Sorting it all out
March 2nd, 2008 – 12:18 AM by Judd ZulgadVikings exec Rick Spielman said the team does not plan to bring in any free agents for visits Sunday after signing three players in the first two days. Spielman and Co., clearly need some time to breathe. So do those of you who have been hitting F5 on this blog for the past 48-plus hours.
Since free agency began at 11 p.m. Thursday, the Vikings have acquired the services of safety Madieu Williams, fullback Thomas Tapeh and wide receiver Bernard Berrian. Minnesota entered free-agency with $37 million in cap room. They have committed $30.2 million in guaranteed money to the three players they’ve signed, including an eye-popping $16 million to Berrian.
So what’s next? Well, the Vikings brass will regroup Sunday and discuss what needs to be done as Round 2 of free agency begins. Most of the big-time names are gone but there are still plenty of guys out there. The Vikings continue to be in real need of help at defensive end.
In looking through various posts on this blog and elsewhere, along with talking to folks, here is some late-night housekeeping before we move on.
– There was a report today on ESPN’s website that the Vikings were one of 10 teams that had inquired about recently released receiver Javon Walker. My guess is that phone call was made just in case the Vikings failed to land Berrian. We asked Spielman about the interest in Walker after the Berrian presser. “We’ll look at all options,” Spielman said. “We’ll explore everything. Once we do our due diligence, if there’s someone out there, a player out there that can fill a need for us, we’ll definitely try to address it.” This is NFL speak for: I’m not going to answer that question.
– Even if the Vikings don’t pursue Walker that doesn’t mean they are done looking for help at receiver. Word is the team has interest in one of New England’s free-agent receivers. No, it’s not Randy Moss. It’s Jabar Gaffney, who had 36 receptions for 449 yards and five touchdowns this season. Don’t know yet whether a visit is being set up for Gaffney. (By the way, the Moss situation is turning into one of the most interesting stories in free agency. So much for that: He’s going right back to New England stuff.)
– Update on Gaffney: Just checked on who represents Gaffney. It’s none other than Drew Rosenhaus, who also is the agent for Bernard Berrian. Seems like a good possibility that Drew tried to sell the Vikings on Gaffney while he was doing the Berrian deal.
– Having failed to land defensive end Justin Smith, who signed a $45 million, six-year deal with San Francisco that includes $20 million in guarantees, the Vikings appear to be turning their attention to Tennessee free-agent Antwan Odom. The Vikings would like to get Odom to Winter Park but he’s scheduled to be in Cincinnati today and Arizona on Tuesday. What do you think the odds are that he even gets to Minnesota? Probably slim. As for Smith, it’s hard to believe the Vikings would have given him that much guaranteed money. My guess is Smith’s camp called the Vikings from San Francisco, told them the 49ers offer and the Vikings said, “No thanks.”
– Scout.com, which does a nice job of tracking free agency, reports the Vikings are one of four teams interested in Miami linebacker Derrick Pope. The article points out that Spielman was the Dolphins general manager when Pope was drafted in 2004. The Buccaneers, Chiefs and Falcons also are thought to like Pope. Pope could replace Dontarrious Thomas, who has signed with San Francisco.
– This isn’t new information but the only visit we definitely know the Vikings have lined up right now is for San Francisco’s running back/return man Maurice Hicks to come in on Monday.
– In addition to defensive end, one position the Vikings are trying to address is quarterback. The team made a call to a few free agents and even was engaged in trade discussions with Houston about Sage Rosenfels. But so far nothing has happened. So what’s the problem? Well when it comes to free agents, any young quarterback who is going to come here wants a legitimate opportunity to compete for the starting job. It seems that many of these QBs feel the Vikings are going to go with Tarvaris Jackson and that it would be extremely difficult to win the job. Therefore, they would rather take their chances elsewhere. That is why the Vikings might need to make a trade to bring in another QB — or sign a veteran guy who might not mind wearing a baseball cap on Sundays.
– There have been a few references of late — including some in the comments section of Access Vikings — about Minnesota having interest in Cleveland quarterback Derek Anderson. Yes, the same guy who just signed a $24 million, three-year deal with the Browns. Not that NFL executives don’t stretch the truth on occasion but Browns general manager Phil Savage doesn’t sound like he’s about ready to deal Anderson if you read this story from the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
122 Responses to "Sorting it all out"
Thanks Judd…
Thanks Judd…not willing to speculate on the Jason Taylor rumor are we? haha
In case you just missed it in the blogs 
Yahoo’s Jason Cole is reporting that the Dolphins and Jason Taylor will part ways between now and April’s draft:
Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor has already moved away from South Florida. The only thing left is to figure out his next address.
Three sources close to the Dolphins organization said this week that Taylor and the team he has been part of for 11 years have graciously agreed to part ways between now and the NFL draft April 26. There’s no animosity between Taylor and new Dolphins guru Bill Parcells or coach Tony Sparano.
