In trying to understand the Vikings draft and Free agency strategy I thought it might be good idea to see where they are on salary. I suspect that one of the goals is to make sure the team is financially sound now and in the future. Yes, there is no cap but the Vikings are a little more limited in cash flow since their stadium produces less revenue than almost every other team.  But last year they met the cap limit after pro rated bonus's were paid..  There is no reason to believe their revenue will be lower this year.  In fact the arbitrator ruled that the owners revenue sharing will exist next year, so the10 Million revenue sharing dollars will come into the coffers for this years salaries and next.  It is good to remember that that money won't come to the Vikings after 2011.   More after the jump

The 2009 salary cap was                  $ 127,000,000      ( This includes prior pro-rated pre paid bonus's)  

So far the 2010 Viking payroll totals  $99,000,000

 source ( http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/minnesota-vikings/salary/67053 )

The draft choices in the first 4 rounds should cost  about  5.5 Million

The free agent payrolls lost ( CT and Hicks)  is                    4 Million

Free Agent additions=   none to speak of.

Total 2010 salary  =  $100,000,000    if no other changes occur    

2011 salary changes expected

Sidney Rice=New contract

AP= new Contract

QB= New QB contract

Ray Edwards = new contract.

Farve= retired ( or is that in 2020)

As you can see the Vikings are in good shape going into the uncapped year.  They have lost little talent.  They can afford the increases that are going to happen in the future and their is enough room for them to add a Franchise QB if one is found.   If they spend that extra money this year it could cause issues next year.

Now aren't you glad they didn't run out and sign a bunch of Overpriced free agents?   I am

This also indicates the savings most teams will have this year.  Lowering labor costs will be a hard sell in 2011.