Just Write the Damn Contract!

by Christopher Gates on May 2, 2007 9:12 AM CDT in News

Just days after telling Dwayne Jarrett that he'd "take care of him" down in Carolina, Keyshawn Johnson was released yesterday by the Panthers.

The 11-year veteran will turn 35 this July, and over the course of his career has caught 814 passes for 10,541 yards and 64 TDs. His 2006 season with the Panthers. . .the fourth team he's played for in his career (following the Jets, Buccaneers and Cowboys). . .saw him catch 70 balls for 815 yards and 4 scores.

And, unless someone's asleep at the switch, the Minnesota Vikings should have been on the phone with him approximately 30 seconds after his name hit the transaction wire.

Now, don't get me wrong. . .I'm not an overly huge fan of Keyshawn Johnson, the person. Not by any stretch. He's a jerk, he's self-centered, and he might even kick puppies in his spare time. But look at those numbers above from last season, particularly since he's considered to be "aging" and "declining."

Now look at the numbers the Vikings' wide receivers put up last season. Taking tight ends and backs out of the equation here for a moment. . .Johnson had 13 more catches for 164 more yards than our leading receiver (Travis Taylor) and as many TDs as our top WR in that category (Marcus Robinson). And he was playing with Jake Delhomme, a guy that nobody's going to be mistaking for John Elway in the foreseeable future.

Being a jerk isn't illegal in the National Football League. Far from it. Being a jerk isn't illegal in Minnesota, either. . .hell, we tolerated Randy Moss for 7 years, after all. A potential Keyshawn Johnson signing for the Vikings would certainly upset a few people, which is understandable. But the guy produces ON the field, and with as many young wide receivers as this team has, I think Johnson would be a welcome addition to this offense. He'd give Tarvaris Jackson a reliable target (something he lacks right now until proven otherwise), and would make the rest of the offense around him better as well.

More importantly, while he's been a jerk when it comes to off the field matters, I don't recall him ever being in any legal trouble off the field. As I said, being a jerk isn't a crime. . .it's an annoyance, to be sure, but it's not a crime.

So Zygi, Brad, Rob, Rick, whoever. . .get on the horn with Keyshawn's agent and get him in here. At LEAST take a look at the guy, please? It couldn't hurt, really.

Tweet Comment 7 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Why Not?

I think bringing in Keyshawn would be a good move. Other than maybe Hines Ward, there's not another WR out there that blocks as well as Keyshawn. With our focus on the running game, it only makes sense. Also, we no longer have Brad or Bethel so we're running low on Johnson's. No pun intended. Keyshawn was a fine addition in Carolina on and off the field. Bring him in knowing that he'll help teach our young WR's the little things needed to succeed in the game is a great idea.

by Delta Dave on May 2, 2007 9:25 AM CDT reply actions

I agree

He is coming to the end of his career in any case, he couldn't possibly cause enough trouble to warrant a 1 or 2 year contract, and, like you said he could def. come in and teach our WR corps some lessons, we took 3 in the draft and on top of that i think he has the juice to go 2 more years and give us another play maker.

by FSUViking on May 2, 2007 10:27 AM CDT reply actions

Keyshawn

I went to Northwestern during their first Bowl era so subjectively I hate Keyshawn, but objectively I think he's a great fit for the Vikings, for all the reasons previously enumerated.

If he catches Sidney or Aundrae phoning it in, he'd let them know about it.

Aside -- any guesses on which 5 WRs will make the opening day roster, out of what the Vikings now have? I'd guess:

Sidney Rice
Troy Williamson
Aundrae Allison
Bobby Wade
Cortez Hankton

I'm guessing that Jason Carter and Chandler Williams will be practice squad candidates . . . but I'd love to see Carter make the team; I enjoyed his rapport with Tarv Jackson at last year's camp.

by PalindromeBob on May 2, 2007 11:03 AM CDT reply actions

Sorry, I have to disagree.

The Vikes are trying to move away from players like Keyshawn. We don't need another loud-mouth "me, me, me" player. Childress had enough of that with T.O. in Philly and we had our own problems with a similar wideout. (At least Randy could play "when he wanted to").

The numbers Keyshawn put up with the Panthers can be attributed to Steve Smith getting triple covered on every play last year. I will grant that he would be the most experienced and polished receiver on our team, but is his attitude something we want rubbing off onto our young guys? I don't think so.

That said, I felt he did an excellent job during the '07 draft coverage. I think he has a future in NFL analysis... and not as a Vikes receiver.

by CapedCrusader on May 2, 2007 1:24 PM CDT reply actions

Gotta agree

With caped there on that we dont need meyshawn and after T.O. in Philly dont see Chilly even thinking of a look see.I believe this year we are going on a wing and a prayer.

by speedlod on May 2, 2007 2:42 PM CDT reply actions

Top 5 WR's on opening day.............

Rice
Allison
Williamson
Egg McMuffin
Wade

hell lets keep 6 as I like Martin Nance

by Unclebillybonz44 on May 3, 2007 9:12 AM CDT reply actions

WRs

I woulda liked to have seen a productive veteran like Horn or Moulds come in to solidify the unit but Childr@ss probably woulda clashed with Horn b/c he has a personality. Childr@ss likes it his way or the highway and that goes for Keyshawn too. I personally don't like Keyshawn's attitude and feel he is overrated anyway. I like McMullen and feel that Wade and Hankton were unnecessary signings. Wade is a punt returner and Hankton's unproven. We already have that! As much as I like the fact that we addressed the WR position I think there was a bit of overkill. Nance and Carter have shown ability and deserved a chance they probably won't get now.

by longhawk0319 on May 6, 2007 3:35 PM CDT reply actions