There are just plans that each side has. Those plans don’t include each other.
The one rumor making rounds all over the internet is that the Packers are willing to give Miami a 2nd round pick and a 4th round pick for Taylor. Another rumor is that the Vikings are offering their 2nd round pick and 3rd round pick.
So I leave the floor open to you all: what would you NEED to get in return in order to part with Jason Taylor?
http://www.thephinsider.com/st…3/1/19523/37768
I am just curious to whetehr there is any actual interest or if it was just an internet rumor
AF,
I read the Jason Cole story and did not see a mention of that Vikings rumor in his copy. It looks like it came from that phins website. Will check it out tomorrow. Or I should say later today.
Thanks Judd..I read the Jason Cole story as well and then did some searching. I caught that on the Phins page. I have NO proof that it has an validity..but it intrigued me for sure.
It very well could just be someone knowing we need a DE and throwing it out there as an idea. The Spielman connection could possibly lend some creedance though
Judd where is quinn Gray in all of this?
[…] Soccer - CBSSports.com wrote an interesting post today on Sorting it all outHere’s a quick excerpt…out there, a player out there that can fill a need for us, we’ll definitely try to address it.” This is NFL speak for: I’m not going to… […]
[…] Xbox Evolved - Xbox 360 and Xbox Info, Reviews, Previews, Videos and more at Xbox Evolved wrote an interesting post today on Sorting it all outHere’s a quick excerpt…the Vikings might need to make a trade to bring in another QB — or sign a veteran guy who might not mind wearing a baseball cap on Sundays. […]
I am really enjoying this: Berrian and Rice on the outside, Wade in the slot, Allison as the backup, maybe Ferguson and or Gaffney, too. This is the first time in a long very long while that we actually have a good receiving corps.
I know that we were willing to give the Texans our extra 3rd-rounder to get their backup QB and that we probably only suggested this because we have two 3rd-rounders. But we also have two 6th-rounders, right? How about we offer them both our extra picks. I know that this probably doesn’t work out in terms of the points chart, but we’re only looking for an offer that is a little better than the last one, right?
I wouldnt mind have Reosenfal as abackup…but definitely NOT overpay
Team Visits…The Oakland Raiders have a visit scheduled with DE Ebeneezer Ekuban and Panthers WR Drew Carter on Monday…Arizona has a visit scheduled with Titans DE Antwan Odom today.
Rosenfels is a better QB than T-Jack by far
Hey Farg was that you I added on Facebook?
Hey Farg was that you I added on Facebook?
Facebook???? Monc & Fargo in College?? So where do we sit for cap space now…anyone know?
I don’t usually wear a cap….. so I have alot of space……
I say we trade for Derek Anderson & Jason Taylor …. I know I’m dreaming but what the heck….
BUSTER in Neb
FIRE CHILDRESS NOW !!!!!!!!!
We need:
- some OLine depth
- a QB A Starting QB
- maybe another WR
- A Starting DE
- DT Depth
-LB depth
- Safety depth
I guess we need a little bit of everything… 
BUSTER in Neb
FIRE CHILDRESS NOW !!!!!!!!!
good morning Buster….think the Vikes are all done with FA??? The rest we’ll get in the draft?
Everbody needs a little bit of everything…Vikes are in decent shape if T-Jax improves more and Edwards or Robison plus a draft pick can step up at DE…although if McK is suspended for several games we could be in some trouble. I’m starting to think shoring up the O-line is our #1 concern.
What’s the most McKinnie could be suspended for and who usually replaces him on the field?
I think they have used Artis Hicks as a LT replacement.
Here’s a repeat on a link for more FA news (many of you already know this one):
http://www.eastcoastsportsnews.com/AlsHotNwsRms.html
here’s an interesting take on the McKinnie situation….
He could be out up to like 12 games likely more like 4 0r 6. Love Boat thing and now this might be much for the commish. Its not like he got caught cheating or anything…
Artis Hicks Or Johnson would likely back him up
Agree w/ Monc - especially considering the charges have the word “felony” in it. Even though it’s a “lesser” felony, the league may really hammer him.
If McClubbibg is suspended for 4-6 games… what do you think the odds are that he gets out of shape , comes in gets hurt and misses another 3-4 weeks?
Wha’s Gary Zimmermans phone #????
WOW D. Stallworh got $5 million a year?? If we overpaid for Berrian the Browns overpaid x 10…
BUSTER in Neb
FIRE CHILDRESS NOW !!!!!!!!!
vikings need to address the qb situation in the draft…IMO.
How does drafting a QB help our pathetic QB situation NOW???
We need somebody who can start NOW and draft a REAL prospect….
Send Bollinger packing….
BUSTER in Neb
FIRE CHILDRESS NOW !!!!!!!!!
