StarTribune.com

Vikings waive Maurice Hicks

February 18th, 2009 – 9:38 AM by Judd Zulgad

The Vikings waived running back and kickoff return man Maurice Hicks this morning after he spent only one season with the team. Hicks joined the Vikings as a free agent last March after spending four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.

Hicks was signed to a three-year contract because of his ability on kick returns. In his time with the 49ers, he averaged 22.9 yards on 185 returns. What really impressed the Vikings was that Hicks had two 55-yard kick returns against them in a 2007 game in San Francisco.

This season Hicks averaged 23.8 yards on 29 returns for the Vikings but missed the first two games because of a sprained foot and then was inactive for three games late in the season.

That inactive streak came after Hicks had a costly fumble on a kick return late in the Vikings’ 19-13 loss at Tampa Bay on Nov. 16. The Vikings trailed 16-13 when Hicks failed to hang onto the ball. The Buccaneers recovered at the Vikings 26-yard line and eventually got a Matt Bryant field goal to account for the final margin. 

The Vikings likely will be looking to the draft or free agency for a possible return man and also could take a look at receiver Darius Reynaud, who averaged 25.1 yards on eight returns late in the season but was quickly sidelined by a foot injury.

Wide receiver Aundrae Allison and running back Chester Taylor also were used at times on kick returns. Allison averaged 16.7 yards on six returns after setting a Vikings record by averaging 28.7 yards on kick returns in 2007. He had three returns of 60-plus yards in 2007 and set a team record with a 104-yard return for a touchdown against Detroit.

Hicks had been used on offense by the 49ers but playing behind Adrian Peterson and Taylor he did not have a carry or a rushing attempt in 2008.

 

137 Responses to "Vikings waive Maurice Hicks"

gravy says:

February 18th, 2009 at 9:44 am

Woohoo!!

Bones says:

February 18th, 2009 at 10:05 am

Another one of Chili’s guys gone. What a great judge of talent our leader is!

matty927 says:

February 18th, 2009 at 10:10 am

whats up bones!! what you think about the vikes pick this year?? Good value at 22 or should they look to use that to add a better vet? I think the vikes should use it on a lineman personnally

Bones says:

February 18th, 2009 at 10:21 am

I agree. Unless by some miracle a top QB prospect fall to 22 I would look to beef up the line. A guy like Michael Oher might be there. If they could somehow manage to snag Jordan Gross that would make drafting an o-linemen less of a priority. Personally, if he doesn’t re-sign with the Panthers I think Gross gets a massive contract to go to either Philly or Washington.

We need to hang onto our picks this year and we need to make them count. No more reaching for guys like Cook and T-Joke. Those are two glaring errors in an era where you need to get production out of second round picks. Either player could have been had on the second day, maybe even as undrafted free agents. Neither player has any business on a team that fancies itself as a SB contender.

kennyrogers says:

February 18th, 2009 at 10:22 am

That’s a good idea, Matty. I prefer going after a lineman with a high draft choice. As far as Hicks, signing a guy because he returned kicks well against OUR special teams is not a very good indicater. We should be able to find a capable replacement, if not Allison and Reynaud did OK. Personally, I don’t like seeing Chester and Berrian returning any kicks.

State Of The Purple says:

February 18th, 2009 at 10:24 am

Makin’ room for Sproles…

NOT.

matty927 says:

February 18th, 2009 at 10:33 am

no, me either, someone that counts less towards the salary should be taking those kind of hits. and I agree that Gross will get PAID…The other thing about this draft and a lot of people agree is that this is a very deep draft, it’s amazing when you look at mock drafts so far and guys like Moreno and Wells are being projected in the second half of the first round…this is a very deep draft for lineman and there is a solid group of RB’s and wr’s that could return kicks…it will be very interesting to see what kind of moves the vikes make the next three weeks to prepare themselves for free agency…I don’t think they will hand out the cash like they did last spring but I hope they can make at least one big move. there are definitely some pieces on the roster that can be used for trades, Taylor, Wade, Mills, Griffin, MJohnson

Bones says:

February 18th, 2009 at 10:52 am

C’mon Matty! You know Mills, Wade, and Johnson have little to no trade value.

matty927 says:

February 18th, 2009 at 10:55 am

i think mills does, wade certainly does, esp to a team that lacks a slot receiver. and Johnson is a young guy that maybe just needs a coaching change to help him mature.

