8-10 teams interested in Trading for Vikings Troy Williamson (1 Viewer)

[Gopher State]

February 22nd, 2008 – 12:02 PM by Judd Zulgad

Star Tribune

David Canter, the agent for Troy Williamson, said today that eight to 10 teams have expressed interest in the receiver since the Vikings gave Canter permission to shop his client in a 4 p.m. meeting on Thursday.

“It’s a phenomenal situation, I’m really happy about it,” Canter said of gaining the ability to seek a trade for Williamson. “I wanted it, I pushed for it. I talked about it obviously towards the end of the season. I thought it was pretty obvious it was going to happen.

“Troy couldn’t be more excited. We have a tremendous amount of interest as you probably would expect. It’s very rare that a young guy like Troy, who is only three years in, who is a top-10 pick comes free. Obviously, the Vikings and I - Rick Spielman, Rob Brzezinski and I - have been in discussions already with about eight to 10 teams. There already have been offers exchanged, there have been discussions with me, there have been discussions with them.”

Canter did not reveal the teams that have expressed interest in his client but the Miami Dolphins are believed to be among the clubs.

At this point, it’s difficult to tell what the Vikings might get in return and when the trade might happen. Vikings coach Brad Childress said there is no timetable on a deal being worked out and left the door open that Williamson could return if the Vikings don’t like any offers.

“We’re allowing them to talk and be able to go out and see what’s out there,” Childress said. “But if it’s not satisfactory to us he’s under contract to us.”

Asked what the Vikings might be able to get for Williamson, Childress said, “you might be surprised,” before adding, “I wouldn’t probably venture a guess.”

Williamson has two years left the deal he signed after being the seventh-overall pick in the 2005 draft. Canter said the sooner a deal can be completed the better.

“My objective would be before we leave the combine,” Canter said. “That doesn’t necessarily mean it will happen, you have to have two to tango. The Vikings have to be in agreement and the team has to give them something that they want. It would be in everyone’s best interest if March 1 or March 15, the offseason workout program starts, that Troy is able to go to someone else’s program obviously.”

List of teams to follow

 

[Gopher State]

February 22nd, 2008 – 3:28 PM by Judd Zulgad Star & Tribune

Working the room here at the NFL Scouting Combine we’ve come up with a partial list of the teams that appear to be interested in Vikings receiver Troy Williamson. The Vikings have given Williamson’s representative permission to shop the seventh-overall pick in the 2005 draft. Among the teams that might be in line to make a bid for Williamson are Miami, Jacksonville, Oakland, San Francisco, Seattle and Tennessee.

The Jaguars are an interesting candidate because Mike Tice is on the Jaguars’ coaching staff. Tice, of course, was the Vikings head coach when the team drafted Williamson. James Harris, the Jaguars’ vice president of player personnel, said this afternoon that he has not talked to the Vikings about Williamson.

“We haven’t had that conversation yet, so I really wouldn’t want to speak on it,” Harris said. “That’s another team’s player and you’re not supposed to speak on that.”

Six teams disclosed in the hunt

 

[Andy Dufresne]

So some teams ordered a few extra boxes of donuts?

 

[bigmurd]

February 22nd, 2008 – 12:02 PM by Judd Zulgad

Star Tribune

David Canter, the agent for Troy Williamson, said today that eight to 10 teams have expressed interest in the receiver

Says it all really...

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Wouldn't it be ironic if Williamson went to Oakland since it was from them that the Vikes got the #7 overall pick in exchange for Moss, with which they selected Williamson?

 

[Gopher State]

So some teams ordered a few extra boxes of donuts?

As a Vikings fan we take two boxes of donuts and your favorite NFL team 5th round pick to help Troy be happy.

 

[coolnerd]

Probably true, but I am assuming teams who are inquiring thinking why not take a 6th or 7th round pick and not very much money to see if a former top 10 pick wakes up and finally gets it.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Probably true, but I am assuming teams who are inquiring thinking why not take a 6th or 7th round pick and not very much money to see if a former top 10 pick wakes up and finally gets it.

He catches the ball like it's an angry beehive.