So is Quinn Gray a good QB prospect????…Monc seems to think so…how ’bout the rest of you? Opions on Quinn Gray of Jacksonville….
Well this is going to open myself up to some instant ridicule… But I feel that childress is doing this the right way… You cant turn the organization around in a year.. it is a building process. First thing you need is solid lines O and D.. With keeping the Williams wall together.. Bringing in Hutchinson… And extending the Idiot McKinnie.. Then you need to work on getting your play makers… They drafted Rice… Jackson may be a stretch as a playmaker.. But childress seems to have faith in him… Adding wade as a slot receiver.. Granted wade isnt a number one guy but still I feel he was a good pickup and has potential.. Not to mention Super rook.. Peterson… Now the finishing touches.. Shore up the safty position and get someone who not only can stretch the field but also catch the ball…. Now we need to address right guard in the draft… And maybe an OLB….. Trust me Childress is doing this the right way… Ive been as frustrated as everyone… And along the way Ive had doubts and dissapointments…. but its nice to see the vikes really go out and get it this year.. Take the bull by the horns.. I really see us making a push this year.. and I think it will pay off… thats about it from me till draft day… Then training camp….. Heck I might actually buy season tickets this year with the tax rebate bush is sending me… Now there is an Idiot…
Tom Powers actually made me laugh…
“..Berrian was the one free agent who could make a significant difference. What’s the big deal, you ask? Bernard Berrian is a deep threat, but Troy Williamson was a deep threat, too. Bernard Berrian is a speed merchant, but Troy Williamson was a speed merchant, too. Bernard Berrian can catch the football, but Troy Williamson … was a sharp dresser.
In fact, I’m going to miss seeing the ball bounce off Troy’s helmet in the open field. I just never got tired of that. And I still maintain that if he had put some stick ‘um on his helmet, he’d have been among the league leaders in touchdown receptions.” 
Quinn Gray is 1000 times better than T-Jax.
Tarvaris Jackson wouldn’t be second-string quarterback on probably half the teams in the league. Jim Sorgi would beat him out as a backup…
What is wrong woth our outside LB’s??
TJoke is NOT an NFL QB….. I am still how you pople see that Chilli took an 9-7 team added (CTaylor, Hutch and draft picks) and turned us into a 6-10 then 8-8 team?/ We are “rebuilding” because Chilli coached this team ito the pathetic category… The Viking job, remember 2 years ago was the plum job and now because Chilli is a dumb a$$ we are rebuilding?? Idiots unite and get behind Chilli and his pet TJoke….Especially next year when we wallow in average again because the idiotthat is Chilli has no clue how to coach…
BUSTER in Neb
FIRE CHILDRESS NOW !!!!!!!!!
As soon as T-Jax is released (hopefully after this season) all his “fans” will be talking about how bad he is. That’s homers for ya!
Hi, I am Chilli and I am not telling which of our stud QB’s is starting this week.
Hi, i am Chilli and Chester taylor is my starter, ot APAD.
Hi, I am Chilli and I am saving APAD because with him in there and we have the chance to be explosive EVERY play.
Hi, I am Chilli and I make no in-game adjustments because my game plan is almost average.
Shall I go on??
BUSTER in Neb
FIRE CHILDRESS NOW !!!!!!!!!
Thanks Buster I knew you would not disappoint….. Im still not sold on T-jax…… But when you have a system and the players dont fit that system you need to rebuild to fit that system… Or change the system to fit the players.. I like the players we are getting over the ones we had…
There is no way McKinnie gets susupended for 4-6 games…no way. He’s most likely to get 1 game, 2 max. Despite it being a felony, legal experts indicate he’ll most likely get a fine and probation.
Buster…what is with your obsession with Derek Anderson? He hasn’t even had 1 complete good year (remember he was pretty terrible at the end of the year) and you seriously want the Vikes to trade for him and pay him $7mil/year? Also, we should be careful getting too excited about guys like Rosenfels. We’ve seen plenty of guys look great stepping in from they’re backup roles but when they become full time starters they flop (ie. Huard, Shaub, Feeley). I’d prefer they sign a guy like Green or maybe !gulp! Griese and draft another guy (Henne?) who could push T-Jack. Just my 2cents.
Interesting Article:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3273447
Does this mean that “dude” would come back to the blog? LOL
You forgot:
Hi, I am Chili and I’m going to bench my only star player in a must-win game because he was late for the bus.
Idiots:
TJoke 9TD passes
Derek Anderson 29 TD passes
that’s 140 MORE points… 20 td’s & extra points) But I guess that’s nothing…
BUSTER in Neb
FIRE CHILDRESS NOW !!!!!!!!!
jdp - you gorgot Mitchell!