Viking John says:

February 18th, 2009 at 11:16 am

Bones is right Matty, not much there.

Go Vikes

Bones says:

February 18th, 2009 at 11:24 am

I would be surprised if Marcus Johnson is even in the NFL when the new season starts. He’s had every opportunity to succeed and never got it.

Mills has a grand total of 7 catches for 91 yards over his 3 year career.

Bobby Wade is Bobby Wade. An undersized player that is a solid slot receiver, but nothing more.

Personally, I don’t think you get a 7th round pick for any of them if you put them on the block…

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 11:31 am

I agree, not much trade value there unless packaged with something else.

Any idea of the cap ramifications of letting Hicks go?

Viking John says:

February 18th, 2009 at 11:43 am

About 1.5 million. Give or Take.

Go Vikes

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 11:59 am

wow, that much. Glad to see the move then.

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 12:05 pm

Who’s the practice squad guy, Albert Young I think, that did pretty well in pre-season last year. Anyone know his story, can he return kicks?

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 12:21 pm

So just in an effort to keep things lively on here, I’ll throw this out there. Would anyone want to trade for Torry Holt?

[Vikings] Vikings Release RB/KR Maurice Hicks - GridironFans.com says:

February 18th, 2009 at 12:22 pm

[…] [Vikings] Vikings Release RB/KR Maurice Hicks The Vikings waived running back and kickoff return man Maurice Hicks this morning after he spent only one season with the team. Hicks joined the Vikings as a free agent last March after spending four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Hicks was signed to a three-year contract because of his ability on kick returns. Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune […]

Zit says:

February 18th, 2009 at 12:31 pm

Boy that’s a great loss, NOT.

Bones says:

February 18th, 2009 at 12:33 pm

No Torry Holt. He’s old.

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 1:11 pm

Torry Holt is beyond his prime. I think a very solid career type OT in first round is just fine. I’m ok with playing the whole draft safe. No reaches. I’m concerned in the 2nd round we’ll reach for some unknown wide receiver out of a second rate school because he returned two punts for TD’s against another second rate school.

Does this quote from Mel Kyper sound familiar? “Wow. I think the Vikings really reached there. They could have had (insert name here) much later.” I believe Kyper says this every year about the Vikings. And the Vikings will counter with; “we we’re really surprised (insert name here) was still available. We had him rated much higher. We had him targeted the whole time, but didn’t want to tip our hand.”

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 1:13 pm

Also, you know it’s bad when the Vikings make a pick on day 1 and the commentators start flipping thru their notes because they weren’t prepared for that guy to be taken until Sunday afternoon.

Bones says:

February 18th, 2009 at 1:20 pm

Successful franchises build through the draft. There is usually a reason that a “top free agent” is not re-signed by his team and with the cap as high as it is now it rarely is because of money. Hang onto your picks and make them count. Don’t spend your second round pick on a center from New Mexico’s version of National American University and expect him to succeed at right tackle!

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 1:22 pm

Some bitterness this afternoon, eh?

Zit says:

February 18th, 2009 at 1:31 pm

What’s wrong with Ryan Cook. He’s just a rookie. Give him a break!

Bones says:

February 18th, 2009 at 1:36 pm

Not bitter, just expressing the need to make the first day picks count.

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 1:42 pm

:) I agree. Last year was full of second round disappointments, especially at wide receiver. I hope the Vikes can make both first day picks count towards immediate impact.

Bones says:

February 18th, 2009 at 1:45 pm

Yeah, I’m not feeling too optimistic about Sidney Rice. I know he was hurt, but 15 catches? Ugh…

kennyrogers says:

February 18th, 2009 at 1:46 pm

Hang onto your picks and make them count. But don’t hang on to them over the 15 minutes allowed like in ‘03. We got stuck with Kevin Williams on that blunder, LOL!

