The Vikings Will Have Plenty Of Salary Cap Space For Free Agency
by Christopher Gates on Feb 20, 2012 9:34 PM CST
in Minnesota Vikings 2012 Off-Season
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PrintTom Pelissero of 1500 ESPN has done the most detailed breakdown of the salary cap space that the Minnesota Vikings will have in a few weeks that I've seen yet, and based on what he's put together, the team is going to have plenty of money to work with.
As of Monday, according to a source with access to NFL salary data, the Vikings had about $112.4 million in 2012 cap space committed to 57 players on their roster -- including a little more than $110 million to the "Top 51" who will count against the projected $120.4 million cap when the league year begins on March 13.
Roughly $2 million in "dead" money from unamortized bonus proration will be offset by the small amount of unused cap space carried over from 2011, leaving the Vikings more than $10 million under their adjusted 2012 cap. And that's before they even touch the contracts of several veterans who could be restructured or released in the next few weeks.
Dumping guards Steve Hutchinson ($7 million cap number for 2012) and Anthony Herrera ($3,583,335) and cornerback Cedric Griffin ($4.65 million) would give the Vikings another $13 million to work with even after cap hits from two of those deals. None of the three is in the long-term plans of a rebuilding team coming off a 3-13 season.
Pelissero is generally pretty thorough with his work, so I'm inclined to believe his numbers here. And I don't think anybody is expecting Hutchinson, Herrera, or Griffin back. So, the Vikings are looking at somewhere in the neighborhood of $23 million, provided they don't restructure anyone else's contract or anything like that. He also briefly mentions linebacker Erin Henderson and safety Husain Abdullah, both of whom could be resigned for the "right price," whatever that might be. In addition, I wouldn't be surprised to see Remi Ayodele get the axe, too, which would free up another three and a half million, according to the article.
So, the question is no longer if the Vikings can make a splash in free agency, but rather how big a splash they'll be making.
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Nice.
Thats good news.
"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear." -Mark Twain
It's good news...
I haven’t seen a detailed list of free agents, so while these numbers are a good sign, I don’t know if I have seen anything that gets me super excited for this free agency pool.
Then again, pretty much anyone we sign has to be an instant upgrade to the trash baggers we put on the field last year, right?
Right……..?
The night is always darkest before the dawn.
Brandon Carr
or Carl Nicks are two big splashes I think the Vikings will go for, Carr probably being the big target.
"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear." -Mark Twain
Nicks won't be there
If he is, I’m going to be shocked. Pretty sure the Saints will just franchise him if they can’t get him signed.
by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 20, 2012 10:23 PM CST up reply actions
That all depends on Brees
Numerous talk shows on Sirius NFL have talked about the Saints at depth. Most are saying that IF they get Brees signed before the deadline to submit the tag then they will have to decide between Colston and Nicks. Almost all of the analysts say Nicks will probably be the one to go as they can’t see the Saints tying that much money into the guard position between Evans and Nicks.
A couple that favor Nicks over Colston bring up with Brees vertically challenged stature keeping Nicks makes more sense to keep the rush from coming up the middle. First things first though is they have to get Brees signed before FA starts or he’ll get the tag, as he should.
by VikesFanInTulsa on Feb 21, 2012 7:05 AM CST up reply actions
are we still talking about how brees' height limits him? that discussion needs to just die
by statue_left on Feb 21, 2012 2:56 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
They were just stating a point
That the Saints might be wise to tag Nicks because Brees needs a clean pocket because of his height. Makes sense to have solid guard play if you have to keep the middle clear.
by VikesFanInTulsa on Feb 21, 2012 2:59 PM CST up reply actions
Even if Brees "hits" FA,
he’s not going anywhere else. He wants to be in New Orleans.
by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 21, 2012 10:46 PM CST up reply actions
Like that will happen
There is no way the Saints don’t franchise Brees if they can’t get him under contract before the deadline for declaring the franchise tag IMO. That is what this is about is who gets franchised from the Saints.
by VikesFanInTulsa on Feb 22, 2012 8:42 AM CST up reply actions
It all depends...
On how many of the top-tier free agents get tagged. With the new formula used to determine the cost of tagging a player, teams may be more willing to tag players who would’ve been let loose to explore the market in the past. Here’s to hoping we’re able to snag a couple key upgrades to fill some holes and give us a smaller number of target areas before the draft.
Well, Spielman did mention getting one 'big bullet' in FA
Question is whether that’s a WR or CB. With that much money, it might even be both!
Yep
Spielman also said this, according this ESPN article:
Whether we make a big splash or not, if there’s someone out there we think can help us then we’re willing to spend a lot of money. We’ll definitely look at those options.
The draft is deep at CB and WR too, so we are in excellent position to upgrade at areas of need this off-season.
Ponder. Peterson. Percy. Purple Perfection.
True
but WRs have longer LTI (lenght to impact) than most positions. There are some that contribute right away like Torrey Smith who the Vikings could have drafted but chose Kyle Rudolph instead. I am not complaining because Rudolph looked good when he was in for the most part. Just saying.