Biggest great back-up bust as a starter in NFL
T-Jack will show us what he is made of this season. We have taken all of the excuses away. he has played almost a season of games, we have a great tandem of recievers with Rice and Berrian. (By the way, we will also find out about Wade now that he will be presented with 3rd corner or linebacker coverage.) If the field opens up for him like I think it will, this could be fun again! AP should be salivating if BB catches one or two deep routes in the first feww games… The vikes hve appeased me so far this year in FA; but I don’t think they are done yet…
Viking in Madison.
Hi I Chili and that player should have know it was a must win game AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN LATE FOR THE FRIGGIN’ BUS.
But Derek Anderson doesn’t have the strong arm and mobility that T-Jax does. Tons of potential in our quarterback…
jdp - you are quickly rising to the idiot category… D. Anderson started 15 games in 2007… how is that not considered a full seaon?? Because he didn’t start 1 game??
Griese?? now taht’s funny….
BUSTER in Neb
FIRE CHILDRESS NOW !!!!!!!!!
Well all this ranting about TJack and Chilli is obviously not going away and I must say it’s rather boring & getting old I might add…..but it is OBVIOUS….neither of them aren’t going anywhere…at least for this next season. Focusing getting a quality BU QB is the thing to do and it’s unfortunate that the quality QB’s aren’t out there this year. It won’t surprise me none to see Tjack take a big step forward this year and improve to a point that will shut the nay-sayers up. With that said….the team is always looking to the future, building for the future and getting a good QB prospect in this years draft is very important. Now that the Vikes have improved the supporting cast for Tjack…we’ll see how it all meshes out this season and then we can critique the man now that he had another year under his belt and a better supporting cast….In NFL speak that is STFU up TJack until after the 2008 season!!! There I said it!!
Thank you bones… I am not sold but I can see the potential.
Hi, I am Chilli and I am as dumb as jpd… and believe me, that is dumb…
BUSTER in Neb
FIRE CHILDRESS NOW !!!!!!!!!
Even if T-Jax sux this year (which he will) the homers will be sure to point out that:
1. He was facing a tough defense this week.
2. We are a run-first team and that’s why he only had 87 yards passing.
3. His o-line let him down.
4. He is a rookie.
Buster..I’m not disputing Anderson’s stats from last year…I’m just skeptical he’ll be able to continue playing like that. He may be the next big thing but before the Vikes, or any other reponsible team for that matter, give up multiple high draft picks and a butt-load of cash, I’d like to see some more sustained production. If Anderson continues to play like he did last year (for 2/3 the season) the Browns won’t let him go…but I bet they’d consider trading Brady Quinn…hmmmm…
Buster - Cleveland: Winslow Edwards Jeruvicious.
MN: Wade Rice T-Drop.
SO sure, 9 vs 29 should be a good comparison since we had the same caliber WR’s on each team.
Oh, we had Chili too, so I guess we should have even had more TD’s than Cleveland…
Bones, I think his excuses are gone. If he doesn’t perform well in the first few games, I think he will be benched in favor of whatever option we have.
Buster…how long have you had the internet in your room at the mental hospital?
Yep- Give TJoke one more year… just like - Rick Mirer, Heath Schuler, Cade Mcnown, Akilli Smith, Todd marinovich, Andre Ware, Ryan Leaf…. etc etc etc… whatever…brother…
BUSTER in Neb
FIRE CHILDRESS NOW !!!!!!!!!
“Tjack take a big step forward this year and improve to a point that will shut the nay-sayers up.”
I’m pretty sure you said something like that at this time last year. How did that work out for you?
If it bothers you so much, just simply skip our posts. That’s typically what I do with yours…
Gesus Bones, you’re starting to sound like our friend from Marquette with your posts…
I love that you can stick to your opion and can respect that you don’t like T-Jack, but step back and look at your posts dude.
disco you ALWAYS leave out 8-9 in the box fox TJoke….. An NFL QB should rack up the stats… A real NFL QB..Which TJoke is not…
BUSTER in Neb
FIRE CHILDRESS NOW !!!!!!!!!
By the way, If anyone plays Madden… trade T-will off the team and add BB from the Bears. BB gets the best defender everytime (and beats him every other time). This opens up Rice and Wade for nice inside/ crossing routes. I know its not real, but it sure is fun! Hope it happens this year.
Good God, some people take this REALLY, REALLY seriously…
We’ll see Buster.
This will definitely be a make it or break it year for him, but well definitely see ’cause like him or not, he’s probably going to be our starter this season….
Vikes were sacked 38 times last season, so you’re right 8-9 in the box didn’t help our passing game - thanks for helping out with that point.
What do you folks think the Vikes will do with the first round pick? I’m thinking DE (Harvey?)
IMHO Quinn Gray is about equivalent to TJ. After being around a few years in a strictly 3rd string role he came in and managed not to lose a few games. Hardly the beginning of a run to the HOF. However, in his few games it did appear that he never tried a jump pass. Edge goes to Gray.
