Minnesota Vikings News and Links: March 13, 2019

Merry Wednesday, everyone!

So, we’re at that point of the free agency period where a portion of our fan base starts getting........tense due to the seeming lack of activity by our front office. It does happen annually, and (in my best Bill Clinton voice. I actually can do a decent imitation of Clinton) I feel your pain. I understand the urge to want to see the front office to ‘just do something’. First, the main reason I started with this is to ask everyone to not light the place on fire. As always, be cool to one another. Also, I really have to wonder where there are major weaknesses on the team that would need to be addressed via a big free agent signing, (with the obvious exception of O line). However, even with O line, who is available? Offensive linemen are sought after by most teams, so there really aren’t many available. I’d like to see the Vikings trade for, or sign, another solid lineman, too, but 1) I’m not sure who is out there to sign, and 2) since Rick went bonkers in free agency last year, the team doesn’t have the cap space available. This was the sole reason I was against the Cousins contract, I knew the contract would hurt other parts of the team, and that Cousins isn’t a top 5 QB, which you have to be in order to overcome the weaknesses created on the rest of the team when one contract eats up 15% of the team’s cap space. That contract is, in my opinion, the biggest mistake Rick has made as GM of the Vikings, and one I think he made on his own, despite the head coach being opposed to it, the same head coach who made Spielman a much more effective GM when he came to Minnesota. Anyway, disagree all you want, but try to keep it somewhat cool. Put the knives away, at least. Geez.

Around the DN since our last open thread:

Sheldon Richardson will not be in purple next year, unless he dresses up as a grape for Halloween. He’s going to sign with the Browns, per Ted. You’ve probably come to expect a subtle jab at the Browns from me, but I have no issue with them now that Gregggggggggggggggggg is not there anymore, because eff that guy and the NFL for letting him back in the league.

From Chris, Murray is also going to sign elsewhere, as he intends to sign with the devil Saints. Wow, Octavius defecting, and the Ides of March are right around the corner. Spooky. If a group of friends try to coax me to a come with them to a get-together they’re holding to honor me, I’ll just go ahead & pass.

A Vikings who was to venture out to a new home has decided to stay in Minnesota instead. Anthony Barr will remain in purple next year (no costume required).

Vikings news from elsewhere and news from around the league:

At Vikings.com, they’ll keep you up to the minute with their Vikings free agency tracker.

ESPN lists the cap space for all 32 teams. Holy hell, the Bills have over $75 million in cap space.

ESPN has an NFL-wide free agency tracker.

Significant signings from yesterday: Le’Veon Bell is to head to the Jets (The Jets shouldn’t have to worry about this one deciding to go back to his previous team), and Odell Beckham Jr. is going to join the Cleveland Browns, both per SI.com.

We come to today’s media selection:

I’ll switch gears a bit, I love Mozart, and this is probably my favorite composition of his. Enjoy!

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 and tie one on. Don’t forget to tip your waitress, and try the hyperbole.