 

[Gopher State]

Probably true, but I am assuming teams who are inquiring thinking why not take a 6th or 7th round pick and not very much money to see if a former top 10 pick wakes up and finally gets it.

He catches the ball like it's an angry beehive.

Good point on the catches he was 18-240 in 11 games last year, but he runs fast like bee's are on his tail, if he could get over the droped passes, he could be the next____________?

 

[ShadowPhunk]

Probably true, but I am assuming teams who are inquiring thinking why not take a 6th or 7th round pick and not very much money to see if a former top 10 pick wakes up and finally gets it.

He catches the ball like it's an angry beehive.

:X

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

February 22nd, 2008 – 12:02 PM by Judd Zulgad

Star Tribune

David Canter, the agent for Troy Williamson, said today that eight to 10 teams have expressed interest in the receiver

Says it all really...

Of course the Bears did trade the 11th pick overall for Rick Mirer who had already proven he sucked, so I guess anything is possible.

 

[coolnerd]

Interesting note from rotoworld

The Browns are reportedly "No. 1" on Troy Williamson's list of desired destinations.Impact: He is close with Braylon Edwards. Cleveland could use a burner on the other side, allowing Joe Jurevicius to fill the slot. The deal Williamson signed in 2005 includes a no-trade clause, so he'll have say in where he goes.[/quote]

 

[RustyFA]

The guy simply cannot catch the ball. He is a WR. What team would give up something for a guy that is horrible? I guess we will find out.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Sidney Rice bumped up to 1?

 

[Chunky Soup]

Sidney Rice bumped up to 1?

He wasn't behind Williamson.

 

[Gopher State]

I like the Cleveland trade post. So if the Vikes give up Williamson and their second round 2008 draft pick would the Browns send the Vikings Anderson?

 

[JohnnyU]

Williamson should be out of the league soon. I've never seen a WR with worse hands. Even Willie Gault had better hands than Williamson, and that's saying something. First he gets his eyes worked on, saying that should help, but it didn't. Maybe it's more mental than physical, I don't know. It's very comical watching him try to catch passes.

 

[Gopher State]

Williamson should be out of the league soon. I've never seen a WR with worse hands. Even Willie Gault had better hands than Williamson, and that's saying something. First he gets his eyes worked on, saying that should help, but it didn't. Maybe it's more mental than physical, I don't know. It's very comical watching him try to catch passes.

Williamson needs some polishing? I can see a G.M. like Parcells taking a chance on Williamson, to see if his system can make him a star. Miami would be a good place for Troy to start over at.

 

[gman8343]

Williamson should be out of the league soon. I've never seen a WR with worse hands. Even Willie Gault had better hands than Williamson, and that's saying something. First he gets his eyes worked on, saying that should help, but it didn't. Maybe it's more mental than physical, I don't know. It's very comical watching him try to catch passes.

Williamson needs some polishing? I can see a G.M. like Parcells taking a chance on Williamson, to see if his system can make him a star. Miami would be a good place for Troy to start over at.

Why would Miami want another Ted Ginn with worse hands?

 

[Gopher State]

Williamson should be out of the league soon. I've never seen a WR with worse hands. Even Willie Gault had better hands than Williamson, and that's saying something. First he gets his eyes worked on, saying that should help, but it didn't. Maybe it's more mental than physical, I don't know. It's very comical watching him try to catch passes.

Williamson needs some polishing? I can see a G.M. like Parcells taking a chance on Williamson, to see if his system can make him a star. Miami would be a good place for Troy to start over at.

Why would Miami want another Ted Ginn with worse hands?

Parcells like a lot of Football G. M.'s, /coaches crave speed at WR. T.O., Terry Glenn are all guys Parcells has had. If the issue with Williamson is a lack of confidence, like some think, Miami could get him cheap and develop him. Were talking a 5-9 round pick for a WR who is one of the fastest in the NFL, what you get in the 8th round of the draft these days?Williamson seems like he has more upside then guys like Booker, Moose, etc.,you can teach to catch the ball,but you can't teach speed you either got it or you don't.Bottom line I think Williamson is a cheap opition with possible high rewards.