Will TJ get better? It’s possible. Turnarounds happen. Brees was so bad the Chargers spent the first pick in the draft to get a QB (and we all got to see the soap opera that followed, “As the Manning Weeps”). Anderson wasn’t promising enough so the Browns traded up to get Brady Quinn and then Frye beat out Anderson in the preseason. Rosenfels had a pretty non-descript 5 years in the league and then had some real good games with the Texans, especially considering no run threat and their best WR was out. So turnarounds are possible. In TJ’s case, I’d say not probable because he has poor mechanics - even after 2 years as a rookie. He also seems to be fairly erratic in the accuracy department.
But Chili remains the albatross around the Vikings neck. I’m not sure any QB would perform well in the KAO. As Buster mentioned (and as we all know) he’s incapable of making in-game or even between game adjustments. 8 or 9 in the box remained as great a puzzle in the Skins games as it was in the Niners games. Even though the right side of the line was known to be weak going into 07, all Chili did was bring in Chase Johnson, who is a project player.
The Vikes can’t suspend or discipline McKinnie because they have no OL back up. This will be a problem. But even more amazing is that the Vikes re-upped McKinnie to a huge contract in 07, apparently unaware that he is more effective as a turnstill than as a blocker. True he doesn’t hold much, but that’s because the DE is by him so quickly.
So, it would be nice if the Vikes got legitimate competition for TJ. But IMHO it won’t make any real difference in the record until Chili is fired.
Didn’t he improve from the previous year? He played alot more, got valuable game experience and all. Isn’t that a “big step”? I don’t think you guys have given Tjack a fair shot..knowing that he hasn’t had the best of support around him to HELP make him better. You should even know that. Your crticism is unfair because of that. All I’m saying is that you guys are so much better than to just keep repeating yourselves over and over. You guys know alot about the game and all and frankly I am surprised you keeping beating on this dead horse. Us regulars know where you stand on the subject…but to just keep repeating yourselves isn’t gonna make it come true. Besides it was just a ball busting suggestion, cause I KNOW IT AIN’T GONNA HAPPEN…..SHEESHHH
The blog - not really
The Vikings - yeah, say what you want, call me nuts, but I live for the purple.
I believe.
6-10
8-8
15-1
19-0
doesn’t matter - I still believe
You guys watching ESPN right now? Moss is doing what he can to help Culpepper get some money. Apparently he got on the phone with Culpepper yesterday to talk about them possibly signing with the same team. Considering no one really wants Pep but a lot of teams might want Moss.. to imply he might follow Pep is doing him a huge favor.
Alright! Finally some glass half full comments…
Have you guys seen TJokes skip passes? What about his numerous 10 yard over/under throws?/ Not to mention his idiotic non pass jump pass pass…. just we have a dumb coach who puts his career in the hands of an incapable QB doesn’t mean you have to like them…
Oh Disco - You don’t know football if you think 8-9 in the box equates into more sacks….
Alot of those sacks are because TJoke isn’t smart enough to throw it away….
BUSTER in Neb
FIRE CHILDRESS NOW !!!!!!!!!
4Ever: Seems to me like bloggers on both side of the TJ equation do little more than repeat themselves, certainly myself included. And TJ did improve from 06 to 07, but going from a D to a C- is no guarantee that he’ll improve much beyond that. Some players improve (eg Romo), some plateau (eg Batch), and some decline (eg Couch)
HOW ABOUT MOSS TO INDY?
As rumors continue to swirl regarding possible destinations for receiver Randy Moss, there’s a potential team that no one has mentioned, as far as we can tell.
The Colts.
Sure, they’ve got Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison. But what is Harrison’s status? He had a “bruised knee” for most of the year, and it was sufficiently bruised to prevent him from playing.
If Harrison can’t play at a high level (or at all) in 2008, Moss suddenly becomes an intriguing option to replace him.
And the similarities to his 2007 situation are striking. Elite quarterback who will help keep Moss from becoming a problem? Check. Elite coach who commands sufficient respect and thus will keep Moss from becoming a problem? Check. G.M. who will throw Moss into a wall if he becomes a problem? Check. (Okay, Moss didn’t have that one in New England.)
Besides, what better way for the Colts to close the gap on the Pats than to swipe the guy who was their primary difference-maker in 2007?
I though Moss & Culpepper were girl fighting each other??
Is there a difference between Culpepper and TJoke???
BUSTER in Neb
FIRE CHILDRESS NOW !!!!!!!!!
03/02…Moss and Culpepper…Randy Moss and Daunte Culpepper reportedly talked about reuniting via free agency.
The New York Jets are hosting Cardianals DE Calvin Pace today and are reportedly interested in Jaguars OT Maurice Williams and Lions G Damien Woody.
Team Visits…The Arizona Cardinals have a visit scheduled with Rams LB Brandon Chillar…the St. Louis Rams have a visit scheduled with Titans G Jacob Bell…Raiders DE Tyler Brayton will be visiting the Colts today after visiting the Panthers on Saturday…and…the Houston Texans will be entertaining Seahawks LB Kevin Bentley today.
Well I do agree he has a ways to go to be a great QB….but also know that his supporting cast hasn’t been all that hot either. Looks like the pices are coming together and we’ll see how he reacts, adjust and all. MEANWHILE that shouldn’t deter the Vikes on getting some competition in here and all…I am all for that and in my book improvements are improvements…but this season he NEEDS to take a big step forward.
Moss & Culpepper trying to re-live the ol glory years….
NEWSFLASH
Brett Favre held a new conf today to announce she has not announced what she intends to do. She is not sure when she will decide what she will decide. When she does decide, she will then decide to announce what she decided.
She asked that we respect her privacy until she decides what it is she decides.
I decided I should let all of you know this important news
I know TJoke is probably going to be the starter… and I agree his supportung cast has improved BUT when he shows that he still is incapable(which I am highly optimistic he will) we need to bench him(Give him 4 games to show the world how much he still suckzz) and bring in…??? This is why we need to get a PROVEN QB and draft a prospect…. bye bye Brooks…
There is no reason to waste the whole 2008 season on the TJoke Project…
BUSTER in Neb
FIRE CHILDRESS NOW !!!!!!!!!
NEW BLOG
Psyche!!!!
I agree whole heartedly Buster
VIKINGJ in New Hampshire
EXTEND CHILDRESS NOW
None of the higher profile FA qb’s like Quinn Gray are going to come here and fight it out with BB to TJax’s clipboard holder. Better to look at either rethinking the trade deal for Rosenfels or bring in an experienced vet who has performed well in the role of backup in the past a la Gus Frerotte. What is clear is that we can’t go into next season without a viable backup for TJax. Last season’s record with either Bollinger or Holcomb starting speaks volumes in that regard: 0-4.
If the Browns are so high on D. Anderson, why did they only sign him to a 3 year deal? Maybe just to hold on to him so they could trade him later? I would think they’d have locked him up for 5-7 years and spread the money out to minimize the salary cap hit. Maybe they’re not as committed to him as Savage says they are.
For some reason, most Browns fans seem to want Quinn over Anderson. Why? I hope Ricky is exploring a trade (Browns or Houston) because I’d hate to see TJ flop next year with the upgrades.
well Chilly said it is a competition and T-jax is ( so far in his career) injury prone
Do you think Gray, Culpepper, Ferrote,and Simms are gonna get set up somewhere this year as the starter?
What Team in the League currently needs one of them to be a starter?
I like Gray out of the Bunch..that being said there are alot of those guys that could compete with T-jax and maybe win
Monc, yeah that was me.
Buster, the difference between Culpepper and T-Joke is Culpepper is (gasp) better.
that would be incentive enough to come here instead of holding a clipboard for a rookie like Trent edwards
Or Clemens
Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson has spent most of his time this offseason relaxing and spending time with family, including his five-month-old son, Tarvaris II.
But once in a while, when he watches sports shows, Jackson hears critics questioning his standing as the Vikings’ starting quarterback.
“That makes me want to go work out, right there,” Jackson said. “But those people are the same people who will be saying good things if I have a great career.”
Asked about all the rumors about the club adding a veteran quarterback, Jackson said, “At the end of the season, I was the starting quarterback, and I will continue to think like that until coach (Brad) Childress says something different.
“But you never get comfortable (as the starter). I’ll play like someone is trying to take my job anyway, just like I always have. That’s how you got to play. I got a lot to prove.”
Jackson said he is “100 percent healthy,” and he plans to spend the majority of his time in Minnesota, working out at the team’s facility.
Monday meeting: After a busy start to free agency, today likely will be a day to regroup for the Vikings, with no player visits scheduled.
Vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman said the Vikings were working on some visits, but he wouldn’t elaborate.
The Vikings have finalized one with running back Maurice Hicks, who is expected to arrive Monday morning. Hicks, if signed, would replace Mewelde Moore backing up Adrian Peterson and
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Chester Taylor and likely would be one of the leaders on special teams. In 2005 and ‘06, Hicks led the 49ers in special-teams tackles, and he has been a solid kickoff returner.
As for defensive end, Spielman said the team is keeping its options open.
“We’ll look at that position,” he said. “If we can fill it through this or if we can fill it through the draft. Players have gotten cut over the last couple days, and they’ll continue to get cut. That position could be filled early, or it could be filled late. You just don’t know.”
The skinny on Madieu: Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe has known safety Madieu Williams since their days in college, and he said the Vikings added a quality player.
“He’s a ball hawk and he makes big plays, and that’s what we need on our team,” Shiancoe said.
In fact, Shiancoe said Williams called him to get the inside scoop on the Vikings and the Twin Cities.