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 1:49 pm

I still can’t figure out the rice thing… when he plays he looks like a raw Larry Fitz type of guy. Great hands, good verticle, solid routes, big frame… he looks good when he’s on the field but he seemed hardly to ever be on the field. i know he was injured, but something else had to be wrong. I wouldn’t give up on him yet, but he’s going to have to prove his worth against whoever the Vikes bring in.

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 1:51 pm

I suspect Rice is just another case of Chili under-utilizing his talent… but I could be wrong.

Viking John says:

February 18th, 2009 at 1:58 pm

They could have had D Jarrett, but I don’t believe he has done much in Carolina either.

Go Vikes

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:02 pm

Rice has actually been better.

Zit says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:07 pm

Yea Jerry Rice was pretty good.

orlandovike says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:07 pm

I have always felt Allison is our best kick returner.

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:09 pm

16 catches, 192 yards, 0 TDs for Jarrett’s career. Rice has 46 catches, 537 yards, and 8 TDs. I’d say the made the right call between those two… especially considering Jarrett has had the luxury of having a competant QB throw to him and a superstar ont he other side of the field.

Bones says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:18 pm

But Jarrett has won the Daytona 500 twice, something Rice has not even qualified for.

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:18 pm

I’m hoping Rice’s downfall was nagging injuries. His leg, wasn’t it? That would make a difference for a WR that plays the type of game that Rice does. Showed flashes of brilliance when he played. Definitely a nice go-to guy inside the 5 yard line. Again, when healthy.

Viking John says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:20 pm

I thought Jarrett was a wrestler on Spike TV???? Now he is a Nascar driver?
Who would have thought.

Go Vikes

Lost Viking says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:26 pm

Vike have been short of talent at receiver for since trading Moss. Berrian is a top 25 receiver and the right acquisition.

Torry Holt and Pace at OT are far from finished and represent good one year acquisitions. But they’d only be rentals at positions Vike need to address. Aquiring veterans for a one year run can hurt a team building a roster. Plus, similar guys are available as fill-ins in an emergency situation..(see SeaHawg ‘08)

Zit says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:28 pm

Yea but Rice had a pretty good career with the Red Sox.

vikingsuperfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:28 pm

I missed typing it so I have to do it:

FIRE CHILDRESS!!!!!

Bones says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:34 pm

Flashes of brilliance might be going a little too far. Rice hasn’t looked out of place when he’s been able to get on the field, but let’s not get carried away…

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:36 pm

bones, I would say flashes of brilliance isn’t getting carried away. He had a few catches where he literally jumped up and reached down in front of Charles Woodson agaisnt the pack. Very nice catches. I still have high hopes for the kid.

Fragile Fred Smoot says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:39 pm

Gunslinkers -

You flip flop worse than your old pal Fragiles… Aren’t you the guy saying we should trades for Cassel? Your comment….

“I think a very solid career type OT in first round is just fine. I’m ok with playing the whole draft safe. No reaches.”

Trading for Cassel certainly isn’t safe and it sure is a reach. Maybe a good reach, but it is a reach.

Flips floppers!

Bones says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:40 pm

Good afternoon Fred.

Fragile Fred Smoot says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:48 pm

Hello my old pal Bone. Where have you beens? Did Mrs. Bone have her baby?

Bones says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:50 pm

Baby girl about to turn 5 weeks old.

Bleacher Fan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:51 pm

Fred, I heard you listen to Olivia Newton John singing “Let’s get physical” to get your game face on, that true?

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:52 pm

Correct me if I’m wrong, but since we signed Hutch under the poison pill, if we signed a lineman for a larger contract than his, then his entire $49 million would become guaranteed, no? Would this be a possible reason to not see the Vikings go after guys like Jordan Gross and Jason Brown in free agency? Wondering if any of you understand that whole thing better than i do?

