Tuesday Open Thread: February 23, 2016

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Well, we have actual NFL stuff happening today, as it's day one of the NFL Combine (they say it is, but there really isn't anything happening until Friday).

Here is the off-season schedule for the next month or so, from NFL.com:

Feb. 16: First day for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

Feb. 23-29 (that means it starts today): NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis.

March 1: Deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players at 4 p.m. ET.

March 7-9: Clubs are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2015 Player Contracts at 4 p.m., ET, on March 9. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4 p.m., ET, on March 9.

March 9: 2016 NFL League Year begins. Free agency opens at 4 p.m. ET.

Prior to 4 p.m. ET, clubs must exercise options for 2016 on all players who have option clauses in their 2015 contracts.

Prior to 4 p.m. ET, clubs must submit qualifying offers to their Restricted Free Agents with expiring contracts and to whom they desire to retain a Right of First Refusal/Compensation.

Around the DN since our last open thread:

Arif shares 6,000 words on the greatness of Jared Allen.

Vikings news from other sources around the internet:

From Headlines and Global News (I haven't heard of them, either), Rick Spielman wants Teddy to "let it loose" in 2016.

Vikings Update has an interesting take on this. Did Adrian Peterson show signs of wear last year in the second half of the season? You could say that he showed signs of wear, as his production definitely did drop, but it also didn't help that everybody on earth knew he was getting the ball. Interesting story, and worth a read.

From Vikings.com:

Take a look at Adrian Peterson's 40-yard dash at the 2007 combine.

Here are some photos of current Vikings back when they went through the combine (the NFL Combine, not the farm machinery).

Here are photos of the first-ever Polaris Vikings winterfest.

Bucky Brooks from the NFLN tells us who to watch at the Combine.

Mel Kiper surveys the Vikings' options in the first round.

The Vikings boast one of the NFL's top 'future rosters'.

In his Monday Morning Mailbag, Wobby looks at some potential free agent fits for the Vikings.

Around the rest of the NFL:

Yahoo Sports has a cool write-up on Carson Wentz, and what he means to North Dakota. The Strib quotes Mel Kiper as saying that Wentz will go number 2 overall.

Yahoo Sports reported that the Dallas Cowboys have decided they will not bring back DE Greg Hardy.

From NFL.com:

Laquon Treadwell won't run the 40 at the combine.

Alex Mack is expected to opt out of his contract with the Browns.

The Jets have released veteran cornerback, Antonio Cromartie.

After being benched last season, Colin Kaepernick is open to a return at San Francisco.

With that, we come to today's media selection. We continue our week of Widespread Panic cover tunes, as they perform Led Zeppelin's Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here".

Again, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:

-No discussion of politics or religion
-No feeding of the trolls
-Keep the bad language to a minimum (using the spoiler tags, if you must)
-Speaking of which, if discussing a newer show or movie, please use spoiler tags 
-No pictures that could potentially get someone fired or in serious trouble at their place of employment
-If you can't disagree in a civil manner, feel free to go away
-While navigating the open thread, just assume it's sarcasm

With that, the beer light is on and the bar is open. Belly up & tie one on. Don't forget to tip your waitress, & try the tiger meat.