Minnesota Vikings News and Links: March 20th and 21st, 2021

Good Morning!

I feel like I should go to my local Hallmark store and see if they have a card that says “sorry the league took away your only seventh round pick, here’s hoping you can trade back for another.” I mean they have cards for everything, they should have one for Rick and his beloved forfeited seventh rounder. Not much news on the Vikings front today, hopefully they’ll convert a salary or two into a bonus and get back free agency shopping for a safety and/or the interior offensive line. Meanwhile, we’ll carry on with our news and links open thread full of crockpot recipes, nap strategies and beer recommendations; drop by for some fan wisdom, snark and it’s the weekend, time to fire up that mock draft simulator, bonus: almost time for free agency.

Around the DN since our last open thread:

Chris notes the Vikings to forfeit seventh-round pick for salary cap violation; you can bet Rick Spielman is displeased.

Vikings news from other sources:

From Vikings.com: Watch as new Vikings DT Dalvin Tomlinson arrived at the TCO Performance Center earlier this week to sign his deal and then took a tour of the facility.

Lunchbreak: Vikings Receive High Marks for Early Free Agency Moves.

League News:

Patriots’ throwback approach should frighten NFL; five surprise free-agent signings.

Texans QB Deshaun Watson facing four new lawsuits, bringing total to seven.

Lance Zierlein 2021 NFL mock draft 2.0: How does the first wave of free agency impact Round 1?

2021 NFL free agency tracker: Signings, trades, contract details for all 32 teams.

We come to today’s media selection: Pink Floyd - Welcome To The Machine

Again, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:
-No discussion of politics or religion
-No feeding of the trolls
-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 wash your hands, tip your waiter from a safe distance, try the brisket, and Welcome Aboard!