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:53 pm

No flip flops. I thought we switched topics from QB’s to the draft. If we trade away our first round pick for Cassel, then I guess I don’t have an opinion on the first round, because we won’t be drafting there.

I can’t give an opinion on different topics? I am giving the opinion of; “if such and such doesn’t happen, THEN I would do this.”

My opinion the whole time has been, and will continue to be; “damn near any QB out there, free agents and/or trade possibilities, is better than what the Vikings currently have”. I am ok with getting ANY of the following: Cassel, Garcia, Anderson, Leftwich, Palmer, Warner.

Drafting is completely different than trading for somebody that has actually set foot on an NFL field.

Fragile Fred Smoot says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:55 pm

Well done Bone! Congrats from your old Pal Fragile. Fred hopes you had a couple of Colt 45s to celebrate.

Oh by the ways:

http://www.mnsaves.org/

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

AND, I also said, just for PR and selling tickets, the Vikings HAVE to sign a different QB. Even a Sage Rosenfels would mean the Vikings are trying something. I just don’t think the fan base will be happy with going to camp with TJ and Gus again. Realistic or not.

Bones says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

I believe that aspect of the poison pill expired after some point, but I could be wrong. It’s not really relevant because they should be able to find some creative way to make sure a FA linemen got paid while still meeting the criteria to not guarantee Hutch his contract. That said, can we really afford to drop a ton of money on another offensive lineman considering the amount of money committed to the left side of the line?

Bleacher Fan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 2:59 pm

ak, was that in the contract? Would not seem to make sense for the Vikings to put that in there.

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:01 pm

I say yes on dropping the money into the o-Line… our whole success hinges on giving AD room to run and keeping him healthy, combined with giving to protection to whatever QB is dropping back. And with Birk leaving, McKinnie and Hutch’s contracts a few years old, Herrera on the cheap, then i’d say it’s not unreasonable to pay big money for an upgrade.

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:04 pm

If the Vikings go with a FA QB instead of Cassel that would certainly leave a lot of room for OT or WR. While I will not grumble if the Vikings trade for Cassel, picking up Garcia or somebody similar will leave a lot of wiggle room for more transactions. How much was Garcia paid last year, and what would he be looking for this year?

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:04 pm

bleacher… it was the only way we could obtain Hutch when the Seahawks transitioned him. Because they were paying Walter Jones so much, and they were having cap issues, they put a clause in their offer sheet that said he had to be the highest paid O-Lineman (when/if that expired I don’t know)on the team or else his entire contract was guaranteed. This forced the Seahwaks to let us have them since they couldn’t swing that cash. It was no problem making sure he was our highest paid at the time. It’s genius really.

The Seagulls did it back to us by offering the same contract to Burleson when we tagged him, but said that if he played more than 5 games in the state of Minnesota in one year then all $49 million would be guaranteed. I’d say our pill worked out a tad bit better.

Fragile Fred Smoot says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:06 pm

Guns,

In answer to your question:

“I can’t give an opinion on different topics? I am giving the opinion of; “if such and such doesn’t happen, THEN I would do this.”

No. Sorry. Don’t make Freds call the flip flop police.

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:07 pm

Garcia counted as a little of $5 million on their cap last year… but that was his final year and whatnot.

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:08 pm

*a little over $5 million.

sorry.

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:10 pm

Ok Fred, you’ll enjoy this line of thinking. You’ll call it flip flopping, but I’m calling it “exploring all options”.

I think the Pats will request too much for Cassel, such as a 1st and 2nd, maybe a 1st and 3rd. A 1st for sure! Therefore, if that is the high asking price, then the Vikings should definitely explore other options. No haggling for 2 months. Make the Pats your best and only offer, take it or leave it. I believe there are quite a few options out there for the Vikings to improve at QB. Of course, I don’t think it will take much to improve. I’m still intrigued by D. Anderson. Yes, not a west coast QB. But at 26 years old, I like the idea of looking at him.

I also don’t want to bring in somebody and then state there is a competition in camp. I want a #1 QB, no questions asked. If I recall correctly, TJack is hell on wheels in the 5 on 5 drills in camp. But we’ve seen the product on the field on Sunday’s.