 

[Norseman]

Williamson should be out of the league soon. I've never seen a WR with worse hands. Even Willie Gault had better hands than Williamson, and that's saying something. First he gets his eyes worked on, saying that should help, but it didn't. Maybe it's more mental than physical, I don't know. It's very comical watching him try to catch passes.

Williamson needs some polishing? I can see a G.M. like Parcells taking a chance on Williamson, to see if his system can make him a star. Miami would be a good place for Troy to start over at.

Why would Miami want another Ted Ginn with worse hands?

Parcells like a lot of Football G. M.'s, /coaches crave speed at WR. T.O., Terry Glenn are all guys Parcells has had. If the issue with Williamson is a lack of confidence, like some think, Miami could get him cheap and develop him. Were talking a 5-9 round pick for a WR who is one of the fastest in the NFL, what you get in the 8th round of the draft these days?Williamson seems like he has more upside then guys like Booker, Moose, etc.,you can teach to catch the ball,but you can't teach speed you either got it or you don't.Bottom line I think Williamson is a cheap opition with possible high rewards.

You don't get anything in the 8th round anymore.

 

[Andy Herron]

Williamson should be out of the league soon. I've never seen a WR with worse hands. Even Willie Gault had better hands than Williamson, and that's saying something. First he gets his eyes worked on, saying that should help, but it didn't. Maybe it's more mental than physical, I don't know. It's very comical watching him try to catch passes.

Williamson needs some polishing? I can see a G.M. like Parcells taking a chance on Williamson, to see if his system can make him a star. Miami would be a good place for Troy to start over at.

Why would Miami want another Ted Ginn with worse hands?

Parcells like a lot of Football G. M.'s, /coaches crave speed at WR. T.O., Terry Glenn are all guys Parcells has had. If the issue with Williamson is a lack of confidence, like some think, Miami could get him cheap and develop him. Were talking a 5-9 round pick for a WR who is one of the fastest in the NFL, what you get in the 8th round of the draft these days?Williamson seems like he has more upside then guys like Booker, Moose, etc.,you can teach to catch the ball,but you can't teach speed you either got it or you don't.Bottom line I think Williamson is a cheap opition with possible high rewards.

Parcells has been around too long, and won't bite on poor bait. Either you can catch or you can't. While you can teach technique, you still have to have the gift to begin with. Williamson is a prime example of trying to teach a burner to play receiver. It's all in the hands, and Williamson simply doesn't have them. I won't attempt to list all of the burners and track stars that were attempted to turn into receivers and failed, but Alexander Wright was one of them. I'm sure many of you can name others.Too many coaches declare, "the kid can run, put him at receiver" with no regard to his actual talent or lack thereof, most notably in the college ranks of small schools.

 

[EBF]

Parcells has been around too long, and won't bite on poor bait.

Quincy Morgan

 

[Bob Magaw]

how many drops did williamson have last year?

TO has a lot of drops, but it gets overlooked because he does a lot of good things... but he gets many chances to do good things...

with 18 catches, williamson only got about 4 catches TOTAL a MONTH... that's half a GAME for some WRs...

one thing i have noticed is he has difficulty tracking deep balls... i do think he is an explosive athlete that may have been underutilized... i might have made more of an effort to get the ball to him on slants (or roll it to him, whatever, just get the ball in his hands), as i think he could be explosive in the open field...

reportedly MIN though he was not a hard worker & may not take the game seriously enough... if that is true, than all bets are off, as i am not such a big advocate of his natural ability that i think whatever latent talent he possesses would overcome work ethic issues...

 

[awesomeness]

 

[lord_helmet]

Williamson should be out of the league soon. I've never seen a WR with worse hands. Even Willie Gault had better hands than Williamson, and that's saying something. First he gets his eyes worked on, saying that should help, but it didn't. Maybe it's more mental than physical, I don't know. It's very comical watching him try to catch passes.

He must have caught the ball a few times in college to get a 1st rd grade.

 

[pigskin pimp]

Williamson had trouble with deep balls, slants, and button hooks that would hit him between the numbers. The kid has no hands.

But he's fast. It might be easier to turn him around and teach him DB, then to wish and hope he can hold onto a football.

