Tuesday Open Thread: February 7, 2017

Merry Tuesday, everyone!

Day 2 of the off-season, it’s going to be a long time until we see football again. Thankfully, we have the Wild to watch. Also, the Twins will be firing up their season soon enough...........hahahahahahahahahahahaha! Okay, sorry, that wasn’t funny......yeah it was. Anyway....

I’ll try to remember to post this every day:

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.

April 27-29: NFL Draft.

Around the DN since our last open thread:

Ted penned (or keyboarded) an open letter to Falcons fans.

Vikings news from other sources:

The Vikings still hold the patent on NFL postseason heartbreak, per the Pioneer Press.

From ESPN, Minnesota’s message for Super Bowl 52 is ‘come celebrate winter with us’. They should also add “bring warm clothes so you can tailgate”.

From Vikings.com:

Minnesota takes the handoff from Houston to prep for Super Bowl 52.

The MN Super Bowl Host Committee announces ‘handoff week’ events.

Wobby looks at free agent philosophies in his Monday Morning Mailbag.

Around the rest of the NFL:

From Business Insider, NFL ratings were down, and its problems may just be starting. This is interesting.

From NFL.com, the 49ers hired Kyle Shanahan as their new head coach.

The Steelers released former Browns first-round pick, Justin Gilbert, after acquiring them in a trade prior to the 2016 season.

We come to today’s media selection.

Hey, this is really cool stuff from Nat Geo, a 109 year-old WWII vet and his secrets to life.

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 chitlins.