Bones says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:11 pm

No to Cassel!

Lost Viking says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:11 pm

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Bones!

Girls are the best! You’ll see. Give her another five weeks and she’ll just be amazing. Best thing is that she won’t start turning on you until she’s in her third or fourth grade.

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:15 pm

I’m okay with Cassell at the right price. Even with having to give up a first. Josh Freeman is really the only QB we can think of at #22, and he’s even more of a risk than Cassell since he hasn’t played in any NFL scheme ever, let alone been successful. However, I’m hesitant to give up much more than a first rounder… maybe a first and a third at the very, very most.

But I think a guy like Ryan Fitzpatrick showed just as much potential (given the quality of his circumstances) and could be had for no picks and a lower-level contract.

It’s a tough call, but I’d be okay if the vikes at least attempted to bring in Cassell, I just don’t want to bet the farm on the kid.

Bones says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:16 pm

But at some point some teenager with an earring is gonna ride up on a Harley and want to date her!

Tomb... says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:17 pm

Daughters are great until they hit 13-14 and the dogs start sniffing around.

Horny little buzzards.

Daddy Tomb keeps a vigilant eye out, and I have the grey hairs to prove it.

Tomb... says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:18 pm

LOL Bones…yeah, that’s the part that I’m not looking forward to.

Bones says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:24 pm

I plan on doing my best to intimidate and scare the hell out of her potential suitors.

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:29 pm

A few good lines when they pick her up:

-Son, I’m not afraid of going BACK to prison.

-Son, have her back by ten, and don’t worry about being quiet… I’ll be up all night clenaing my guns.

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:29 pm

My last post about raising daughters didn’t show. I guess they didn’t like my “magic” words of “gun cleaning” and “anil guns”.

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:31 pm

“nail” guns

Viking John says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:35 pm

All Bones has to do is tell them he is a gopher fan and most should shy away….

Go Vikes

Bleacher Fan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:38 pm

Just keep her away from Fragile Freds cruises Bones.

Bones says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:47 pm

Hopefully she’ll someday be skating for the maroon and gold…

Bleacher Fan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:52 pm

So you are going to get her into roller derby?

Tomb... says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:54 pm

The first and only time I met one of my daughter’s suitors, I about crushed the poor bastard’s hand with the handshake.

I honestly never saw that kid again.

I’m not looking forward to the point when they are seniors in high school, and will be able to crush MY hand.

The more I think about it, I bet Cassel won’t be an option. Someone with a higher draft pick will land him.

I’ve been talked into Garcia been the way to go.

Tomb... says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:55 pm

been=being

Bleacher Fan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:57 pm

Is Carson Palmers shoulder shot?

Bleacher Fan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 3:59 pm

so Tomb, you meant “I’ve being talked into Garcia being the way to go.” ? :)

Tomb... says:

February 18th, 2009 at 4:00 pm

LOL Bleacher…I don’t know what I’m saying anymore…I’m suddenly worried about what my daughter’s doing right now…=>

Pit Boss says:

February 18th, 2009 at 4:07 pm

Chili was impressed with Hicks because he had two - 55 yard kick off returns against the Vikes in 2007. It should be easy for Chili to find a replacement for Hicks. Every opposing return man had at least that against the Vikes in 2008/09.

Bleacher Fan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 4:09 pm

Yea Pit, Chilli’s choices are endless.

Tomb... says:

February 18th, 2009 at 4:21 pm

I think Chili has a receding hairline.

Seriously, you can look it up.

Bleacher Fan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 4:25 pm

What hairline?

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 4:48 pm

Chargers just put the Franchise Tag on Darren Sproles.

NOW can we stop talking about trading Chester to sign Sproles?

Tomb... says:

February 18th, 2009 at 5:08 pm

I’m going to keep talking about it.

Sproles.

Taylor.

Sproles Sproles Sproles.

Taylor.

Taylor Sproles Taylor.

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 5:10 pm

Kurt Warner has said that he will do what God tells him to do.

God is telling him to sign with the Vikings.

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 5:13 pm

Doh! I’ll miss the Sproles angle…

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 5:14 pm

HOW DARE YOU SIR!

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 5:16 pm

The “angle” was only on this blog.

Let’s get the “Carson Palmer” angle going again. Another person that has only been talked about on this blog.

Here’s my very vague prediction. The Vikings will sign a QB that will have the fan base saying; “What the??? Why the?? Who the??”

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 5:18 pm

The problem with the Vikings signing Garcia, or trading for Cassel, is that too many people and experts will state; “that makes sense”. And that is not good enough for Childress. He must find a QB that only somebody as smart as he is would have thought to sign. Childress must prove himself greater and smarter than all mankind!

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 5:18 pm

Like Ryan Fitzpatrick?

Bleacher Fan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 5:32 pm

What about Patrick Fitzmichaels?

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 5:34 pm

Maybe if we talk about Ryan Fitzpatrick long enough Childress will not want to sign him. BTW, I have no idea who he is.

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 5:40 pm

Who was pimping Ryan Fitzpatrick earlier? I demand to know. Here’s some numbers from last year with the Bengals. Personally, I didn’t even know he played in the NFL. Well, since he played for the Bengals, it was really NFL Light.

Games 13.
1900 yards passing. 5.1 yds per pass.
8 TD’s, 9 int’s.
Sacked 38 times in 13 games.
Fumbled 11 times in 13 games.

Good god almighty. Somebody actually made the suggestion of signing this guy?

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 5:45 pm

Yes, i did, and I stand by it. I’m not saying he should the starter, but i liked what i saw of the kid. A good majority of his negative stats came from a rocky start when he took over for Palmer. He improved after that… though the Bengals did not really improve and he was getting knocked around all the time (hence the fumbles). But he’s a solid passer who could come in and compete on the cheap and I would say he’d make a run at beating out TJack and Gus if that’s what it came down to. He did enough to open up the ground game for Cedric Benson… I’ll bet he could do enough to open up the ground game for AD… especially behind a much better o-Line.

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 5:45 pm

Here’s the free agent QB’s. Some have been signed. My prediction is the Vikings sign Rex Grossman. You just know the Vikings will sign a “head scratcher”.

Quarterbacks
Player Exp. Status ‘08 Team ‘09 Team
Anthony Wright 10 UFA NY Giants
Brett Basanez 3 UFA Panthers Bears
Brett Favre 18 Retired N.Y. Jets
Brian St. Pierre 6 UFA Cardinals
Brooks Bollinger 6 UFA Cowboys
Bruce Gradkowski 3 Released Browns Raiders
Byron Leftwich 6 UFA Steelers
Charlie Batch 11 UFA Steelers
Charlie Frye 4 UFA Seahawks
Chris Simms 6 UFA Titans
Dan Orlovsky 4 UFA Lions
David Carr 7 UFA NY Giants NY Giants
Drew Henson 3 RFA Lions
Gibran Hamdan 2 RFA Bills
J.P. Losman 5 UFA Bills
J.T. O’Sullivan 6 UFA 49ers
Jamie Martin 14 UFA 49ers
Jeff Garcia 10 UFA Buccaneers
Joey Harrington 7 UFA Saints
Ken Dorsey 6 Released Browns
Kerry Collins 14 UFA Titans
Kurt Warner 11 UFA Cardinals
Kyle Boller 6 UFA Ravens
Luke McCown 5 UFA Buccaneers Buccaneers
Marques Tuiasosopo 8 UFA Raiders
Matt Cassel 4 Franchised Patriots
Patrick Ramsey 7 UFA Broncos
Rex Grossman 6 UFA Bears
Ryan Fitzpatrick 4 UFA Bengals

Antonio Pantalini says:

February 18th, 2009 at 5:47 pm

he really likes to dance
never will strike a widelegged stance
why dont you take a chance
get to know antonio pantalini

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 5:48 pm

AK, I am not falling for your joke. Am I on camera? Come on! Knock it off! It’s not funny anymore!