 

[pigskin pimp]

Might be useful as a kick/punt returner. Trying to catch a ball while running a precise route and cornerback all over you is a lot different than having one kicked to you. With that speed, maybe he can make a difference on special teams. His chance to be an elite player are over, but he might find some use on the field other than a pure WR.

Vikings tried him at PR/KR. He was OK, nothing special.

 

[nxmehta]

I like the Cleveland trade post. So if the Vikes give up Williamson and their second round 2008 draft pick would the Browns send the Vikings Anderson?

In a word, :(Want to send some D-Linemen over here? Then maybe we'll cough up DA...

 

[Jason Wood]

It's hard to explain Williamson's production in college with the way he plays the pro game; but it's pretty clear he needs a fresh start. The interesting thing isn't that teams want him; it will be how much they are willing to give up for him. Anything more than a 3rd round pick (tops) would seem egregious to me given his track record; and I personally would want to see him go for a bit less than that.

 

[The Man With No Name]

It's hard to explain Williamson's production in college with the way he plays the pro game; but it's pretty clear he needs a fresh start. The interesting thing isn't that teams want him; it will be how much they are willing to give up for him. Anything more than a 3rd round pick (tops) would seem egregious to me given his track record; and I personally would want to see him go for a bit less than that.

I doubt if a team would give a 3rd round pick for a guy with only 2 years remaining on his contract. A guy who has played very poorly his 3 seasons in the league. If he were to get traded and he performs well, why wouldn't he just wait until his contract is up to become an unrestricted free agent rather than extending his contract?

 

[fatness]

February 22nd, 2008 – 12:02 PM by Judd Zulgad Star TribuneDavid Canter, the agent for Troy Williamson, said today that eight to 10 teams have expressed interest in the receiver since the Vikings gave Canter permission to shop his client in a 4 p.m. meeting on Thursday.“It’s a phenomenal situation, I’m really happy about it,” Canter said of gaining the ability to seek a trade for Williamson. “I wanted it, I pushed for it. I talked about it obviously towards the end of the season. I thought it was pretty obvious it was going to happen.“Troy couldn’t be more excited. We have a tremendous amount of interest as you probably would expect.

That sounds like Billy Mays on latenight TV ads.

BUT WAIT!!! If you're one of the first 10 callers you'll receive NOT ONE but TWO TROY WILLIAMSONS!!!

 

[Phurfur]

It's hard to explain Williamson's production in college with the way he plays the pro game; but it's pretty clear he needs a fresh start. The interesting thing isn't that teams want him; it will be how much they are willing to give up for him. Anything more than a 3rd round pick (tops) would seem egregious to me given his track record; and I personally would want to see him go for a bit less than that.

They will be lucky to get a 6th round pick. There is no way he is going for a 3rd, Javon Walker brought a 2nd and you can't compare the two.

 

[Gopher State]

February 22nd, 2008 – 7:40 PM by Judd Zulgad

Star and Tribune

There was no lack of activity surrounding the Vikings on day two of the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. It comes as no surprise the team is willing to trade receiver Troy Williamson and certainly the Vikings’ hope is that they can get something (a second day pick or two?) in return.

This is an interesting situation because Williamson’s agent, David Canter, is being allowed to shop his client. This is the perfect setting for that because every team is represented at the combine. That means Canter can meet face-to-face with other executives and then relay the information directly to Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman.

Canter, though, won’t be here Saturday because he will be attending a wedding. He plans to return Sunday. However, there is a chance that the Vikings made some progress in talks with teams today and that those discussions could continue Saturday.

There is no question now the Vikings plan to make a push for a veteran receiver when free agency begins at 11 p.m. next Thursday. Two players the Vikings almost certainly will make a run at are Bernard Berrian and Jerry Porter. Of course, several teams will do the same.

Right now the Vikings depth chart at receiver looks like this: Bobby Wade, Sidney Rice, Robert Ferguson, Williamson and Aundrae Allison.

Ferguson is set to become an unrestricted free agent and even though he has expressed a desire to return that is not guaranteed.

Vikings coach Brad Childress clearly has high hopes for Rice and Allison. