:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9613773/20121226_kkt_ac6_981.0.jpg)
The Vikings have re-signed starting linebacker Erin Henderson to a two year deal, and apparently are backing away from free agent WR Greg Jennings, according to Tom Pelissero of 1500espn.com:
#Vikings have signed Erin Henderson to a multiyear deal, per a source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2013
And it looks like former (and maybe still) Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings might be off the table:
I'm told the #Vikings are NOT actively pursuing Greg Jennings right now. Of course, that level of activity can change ...
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2013
Henderson was a guy that didn't impress on the outside last year, but was better than the other free agent LB, Jasper Brinkley. Henderson eventually replaced Brinkley as the second linebacker opposite Chad Greenway in nickel situations last year, and Brinkley's playing time dropped off dramatically after that. Reports were that the Vikings would be open to bring one back, and it just kind of figured that it would be Henderson based on what happened last season.
The other news is that as of now, the Vikings are walking away from the Greg Jennings negotiations, and it could be because the price has gotten too high:
According to an NFL source, the #Packers had made an offer to @gregjennings "a while ago" that was worth about $10M per year.
— Jason Wilde (@jasonjwilde) March 13, 2013
If that's accurate, the Vikings woud be forced to have to overpay for Jennings, but with the release of Antoine Winfield (RAGERAGERAGE) there is cap space to do it while still addressing other needs, like middle linebacker and another receiver or two before the draft.
It's been a puzzling few hours out of Winter Park, but things are still early.