I think they should sign a CB, S, WR, LB, and DT.
I think CB and S are an absolute must in FA
Weak Safety class this year. There’s some solid CBs in the draft and I think we can get another one there(we need many:)) Does anyone know when we find out about Cook? That’s a huge piece of the puzzle, IMO.
White Horn Gold Pants
So with the trial and sentencing, should he be found guilty. we will not know what happens until probably may
Assuming
(1) his date doesn’t get pushed back farther, and
(2) he doesn’t plead guilty at some point in between.
Hopefully they are planning on carrying on without him
and if he is able to play ever it would just be an added bonus of depth for the team. wether he plays or not we still need a #1 and #2 corner, we have 3 #3 corners though
I'm more hoping
For a plea deal that gets it all resolved before camp.
I do not see the Vikings making multiple FA signings
Rick Spielman is on record saying that the contracts given to Peterson, Greenway and Sullivan were considered FA signings as far as he was concerned. Whether that was a bluff or not is all speculation. I don’t think the Wilfs are concerned financially so I wouldn’t count out at least one big signing but at this point who really knows? I have read a lot of what Spielman has said about this offseason and he is really keeping a great poker face so to speak.
Not trying to put a damper on things, just passing on what I have read.
"none of us is a fan of the team" - Judd Zulgad (also fabricated the "schism" reports of 09')
They will make one big signing as he has said before
I think if they sign either a Nicks/Carr/Garcon type player, to me they will have made a “splash” in FA
I wouldn't consider Garcon a 'big bullet'
The Vikes have gone for the best player at their targetted position when they’ve had the chance in recent years, whether it was Housh, Berrian, Hutchinson, etc.
So when Spielman says ‘big bullet,’ I’m looking at more of a Vincent Jackson, or a Brandon Carr. Maybe even Finnegan if Tennesse lets him go. They’ll try to get a big impact player on this team.
by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 21, 2012 10:48 PM CST up reply actions
That fits Spielman's history
The thing is, the Vikings have so many needs at this point that blowing it all on just 1, or 2, top players, is highly questionable at best. If they can make up the difference in the draft, then it’s justified. If not, and the Vikings again post a sub-6 win season, they may be looking for a new General Manager in 2013.
Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!
Hopefully Carr and maybe Colston
Dump the big money pits. I don’t even want them to restructure hutch. Sure he has SOME fuel in the tank but he just doesnr have as much value as a young guy with potential and posibly not any better depending on the player at this stage of hutches career IMO he was one of my fav Vikings since signing(as hard as that is far me to say about an o-lineman, I did like birk too) but time to part ways.
by reebs on Feb 21, 2012 12:09 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Question
If we dump Hererra and Hutch who’s the new guy going to be?
The Vikes aren't in a remodeling or reconstruction they are in a burn the place down and start praying they don't mimic the Lions rebuilding process.
I thought fusco played admirably in relief last year
Maybe love could move into hutches spot or try fusco there. Berger I also thought played very well but maybe they want him only at backup center. Who knows…they may be able to find a late round gem as well.
by reebs on Feb 21, 2012 7:51 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Spielman has spoken very highly of Fusco throughout the offseason
i think he fits into the ‘long term’ plans.
i still think if we can restructure Hutch’s final year, he’d be worth hanging onto. Herrera though… not so much.
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
I'm not completely against restructuring hutch
Like I said above I like him and he isn’t on empty. Maybe he’s had some nagging injuries lately causing underperformance…no source only speculation. Other lineman have played decently enough at his age. My thinking is with the whole youth movement thing, I’d like to see young guys getting a chance. But if there is no one that can play even close to hutch I’m all for bringing him back at a reduced rate.
by reebs on Feb 21, 2012 9:40 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
my best guess
is that they’ll move Charlie Johnson to LG and have Berger or Fusco compete for the RG spot.
I’m guessing they restructure Hutch for 1 year so he can retire a Viking, and prolly give Herrera one last shot too. I’m all for restructuring vets to give them something to prove. Motivation (usually) helps and our team can’t have too much depth at O-line.
when asked by Dan Patrick if his name alluded to not making quick decisions in the pocket, Ponder calmly replied "As crazy as it sounds, my mom's maiden name is actually Superbowlwinner. All one word"
Aside from Hererra
Who should just be cut, this is what they should do.
Hererra’s had successive chance and keeps getting hurt.
I forgot about Charlie Johnson
Him in Hutch’s spot and Fusco working for Hererra could work out. With that said though we would be starting three of our offensive line positions with people new to that spot, rookies, or first time starters… :p Scary thought.
The Vikes aren't in a remodeling or reconstruction they are in a burn the place down and start praying they don't mimic the Lions rebuilding process.
I think swapping Hutch for Johnson
Is a downgrade. But maybe that savings are worth it.
