Before we get into the story, since it got pushed off the front page early, this is the last day of voting for the Greatest Football Movie Ever match-up between Knute Rockne, All-American and The Program. Be sure to check it out if you haven't already voted.
A couple of minor things to touch on this morning before the day really gets underway.
The Vikings re-signed wide receiver Jaymar Johnson, who was set to be an exclusive rights free agent, to a one-year contract. Johnson, who went on injured reserve with a broken thumb after this year's pre-season opener against St. Louis, was once the target of a great deal of praise from Vikings' legend Cris Carter at his receivers camp prior to the 2009 season. Unfortunately, he has only caught one regular season pass for the Vikings since being taken in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. However, with the uncertainty the team is facing at wide receiver, he has as good a chance as anyone to make a solid contribution in 2011. I hope the guy gets a chance, anyway.
In other news, Vikings' coach Leslie Frazier has had a heart-to-hear with defensive end Everson Griffen, who got himself arrested twice in three days prior to the Super Bowl, and hopes that Griffen has put his issues behind him.
"I had to just talk about a few things and just remind him what was important to us and as an organization and football team," Frazier said. "[I've] got my fingers crossed and hopefully won’t see his name in the newspapers other than for what happens this fall when he gets a sack, an interception or a fumble recovery or something like that."
Just like at the wide receiver spot, the Vikings have a lot of uncertainty at defensive end with the possible defections of Ray Edwards and Brian Robison, depending on free agency rules. If Griffen can come in and be the player the Vikings were hoping that he would be when they took him in the fourth round last year, it would be a huge boost to Minnesota's defensive line.