Shiancoe also said he had no regrets about leaving the New York Giants last offseason.
“No looking back,” he said. “I mean, it crosses your mind. But stuff happens for a reason, so I’m not tripping. I’d rather be here in Minnesota.”
Shiancoe, though, did spend a lot of time hanging out with his old friends who won the Super Bowl, including Michael Strahan and Eli Manning.
Thanks, Zygi: Spielman and coach Brad Childress separately thanked owner Zygi Wilf for signing off on the hefty contracts for Madieu Williams and Bernard Berrian.
Childress also highlighted his staff, including the scouts, contract negotiators and travel coordinators, before introducing Berrian.
“This really ends up being a tremendous collaborative effort here,” Childress said.
Briefly: Former Vikings defensive tackle Spencer Johnson signed a five-year contract with the Buffalo Bills worth $17.5 million, according to the Buffalo News.
well a FA QB move needs to be done ASAP….time is running out on the Vikings…longer they wait……the worse it’s gonna be……
…Baltimore I wouldn’t be suprised to see Baltimore pick one up and Maybe Atlanta. Falcons are drafting though
Hahahahahahahaha…
Chicago reviews
Not surprisingly, the Vikings’ signing of wide receiver Bernard Berrian didn’t play well in Chicago, and the Bears’ re-signing of linebacker Lance Briggs did little to ease the blow.
“This will be the gaffe that keeps on giving for the Bears,” the Chicago Tribune’s David Haugh wrote, criticizing GM Jerry Angelo’s decision not to use the team’s franchise tag on Berrian and concluding, “Losing Berrian hurts the Bears’ offense more than keeping Briggs helps the defense.”
Chicago Sun-Times columnist Jay Mariotti was equally critical.
“It’s not so much that Berrian is Jerry Rice because he’s not,” he wrote. “But if he becomes a consistently explosive weapon in this league, as his potential suggests, Angelo won’t hear the end of it.”
Mariotti’s conclusion: “To complete a forward pass in the challenging world of pro football, it helps to have a quarterback and a wide receiver. As of today, the Bears have neither. They’ve lost the one proven speed threat who stretches a defense, and the fact Berrian was allowed to sign with a superior divisional rival is all you need to know about the conservative rockheads in Lake Forest.”
The reason for a short-term deal is the situation vis-a-vis Brady Quinn. Keep in mind that Anderson has exactly one year as an above-avg. qb under his belt and Quinn has zero. The qb play last year in the NFL overall was the worst I’ve seen it in my forty years of watching pro football. There’s a dearth of talent in the league at this all-important position. In signing Corey Williams and Donte Stallworth, Cleveland has addressed its most important needs already and I can’t see them trading Anderson now.
They only signed anderson to a 3 year deal to cover themselves, because by then they will have had to make a decision to either go with him or Quinn. But, with the lack of early round draft picks now, I bet they’d be willing to work a deal for Anderson. Only thing is, Anderson would have to come in as the starter, which Chili probably wouldn’t go for…
I think like the NFL network says the rest are waiting to see what culpepper commands of course he is said to be asking for the most. Unless another team starts quorting a QB the other teams will file suit
Screw chilidog…
Culpepper ain’t coming back to MN no matter what. Too much bad blood left over between him and Chili. The guy’s taken huge steps backward from his two good years and I don’t blame all of it on his knee surgery either. If the Rams don’t release Frerotte (which might be less likely now with Todd Collins resigning with the Skins)then it’s pretty much Quinn Gray or make a trade. I’d be willing to up the ante on Rosenfels. I don’t like any of the guys that are likely to be available in the draft and even if I did we need immediate experienced help now. You can tell now bad the qb position is now in the league by looking at S.F. keeping Shaun Hill onboard and re-signing J.T. O’Sullivan. Hell, I’m surprised Mike McMahon’s no longer employed somewhere.
come on 4Ever, you gotta cut T-Jack some slack, he’s still basically a rookie you know….
We don’t need a QB, once T-Jack gets some experience he’ll be The Brandon Jackson of QB’s here in MN
But if Cleveland waits to see if Anderson pans out - and he flops - what will his value be then? Not what it is now. He’s got that Scott Michell appeal now… oh oh!
Maybe the Vikes are back in touch with Houston about Sage Rosenfels.
No Bill but I suspect while he is a FA alot of the other FA QB’s will too he is said to be asking the most out of all of them. I figure they are wating for the market to be established. I think the teams in the NFL are happy to wait while teams look for other players. Once they start getting visits or requests then the feeding frenzy begins
Did I mention I like Gray out of the Bunch?????
I’d probably take Culpepper back as a backup, but you’re right Bill, he won’t be back.
Didn’t Frerotte already get released?
yupperz
MOSS AND DAUNTE, TOGETHER AGAIN?