It might have been a few years ago
but Johnson excelled at G for indy and was forced to play LT because he was the best option. I would say now the play would probably be similar
maybe
I just haven’t seen Johnson at RG so I don’t know. Watching Huch this year, however, makes me think he is still pretty solid.
He is..
when he’s not hurt. Which hasn’t been recently. This would be two seasons in a row he’s ended up on IR. If I’m the Vikes, I’m not going to wait to make it a third
by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 21, 2012 10:50 PM CST up reply actions
Fusco, Johnson, and Berger would fill the two guard spots.
In my opinion Fusco and Berger outplayed Hererra last year when given the opportunity and I didn’t see much drop off when Berger filled in for Hutch either.
by CanadianViking on Feb 21, 2012 3:12 PM CST up reply actions
free agent dream list
dt guion,lb erin henderson.fs abdulah our players
lb dan connor-carolina or ej henderson mlb us
BRANDON CARR CB KANSAS CITY
TYVON BRANCH SAFETY,OAKLAND
DAYNE BOWE,MARQUES COLSTON,PIERRE GARCON whatever one is available and not franchised.
Heh, yeah Connor would be nice to replace EJ..
by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 21, 2012 10:50 PM CST up reply actions
connor
at least he wont break the bank and he is young 26 and playing behind beason makes me think he wil not be back with them.plus he doesnt have a big piece of metal in his leg.I DID LOVE WHAT EJ GAVE US,HE WAS A GREAT PLAYER AND GOOD TEAM LEADER.
Rebuilding teams...
… shouldn’t just sign young players with ‘potential’ as many barely scratch that potential, they need players who are a proven commodity. The Vikings need a proven starter at CB and S, and if they are hoping to select Kalil or one of the other top LTs in the draft, then I think having a fairly priced veteran LG is essential. Signing Nicks would be like getting a younger Hutchison, but unless the Saints are unable to sign Brees, or they decide that they prefer not to pay Nicks the franchise price (all positions along the line are priced the same), then he won’t be available. In that case, if the can get Hutchison for another year at around $3m, then I would be onboard with that. I would prefer the Vikings pick up a veteran WR, but one young enough to play the length of his contract. I love Vincent Jackson, but he will be 2 years older than when we last nearly signed him, and I think he will go to a playoff caliber team, not one that’s rebuilding. At LB, well I’d like to see what Erin Henderson could do with another year at starter, but he isn’t worth the risk of giving him the franchise tag, or signing him to a large multi-year contract. Perhaps with a full off season, Everson Griffin could step in, but that would be a long shot.
by blowfishes on Feb 21, 2012 2:38 AM CST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
^^ This is how I feel when i hear the "trade Allen and Peterson" talks.
It’s just ludacris.
Rule #76: No excuses-play like a champion.
☠★☪Creator of http:/vikescity.info/
by UnBannedVikingholic on Feb 21, 2012 7:35 AM CST up reply actions
Agreed,
the entire debate has gone plaid.
If we can't laugh at ourselves, Packer fans will call us crybabies and we will be forced to kick their tooth in. I really don't want to go to jail (again).
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Feb 21, 2012 8:15 AM CST up reply actions
What's the risk of a franchise tag?
Just money for one year, right?
well if you franchised henderson
It would eat up 8.8mil of our 10 mil in cap space. That is a pretty big risk to me
Exactly
He hasn’t proved enough to earn that kind of money yet.
If we can't laugh at ourselves, Packer fans will call us crybabies and we will be forced to kick their tooth in. I really don't want to go to jail (again).
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Feb 21, 2012 10:17 AM CST up reply actions
Robert Griffin III
Sooooo… what happens if Robert Griffin totally outshines all other QBs – including Luck – at the combine and pro days? What if no team trades up to #2 to get him?
Should we start asking ourselves ‘what could we potentially get for Christian Ponder?’
I firmly believe that the Redskins thought they would get Ponder when the moved down 6 spots last year with the trade with the Jaguars. Ponder has had an ok rookie season – even more so considering he had no off season and McNabb was given most of the snaps in practice. Would the Redskins or perhaps Miami offer their #1 in 2013 and maybe their #4 this year for Ponder?
For the Redskins, that would allow them to keep pick #6 in the first round, perhaps allowing them to get WR Blackmon – a great compliment to a new QB. Assuming Ponder’s hip pointer was only that, then he would be a great fit to the Redskins offense, and has proven that he is intelligent enough to be able to absorb information and translate that on the field.
For Miami, they would get the local boy to go with all of the above.
The Vikings then get Robert Griffin III at QB, an extra 4th round pick this year, and that all important extra 1st round pick next year.
What if the Browns offered their 2nd #1 this year with a conditional pick next year for Ponder? The Vikings offensive wasn’t ‘that’ different from the offense Childress ran. Perhaps they get Trent Richardson to be their Adrian Peterson at #4.
