two quarterbacks, as Matt Schaub is done for the year with a foot injury and Matt Leinart didn't even make it through one game as his replacement before sustaining a fracture in his throwing shoulder that will keep him out for the rest of the year. T.J. Yates is the current starter for the AFC South-leading Texans with Kellen Clemens and Jake Delhomme in reserve.

Should McNabb land with another team, it would be his fourth club in three years. His 11-year run with the Philadelphia Eagles ended after the 2009 season and he spent one contentious year in Washington before joining the Vikings.