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 5:50 pm

Gun, if you didn’t even know the name of a QB that started for half of last season… then i don’t think you watch enough football, friend.

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 5:57 pm

I have the NFL Sunday Ticket. When I’m not watching every second of the Vikings, I watched the NFL Game Mix that showed up to 8 games at once on my TV screen. The fact that I never missed 9 full hours of football every Sunday, plus all pre and post-games, and still never heard of Fitzy, should be a testament to what kind of player he was. I am positive that I was watching good football on a different channel while your guy was playing.

But maybe you can convince me he is a 4th year rookie like TJack, and deserves a chance to compete. But there will be rioting in the streets if the competition is between TJ, Gus, and Fitzy.

MARK MY WORDS!! Just like I said to mark my words we wouldn’t sign Darren Sproles.

Antonio Pantalini says:

February 18th, 2009 at 6:01 pm

I like you do you like me?

bwaaaaaaak

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 6:04 pm

ouch… got me on the Sproles thing… even though i believe the argument was whether or not Sproles was a good idea NOT whether or not it would happen. So the guy not worth the Vikes signing got the franchise tag… will Chester get the tag next year? Hmmm… yup i feel your knowledg is now superior.

And I’m merely saying, that if you don’t know who Fitz is, then you probably haven’t seen him play… and you probably have no idea if he’s any good or not. And my opinion (even if it’s hard for you to accept other people’s opinions as opinions) is that Fitz is a worthwhile prospect that would surplant both TJack and Gus on anyone’s depth chart.

Tomb... says:

February 18th, 2009 at 6:05 pm

So anyways, getting back to the Carson Palmer angle, which when you think about it, REALLY is inevitable.

Wouldn’t you agree Gun?

Etched in stone, I says.

Fandong Viking says:

February 18th, 2009 at 6:24 pm

Has anyone else noticed that Chilli looks like “fart face”, from the snl skit?

http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/ctrl-v/2008/10/22/saturday%20night%20live%20fartface_400×266.shkl.jpg

anyways, that’s what I now call him.

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 6:36 pm

good call, spittin’ image, haha

Lost Viking says:

February 18th, 2009 at 6:40 pm

Gunner,

I have a different take on your 5:18. Childress will still be the dominant voice in room but expect the new QB acquisition to be by a Committee.

Zygi speaking out on Favre suggests some ownership input.

Viking have more or less announced they are in the market for a QB for 2009. But to Childress and his coaches have the ability just to pull a QB out of a hat? Not with season ticket sales and salary cap considerations. Probably would require Chili, Bevell Bevell and Kevin Rogers to stand behind one finalist. Then require Spielman/Brezinzski concurrence BEFORE going to the owners for permission to negotiate. So its not like Childress can wake up one morning and say, “Hey, I should talk to Joey Harrington’s agent”. That ship has sailed.

Tomb... says:

February 18th, 2009 at 6:41 pm

You know, fart-face Brad is one of those nicknames that can really stick.

Judd/Chip, notice I’m standing strong on my word, and not making fun of this:

“Just like the NFL, Zulgad and Scoggins go at it all year long — on and off the field.”

Lost Viking says:

February 18th, 2009 at 6:42 pm

And without a QB change….

Bevill Bevill = Bubble Bevill

Antonio Pantalini says:

February 18th, 2009 at 6:44 pm

Lost Vikings = real fartface

bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaak!

Bleacher Fan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 6:45 pm

Bevell is a stooge. Chilli is the 2nd stooge. Who will be the 3rd?

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 7:10 pm

Florio at PFT has said he’s going to explore my angle on the poison pill Hutch thing I mentioned earlier. Maybe we’ll see a story on it soon.

Lost Viking says:

February 18th, 2009 at 7:22 pm

Offensive line is the priority and OT in particular due to depth and dominance.
Vike could get by losing a starting QB.

McKinnie’s performance cost us a couple of games last year. As each weekend arrives we face the threat of being down to Artis and/or Ryan Cook.

Help wanted. But be sure the replacement is adequate to support the game’s best rusher

Fragile Fred Smoot says:

February 18th, 2009 at 7:28 pm

Freds would like just one logical explanation of why Gus Farooch has not been released yet? What is the senerio where the statue is with the Vikes next year?

By the way, the Chargers are a joke. They are going to pays Sproles that kind of jing for what 10 games tops?

Fred likes the Fitzpatrick idea. Freds also likes McGuilicutty, O’Brien, O’Mally and Murphy.

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 7:42 pm

I tried Freds… couldn’t come up with an explanation.

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 7:43 pm

Chili probably jsut doesn’t want to “tip” “his” “hand.”

(Imagine Chris Farley doing his hand quotes thing while saying it… that makes it funnier).

kennyrogers says:

February 18th, 2009 at 7:57 pm

The link at 6:28 is pretty funny.

(favre face)

Viking John says:

February 18th, 2009 at 8:11 pm

What about Boller? He is a former #1 pick? You guys are throwing all the other trash in, don’t forget all of it.

Go Vikes

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 8:37 pm

Lost, you had me at hello. And then you just had to mention Joey. Ouch. And then the next name I read is Boller. Vikings better get something done early before I drive myself insane.

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 8:41 pm

I believe I had said Sproles would be shopping around for #1 RB money. I was asked why I would think that, Sproles could be shopping himself around for #2 RB spots. I was ridiculed! I stated Sproles was out of the Vikings price range and was not needed anyway. I was ridiculed! But…I was right!! He is now franchised and will make #1 money big time.

BTW, the Chargers did that because they are not sure LDT will still be there and they have no other options. Only time will tell if Sproles can handle a large work load.

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 8:51 pm

Sproles being franchised doesn’t make him a #1. And if the chargers draft one of the guys in the first 2 rounds, then he’ll likely be a #3 guy (or traded).

Being franchised does dictate your market value. Would Cassel be making the same amount as the franchise tender if he signed a long term deal? No. And neither would/will Sproles.

Yesterday you had inside info on the Vikings goals. Now you have inside info on the Chargers thought process. You are amazing.

Yesterday you said “Sure, you paint a pretty picture, and I’m sold on the idea. But what kind of dollars are we talking here?”

And then I said “And you pointed out the most obvious fact… this would not be an easy maneuver to accomplish… but it’s worth a shot.”

At what point were your words MARKED to the point that you are an all knowing authority?

Fragile Fred Smoot says:

February 18th, 2009 at 8:52 pm

Flip…Flops

Fragile Fred Smoot says:

February 18th, 2009 at 8:53 pm

Flop…flips

Fragile Fred Smoot says:

February 18th, 2009 at 8:55 pm

If one day, Fred says the coin will land on it’s head and the next day Freds says the coin will land on its tail.

He will be sure to tell you he is rights.

akvikesfan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 9:00 pm

Freds, you would be right.

Bleacher Fan says:

February 18th, 2009 at 9:01 pm

Fred, You area self proclaimed dumb ass.

c.carterhof says:

February 18th, 2009 at 9:11 pm

Torry Holt would be a great addition. Vikes already have the speed guy in Berrian. Holt is a vet that the young guys could learn from. How old is he 30-31. He coul still have 2-3 good years left.

GunslingerCA says:

February 18th, 2009 at 9:12 pm

New thread up…

Ole1 says:

February 18th, 2009 at 9:12 pm

Hey Bleacher Fan, there is a *space* between “are” & “a” ….dumbass

Buccaneers Gab says:

April 27th, 2009 at 2:30 pm

Bucs Grab QB Freeman After First-Round Deal w/ Cleveland

The trading with the Browns continued as they moved the 17th pick to the Bucs so Tampa Bay could grab QB Josh Freeman from Kansas State. Freeman last season threw for 2945 yards with 20 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.
Here are the details on Freeman …

igogogo says:

July 27th, 2009 at 7:59 pm

igogogo

igogogo

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