Whilst I believe that Griffin will be gone at #2 if he really is that good – as I have said several times on here – the chance to get a great LT rarely presents itself. The Rams would also know that the assumed cost for a team trading up to #2 will be very high. Did the Browns really trade with the Falcons last year just to use what they gained to trade up 2 spots?
by blowfishes on Feb 21, 2012 3:29 AM CST via mobile reply actions
I disagree
With your statement about how we’d automatically look to trade Ponder if we drafted RG3. We’d be making the same mistake some thought we made when they made Ponder the starter despite Webb having a really good pre-season. Keep all 3 around, hell keep Rosenfels too, and let all 4 of them slug it out. Best one starts and runner up is #2.
We are NOT drafting a QB this year.
And if we ARE drafting a QB that means that means Spielman is submitting his letter of resignation. He attached his fate to Ponder when he drafted him #12 overall and to try and trade him or even draft another QB already is for him to say that he’s incompetent.
White Horn Gold Pants
I think it depends..
Yes, he’ll look stupid for taking Ponder last draft. But in the proposed hypothetical scenario.. Griffin has blown everyone away in his combine drills. He’s already said he’s not going to throw until his pro-day, but if he runs under a 4.4, that’d be pretty amazing.
In that case.. I don’t know. I think it will be hard for Spielman to just turn down Griffin if he miraculously makes it to #3. In terms of what’s best for the team.. I think you have to make that selection. Ponder was a calculated reach last year, the reasoning behind his selection is understandable/respectable, so I couldn’t hate the guy for it.
I’d be a little pissed that we passed on Amukamara for a back-up QB in the 1st round, but having a QB with the potential of RGIII would offset that. Especially if he somehow managed to trade Ponder after for, say, a 2nd rounder in the draft.
Its all hypotheticals, naturally. I don’t think Griffin even makes it to #3 if he wows at the combine, but we’ll have to see how everything plays out.
by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 21, 2012 10:55 PM CST up reply actions
The best thing that can happen to this team
Is for RGIII to be drafted at #2 so that we can avoid the temptation and pick Kalil.
There are so many other needs on this team
He would have to really really impress for the team to even consider trading Ponder
Troubled childhood? If you consider a 9 year old kid with a 35 year old girlfriend troubled.
www.vikescity.info
by HolySchnikes on Feb 21, 2012 8:19 AM CST up reply actions
I'm not a giant fan of a rebuilding team spending a brick in free agency
We already have some pretty steep contracts with others on their way (looking at you Harvin) This team in the past has spent big money on a couple of positions which is nice, but I have to think it might hurt us in other areas. Let’s keep the vision alive, draft well, pick up young FA’s that have room to grow and build ourselves a solid foundation for a couple superstars to work with.
The Vikes aren't in a remodeling or reconstruction they are in a burn the place down and start praying they don't mimic the Lions rebuilding process.
We haven't picked up young FAs that grow on the team since..
Hell, I don’t even know.
But I think the best example of why teams should consider spending money on good veteran players are:… Antoine Winfield and Pat Williams. Neither was exactly young when we got them, but they both proved to be integral parts to the overall scheme in the following years. Yes, the window shut quickly, but that was due in part to our lack of stability at the QB position.
With Ponder, we have the potential to have ‘our guy,’ instead of playing QB carousel for 4 years and wasting the best years of our FA’s NFL lifespan.
by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 21, 2012 10:58 PM CST up reply actions
My dream offseason
CB-Brandon Carr,WR-Dwayne Bowe,S-Tyvon Branch,resign Erin Henderson and Abdullah.
Then in the draft- 1st rd-Matt Kalil,2nd-Janoris Jenkins,3rd-Alshon Jeffrey(i think he is going to freefall all the way to the 3rd round)
by RaysOfHope on Feb 21, 2012 9:18 AM CST via mobile reply actions
A couple of kinks in your dream
The Chiefs will more than likely franchise Bowe now that they signed Routt. At least that might leave Carr available. Jenkins is projected to go in the late teens early 20s in the first round and the furthest I’ve seen Jeffery fall is early 2nd. He has way to much talent to fall to the 3rd IMO.
by VikesFanInTulsa on Feb 21, 2012 9:39 AM CST up reply actions
And second round JA Jenkins?
He’s a great CB, I’ll give you that, but he was arrested like 4 times at Florida for Marijuanna and got kicked off the team. He should go in the fourth.
If we can't laugh at ourselves, Packer fans will call us crybabies and we will be forced to kick their tooth in. I really don't want to go to jail (again).
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Feb 21, 2012 9:47 AM CST up reply actions
He is the second ranked CB prospect
he will go in the first. SO you are saying we should have been able to get percy in the 4th?
Jimmy Johnson also had some significant offseason flags..
and he went in the 1st to the Ravens. Talent trumps immaturity, sometimes. Especially when a team feels they have strong leaders to keep the new guys honest.
by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 21, 2012 10:59 PM CST up reply actions
And teams picking later in the rounds
often already have a very good team so they can take a gamble on a huge boom or bust pick
That's it, yes!
You knew who I meant..
by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 22, 2012 2:31 PM CST up reply actions
Tulsa, I would like to avoid Jeffrey at all cost
I’ve heard enough negative things about him and unless you’re randy moss, if you work ethic is in question, he’s going to be a quick flameout in the big leagues. Give me any of the Big10 WRs: McNutt/Toon/Jenkins/Cunningham any day over Jeffrey.
White Horn Gold Pants
^This^
is rediculous. Multiple off field and in the locker room incidents don’t keep you in the first round. He’s locker room cancer.
If we can't laugh at ourselves, Packer fans will call us crybabies and we will be forced to kick their tooth in. I really don't want to go to jail (again).
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Feb 21, 2012 10:20 AM CST up reply actions
Your right, we drafter PH in 4th round didnt we
Teams do not really care about that stuff, if the talent is there. How much you wannt bet he goes round 1? 100 bucks? 200?
Uhh..
Well, your analogy would carry more weight if Harvin wasn’t considered a good team mate by any standards, and his only issue was failing a pre-draft drug test. Pretty certain that was the only red flag for Harvin.
No off-field issues that I recall aside from that.
by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 21, 2012 11:01 PM CST up reply actions
Same as Jenkins
And Jenkins is rated the #2 corner in the draft, ahead of Kirkpatrick on a lot of boards.
Now you're just being silly
Did Harvin get kicked out of Florida? Did Harvin have multiple arrests? The comparison doesn’t hold up.
If we can't laugh at ourselves, Packer fans will call us crybabies and we will be forced to kick their tooth in. I really don't want to go to jail (again).
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Feb 21, 2012 11:12 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
It does, a top talent with concerns
we draft one every year. We traded a lot for JA who had multiple DUI arrests. Then we got Harvin, who many teams passed on because of the pot issue. Dez Bryant had worse issues and went early Rd. 1. Teams draft those guys all the time, if they are true Top Tier players
Lol
Jared Allen was a star DE, not a rookie out of college. And what did Bryant do so bad? The Deion Sanders incident? That’s about all I remember, and the unpaid debts came afer the draft.
If we can't laugh at ourselves, Packer fans will call us crybabies and we will be forced to kick their tooth in. I really don't want to go to jail (again).
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Feb 22, 2012 9:34 AM CST up reply actions
That's the Deion Sanders incident
Which was bullshit.
If we can't laugh at ourselves, Packer fans will call us crybabies and we will be forced to kick their tooth in. I really don't want to go to jail (again).
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Feb 22, 2012 10:19 AM CST up reply actions
I still think Percy failed the test on purpose...
Think about it, you are a guy who might go in the top-5 due to your talent, meaning that you are going to be stuck on a team that is likely rebuilding for a few years.
So you find something to drop your stock a little, so you can end up on a team that can compete.
But it would have cost him a good chunk of change, so who knows if that really was the case.
Big lesson.... 2011 Philly Eagles
They did a big splash and drowned. Eagles are still not settled in their offense and need better OLine protection for their QB. Lavish spending rarely pays off in the NFL.
Players better perform to earn it. 2012 year is phase 2 of Viking’s rebuild – with a solid new core for the next 5-10 years, a full off season. We’re still in one of the toughest divisions where 12 wins are a minimum necessary to get in the playoffs as a wild card.
Immediate focus is simple. Win your own divisional match ups vs Lions, Bears, and Packers. That’s 6 games right there. It sure helps to build momentum with win’s leading into these games, so win each game prior to the division match up is another 6 wins. Now you’re talking about a decent shot.
I’d like a winning combo with Ponder & Webb mixing it up. Not sure if this is still a popular thought or there’s an itch to revert to a primary QB model. We have to figure out a way to win with both players and deliver a dynamic offense that scared the daylights out of the Lions coach.
Side note… Green Bay had nearly a perfect season. They should have been in position to win the Super Bowl. One reason why they lost to the Giants is how well GB’s backup QB Flynn stepped up and played with a blowout game while Rodgers was ‘resting’ for the playoffs with home bye secured. The failure to adequately mix it up messed up the timing between the receivers and the QB. Rodgers had an off game. Vikings are already way ahead in this curve by already getting used to the talents of both Ponder and Webb on the field. Vikings have already proven they can re-establish momentum with a different QB in play and that can help us avoid the situation GB was faced with in the playoffs. GB has the unfortunate distinction of being the best regular season team record to not win a play off game. I love how the vikings have adapted that playing time by another QB is not really a negative on the primary QB. The goal is to win the game as a team. Favre & McNabb over 20 games taught us a valuable lesson that we can sink as a team if key adjustments are made to shut down the tendencies of an immobile qb or qb with insufficient time to make a decision or extend the play. Shoring up the Offense line will be a big help.
Vikings in 2012 will be a Wonder-ful year. Seriously!!
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by VikesFanSince1967 on Feb 21, 2012 9:37 AM CST reply actions
RIDICULOUS!
“where 12 wins are a minimum necessary to get in the playoffs as a wild card.” DO you know that Detroit got in easily with 10 wins and chicago almost made it with 8?
by viking_#28 on Feb 21, 2012 10:14 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Was about to say the same thing, you beat me to it
Yes we are in a tough division but to say a team needs a “minimum” of 12 wins to make the playoffs in ANY division is ludicrous. 12 wins is virtually a playoff guarantee and will get you a division title more often than not.
yea
If one team gets to 12 wins in their division, it is going to be almost impossible for another team within the same division to get to 12 wins
Not even so much that, but I believe there's only been ONE team that's had 11 wins and NOT made the playoffs
That was just a few years ago with the Patriots/Cassel year. I think it was ‘08? If you get to 12 wins, then even if you don’t win your division you’re pretty much guaranteed one of the TWO wild card spots available.
White Horn Gold Pants
Nothing against you
but two QB’s throwing to receivers regularly would just confuse the timing of things. You actually mention it where you think Rodgers suffered because his receivers got used to Flynn. Well, guess what having two people wander on and off the field consistently would probably be worse.
The Vikes aren't in a remodeling or reconstruction they are in a burn the place down and start praying they don't mimic the Lions rebuilding process.
^^^ WRONG!
The Eagles had an awful season because Michael Vick is their QB and Andy Reid is their coach.
Matt Flynn playing in week 17 had absolutely NOTHING to do with the Packers losing to the Giants. The Packers lost to the Giants because they had a historically bad defense that Eli and the WR’s were able to exploit. Also the Giants generated preasure on Rogers with their front four which allowed them to drop 6-7 players in coverage with no threat of a GB running game.
Teams do not win SB’s with a QB by committee approach.
Webbcat (or "Blazer") royally messed with momentum
Multiple times this season the offense was moving the chains and gaining momentum, and the second they marched Webb out there to run the ridiculous Blazer packge, the drive stalled and they had to punt.
I’m all for getting Webb on the field if you can, but not at the expense of rhythm and momentum. If Ponder and company are moving the chains, why in the world would you then ruin that by trying out the Blazer package?
I disagree with you that the “Vikings have already proven they can re-establish momentum with a different QB.” We must have been watching different games, because I thought the exact opposite.
Ponder. Peterson. Percy. Purple Perfection.
I don't think switching to Webbcat is bad in certain situations
but with the lack of an offseason, I don’t think our coaching staff knew what to expect of our team and didn’t fully know how to utilize our strengths. Last season needs to be completely written off. We almost won a lot of games on pure talent and lost a LOT due to not being prepared. Not even really blaming our coaches because we had way too much turnover in very key positions to be prepared.
White Horn Gold Pants
Webbcat Fail
They were trying to use Webb as a gimmick, and it consistently failed.
If they let him simply be a regular QB, the success rate is a lot higher.
In the end, it’s good, solid football that wins the season. It’s execution and tackling and blocking, knowing the routes and the timing.
Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!
Are you sure it was because of the big splash
and not because they have a former O-line coordinator suddenly calling plays on defense? Plus, if I recall, they were 8-8, and came within a game of getting into the playoffs (as division leader) after starting.. what, 1-3? 0-4?
If they’d gone 3-13, I’d say your example fit. But they finished strong to get back in the running later in the season. Come next season, they should be a dangerous threat, assuming they keep their key pieces in place. In large part due to their FA aquisitions this past year.
by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 21, 2012 11:05 PM CST up reply actions
Salary cap...another 1st round late addition
Soooooooo today I have read that the steelers are looking to put a first round tender on Mike Wallace as WR (wipe droul from your face please). This is my idea!
Trade back to the #3 pick and not only pick up a OL but pick up someones late 1st rounder later in draft (Cleveland). Pick up that OL that we BADLY need and trade that late round pick from Cleveland for MIKE WALLACE! Ya you heard it from me! MIKE WALLACE for a late 1st round pick.
Dude is one of the fastest guys in the NFL and proven himself time after time after time with a QB and a shakey Oline from the steelers. I think that the our Vikes see that and droul with the opportunity to pick him up with trading 2 steelers for that late round pick.
Whats your thoughts?!?
no trading back from our #3 pick and pick up another late round 1st round pick
sorry its all made sense in my head, it may have been confusing the way I typed it
I read the same article
And what it actually says is under the new CBA the RFA tender is now only a first round pick instead of a 1st &3rd. What I got out of that is if you sign him to a offer sheet and the Steelers can’t or don’t want to match it then they receive your first round pick as compensation. This will work for NE or Balt as they have that later first round pick. I think if we signed him we would have to give up the 3rd overall pick and that would be out of the question.
The article also says the Steelers might not have much of a choice as they are up against the cap pretty bad and will be facing the same thing next year with Brown.
You can see the article at PFT.
by VikesFanInTulsa on Feb 21, 2012 10:45 AM CST up reply actions
Wipe what from our faces?
This may be the single dumbest idea I’ve ever read on these boards! (That’s saying something!)
The Vikings will not offer a single contract to a Restricted FA with a first round tender. They are selecting to high.
Also a 1st rounder anda HUGE contract is waaaaaaaaaaay to high a price for a one-trick-pony WR like Wallace.
Drool not “Droul”
Was not meaning our #3 pick...
was talking about if we could gain a 2nd-late round 1st round pick. Offer that up for Mike wallace. NOT OUR #3 pick!
your telling me you would rather draft a guy and potentially be a bust when we could offer (IF) and its a big IF we could get a 2nd 1st round pick for a STUD WR in wallace?!?
=sigle dumbest idea ever= ya draft a player that will need to be groomed for 3 years or give a late round 1st round pick to the steelers and have a IMMEDIATE upgrade and stablize our WR for 6-7 years with this idea……..yup sounds like the dumbest idea EVER huh?
Yup, still is dumb!
A 1st rounder and a HUGE contract are too high a price to pay for a one-trick-pony WR. We’re better off signing one of the Free Agent WR’s and if we get a 2nd 1st rounder, using it on another need.
by FLSKOLMAN on Feb 21, 2012 11:51 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
HA!
I would give a 1st rounder for Mike Wallace any day. Dude in not a 1 trick pony. He is one of the best WR in the game. I would put him right up up there with the Jennings, VJax type WR. Not megatron or Andre (there in a class of there own when healthy). He is the offense of Pittsburg. Commands double coverage EVERY game thats why Brown had such a good year with Pittsburg.
passing up on a WR like Wallace for potential free agent such as? Bowe..I see him getting franchise tag now…..VJAX? HUGE contract Robinson? 1 year wonder…DJAX? on the field cancer……
I would be happy to give up a late 1st round pick for Wallace for a known proven WR that not only streatches the field as well as gives there team 100% EVERY play.
Ya sounds like the dumbest idea more and more huh? HA!
Ha! Yes it's still DUMB!
Mike Wallace is not worth a contract large enough that the Steelers won’t match, plus a 1st rounder. He is a vertical threat, nothing more. He is a #2 WR not a #1 worth the price you are willing to give up. He averages 8 TD’s a year. Nice, not great. I understand you have a boner for him but we are not in the position to be giving up 1st rounders for complementary WR’s. If you continue your fanboy nonsense I will no longer think it’s just your ideas that are dumb.
by FLSKOLMAN on Feb 21, 2012 12:55 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Plus notice how he says he would give up a later first round pick
only problem is, we have a very early 1st rounder. I love Wallace too, but I would take Kalil/FA WR (Colston, Garcon, Bowe) any day over just Wallace
Uhh..
Pretty certain most teams would be more than willing to give up a 1st round selection for Mike Wallace. If we were in NE/Baltimore’s position in the first round, you can bet your ass they’d be making an offer sheet to the guy right now.
He’s not a one trick pony in the least, he just happens to be an amazingly good deep-threat, so the team lets him play to his strength.
If we weren’t drafting #3, I would be sorely tempted to suggest we sign him as well.
by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 21, 2012 11:07 PM CST up reply actions
I agree
However, if we weren’t drafting number 3, we would not have all the glaring holes in a lot of the positions we have now.
I am not sure that you can give up a traded pick for a RFA that you sign
I think it has to be your own pick. Besides, when free agency starts the draft is still 6 weeks away. So if you sign Wallace you would not have that other first round pick.
You are correct!
You must give up your own pick. So Mike Wallace would cost the Vikes a huge contract AND the #3 pick in the draft. Holy shit! This idea is even more retarded than I originally thought! This is epic stupidity.
by FLSKOLMAN on Feb 21, 2012 1:14 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
If you read B Animal original post
He did state that it was an extra pick we would get by trading. So calling it epic stupidity is uncalled for as he obviously didn’t know you couldn’t do that.
If we were sitting in the later (after 25) part of the draft this wouldn’t be a bad idea given the Steelers cap situation you wouldn’t have to overpay since they would have a hard time even matching a fair offer.
We need to many other pieces to our puzzle, however the Patriots with all their picks seem to be an ideal fit for Wallace.
by VikesFanInTulsa on Feb 21, 2012 2:06 PM CST up reply actions
ok my bad...
if you read the post I thought may be we could trade away a ADDITIONAL 1st round pick if we were to get it via trade for the #3 pick. I had no idea we would have to give up our 1st round pick this year only. my bad….it was a thought…not a executive Flskolman….2 letters…f u.
Mark, I always thought that the tenders were negotiable.
I know before, that players who were given 1st and 3rd round tenders seldom were actually signed away for that much. There was always some negotiation. Maybe our high second would be enough? or our second plus a late round pick?
I don't think they are...
What usually happens is a team will make a trade offer of less than what the tenders are. In this case if the Steelers don’t think they could get him signed they may entertain offers for less than the first rounder.
I’m not even sure I’d give up our 2nd rounder though with all the other holes. Although if the Vikings are thinking of drafting a WR in round 2 this would be an option.
by VikesFanInTulsa on Feb 21, 2012 2:11 PM CST up reply actions
Yea
I would rather them do this than draft any WR in Rd #2. I think WR should be addressed via FA this year
Shit, if we could get Mike Wallace for our 2nd pick
I’d take that deal in a heartbeat.
Then we just need to get a QB with a cannon for an arm to launch it to him down the field.
by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 21, 2012 11:11 PM CST up reply actions
Wouldn't work.
First off, that would suggest we’re signing him to a tender.. mid-draft. I don’t imagine it works that way. And the whole point to signing him to a tender is to force the Steelers to suck it up and either overpay or let him go. They won’t give you Wallace straight-up for only a 1st round pick.
Also, even if we did somehow manage to miraculously get some team’s 1st round selection ahead of time, giving us 2 picks in the 1st round, the Steelers would get the highest selection of that round, if I recall correctly.
Is Wallace worth a 1st rounder? Hell yes. Is he worth a top 5 pick? … That’s far more debatable.
by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 21, 2012 11:09 PM CST up reply actions
Guys I think could help
Obviously the Vikes have a lot of needs; 1st off I’d like to see them rebuild the lines through any means necessary. I see the need for role players being much greater than playmakers, which we have a ton of already, the secondary is the one real lacking area in that category. These are the guys and areas I think the Vikes should look at signing.
OL: Nicks or Grubbs, both are good, Nicks is elite but a candidate for the tag
S: Branch, Griffin, Landry- all are upgrades and we need at least one!!!
DT: Shaun Rogers- not much out there the Vikes can afford with the other needs, he may come cheap and can still stuff the run, when he’s motivated and healthy I think he can still be a beast, but iffy
WR: Pierre Garcon, Laurent Robinson- I’m one of the few who would rather be patient in the WR search and only sign someone if it is a good contract, we have some talent there and we need more QB protection
TE: this is an underrated area of significance I think, we have Rudolph who is going to be a star receiving TE, if we add another threat here it would be a cheaper way to get better pass catchers than spending on WR, Martellus Bennett may come relatively cheap and has high upside, plus he can block
ILB: this is tough cuz I’ve been a huge fan of E.J since he was a rookie but he doesn’t fit our D if we stay Cover Two, hopefully he finds a ¾ where he can brutalize a few more RB’s before it’s over. Stephen Tulloch would be a great fit and upgrade, otherwise they could take a flier on Ernie Sims or Jonathon Goff, I like Brinkley but I think he’s a downhill guy too and not a great fit for our D.
The Vikes need to make the tough cuts and let some guys move on, I’d like them to re-sign Erin and Abdullah.
we need atleast 2 big signings
nicks, vjax, garcon, finnegan, carr, colston, any of these guys PLEASE
by statue_left on Feb 21, 2012 3:00 PM CST via iPhone app reply actions
agreed
I like Robinson from dallas. Bowe will be in KC next yr under the franchise tag otherwise I would like him as well in purple. Big fan of Stevie Johnson if the price is right and the idiot tactics stop.
Would be nice to tell FA’s that you will be playing in a new stadium within 2 years!!!!
.. Isn't Bowe like 28?
Same with Garcon and Colston. These are all guys who have played out their first contract. Its not like they’re 25 or anything.
We’re not going to find a young WR in FA that’s going to be better than Jackson. Even if he starts to lose a step, he’s a huge target who knows how to fight for the ball in the air.
by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 21, 2012 11:13 PM CST up reply actions
Garcon and Stevie Johnson are 25.
Laurent Robinson is 26.
Dwayne Bowe and Robert Meachem are 27 and Colston is 28.
Jackson is 29 and his production is really only better than Robinson, Meachem, and Garcon who will be much cheaper. Stevie Johnson is the guy to get if Buffalo can’t hold on to him and Garcon would be a good second choice. Vincent Jackson is the oldest and probably the most expensive so he’s definitely the FA WR to avoid this year.
by CanadianViking on Feb 21, 2012 11:28 PM CST up reply actions
Ahh, thanks.
I suppose I could have gone to check myself if I wasn’t feeling so lazy.
by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 22, 2012 2:33 PM CST up reply actions
My wish list
M. Colston – WR
D. Bell -OT
C. Nicks – OG
T. Thomas , P. Lee -CBs
D. Connor -LB
This would give us a lot of flexibility in the draft. I could also go for a NT or safety instead of Bell and Lee. If we sign Bell, we don’t need to draft a lineman with the #3 pick. This gives us a lot more options and while Bell is not as young, he is a proven/known quantity. This opens the door for more trades and more picks
by Vikefandc on Feb 21, 2012 7:29 PM CST via mobile reply actions
What is all this talk of signing a LB in FA?
Lb is the least of our worries. Erin has shown he can be an every down player, Greenway is locked in his position and we have Jasper Brinkley to take EJ’s place.
Maybe for some depth, but we need not spend anything on LB.
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