Thursday Open Thread: January 19, 2017

Happy Thirsty Thorsday, everyone! Conference Championship weekend is almost upon us (sigh), and the end of the season is near. We have a lot of moves to look for in the upcoming off-season (or before). The most intriguing to me is what we'll do with Adrian Peterson.

Here is a little schedule of the upcoming off-season, for those of you who are interested. (info from NFL.com)

February 5: Super Bowl LI, NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas.

February 15: First day for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

February 28-March 6: Combine Timing and Testing, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana.

March 1: Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 7-9: During the period beginning at 12 noon, New York time, on March 7th and ending at 3:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 9th, 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 2016 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 9. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 9.

During the above two-day negotiating period, no direct contact is permitted between a prospective unrestricted free agent and any employee or representative of a club, other than the player's current club.

March 9: The 2017 League Year and Free Agency period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.

The first day of the 2017 League Year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 9. Clubs will receive a personnel notice that will include all transactions submitted to the League office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 9.

March 9: Trading period for 2017 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2016 contracts.

March 26-29: Annual League Meeting, Phoenix, Arizona.

April 3: Clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2016 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.

April 17: Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.

April 21: Deadline for Restricted Free Agents to sign Offer Sheets.

April 26: Deadline for prior club to exercise Right of First Refusal to Restricted Free Agents.

Around the DN since our last open thread:

From Chris, PFF gave our front seven high marks for the 2016 season.

From Chris, and per NFL.com, Xavier Rhodes was the highest graded CB in the league last year.

George Paton, Vikings assistant GM, is getting a second interview for the 49ers GM position.

Vikings news from other sources:

From 1500ESPN, in part 7 of their Future of the Vikings series, they look at defensive backs.

From 247Sports, the Vikings' first Super Bowl 52 odds were released. The Vikings are at +2500, behind only the Cowboys, Packers, Seahawks, and Panthers? to win the trophy.

From Vikings.com:

In the Season Rewind segment, Craig Peters looks at some unique returns as he highlights the linebackers of 2016.

The 2017 Reese's Senior Bowl rosters were revealed.

The walls are going up at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan!

Around the rest of the NFL:

ESPN predicts the biggest offseason changes for all 32 teams. You can probably guess what the Vikings' biggest changes will be.

From NFL.com, the Jaguars chose Nethaniel Hackett as their new OC over Chip Kelly.

From Oregonlive.com, here is the latest injury report for Conference Championship weekend.

We come to today's media selection.

Here's some of my music, suggested by Fishin' buddy.

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

-No discussion of politics or religion
-No feeding of the trolls
-This isn't a male version of The View, so leave the gender hatred at the door
-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 get someone fired or in serious trouble with their employer
-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 blood sausage.