It’s now becoming increasingly obvious to us that, as it relates to free agency, receiver Randy Moss had no plan.
Why else would he be reaching out to quarterback Daunte Culpepper, a washed-up shell of what he once was, in the hopes of peddling themselves to a new team?
According to John Clayton of ESPN.com, Moss reached out to Culpepper on Saturday night about the possibility of “finishing what they started” in Minnesota on a new team.
Clayton cautions not to interpret such a move as a “package deal.” But what the hell is it then?
If Moss is doing this only to persuade other teams that he’s truly willing to leave New England, then it’s sort of brilliant. We’re convinced that teams are leery of making Moss the kind of offer that might get his attention due to fears that he’d then turn around and use that proposal to leverage the Pats into putting more money on the table.
If, in contrast, Moss is doing it because he genuinely wants to go to a new team that would sign Culpepper and install him as the starting quarterback, it’s one of the stoopidest things we’ve ever heard.
Even if there’s a team that would be intrigued by adding Moss and using Culpepper as a backup, there’s too much of a risk that Randy would start lobbying for Culpepper to be the starter. So their options would be limited to a team that would be in a position to bench their current No. 1 quarterback and hand the job to a guy who hasn’t been the same since he knee was exploded in Charlotte more than two years ago.
A quick look at the list of the 32 teams reveals barely of teams that even could be interested in such a move. As we see it, the possibilities are Baltimore, Denver (hey, we don’t put anything past Coach Kevlar when it comes to free agency), Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, Tampa, and St. Louis, where the head coach was the offensive coordinator the last time Moss and Culpepper were on the same team.
It’s amazing to us that a guy who put up 23 touchdown receptions in 2007 has to resort to such a desperate and misguided strategy in order to get the payday that, more than two days into free agency, simply isn’t there.
Yep
Moss is going to get paid big bucks. Just watch.
so the vikes are taking the day off?
Extend Childress now !!!!
Hey Losers….I mean Vikings fans. Have you gotten over the Bernard Berrian hangover? 4th highest paid receiver in the NFL and never broke 1000yds receiving. Ha Ha! I’m sure being paired up with T-Jack will make him a superstar though….. Keep on looking through those purple tinted sunglasses!
So, did everybody here have a date with a Viking cheerleader like I did last night.
IMI556, your left hand doesn’t count as a Viking cheerleader no matter how hard you pump it.
VS - Too bad you live such a pathetic life…
The latest example of Mike Shanahan’s inability to make good decisions about acquiring (and paying) veteran talent has finally gotten his long-coveted crack at free agency.
And several teams are interested.
According to Michael Smith of ESPN.com, at least ten teams have inquired about receiver Javon Walker’s availability — the 49ers, Bills, Buccaneers, Panthers, Raiders, Vikings, Giants, Redskins, Cowboys, and Eagles.
The Cowboys were working on a possible trade for Walker before he was released in advance of a significant bonus payment, and the Bucs reportedly were also interested in doing a deal.
The big question with Walker is his knee, and even if 32 teams were interested our guess is that he’ll have to sign a deal that defers the bulk of the bonus money until 2009, after he shows that he can still perform at a high level.
new blog ______>
Moss and Culpepper? I heard last night that Tarkenton called John Gilliam and Sammy White…..
Better yet, Joe Kapp called Gene Washington….
Jackson is going into his third year, he’s no longer considered a rookie, please stop referring to him as such.
As was said waaaay earlier, Jackson is who Childress has chosen to hitch himself to at the QB position. Obviously, the trained professional sees something many of us don’t. Or could it be that Childress is taking a slow and deliberate approach to raising this team together? Which is how I see it, he’s taking them through baby steps, teaching the basics of all basics making sure all know their responsibilities.
19-0
I believe
New thread
Or could it be that Childress is a dumb coach who should never have been a head coach on an NFL team in the first place? Teaching the basics of getting your pole smoked in a stairwell or getting busted outside a strip club smoking weed in a car while the cops show up? I thought he said accountability as his top priority after getting hired. Why didn’t they cut or bench him when it happened? Bryant McKinnie?
“Or could it be that Childress is taking a slow and deliberate approach to raising this team together? Which is how I see it, he’s taking them through baby steps, teaching the basics of all basics making sure all know their responsibilities.”
Suck,
Have the Puckers done anything yet? Or do they think Free Agency starts tomorrow?
When you’re the youngest team in the NFL and went 13-3 after being expected to do no better than 9-7, you don’t have to reach and overpay mediocre players. Of course it makes it easier to do when you can draft well. The Vikings can’t even get their first round pick in on time not onece, but two years in a row. That says it all right there. Oh….I almost forgot to mention that the Queens drafted T-Jack in the 2nd round when no team had him going before the 6th.
Ted Thompson mentioned in a press conference this afternoon that he’ll start with free agency as soon as the Vikes can get within 33 points of his squad.
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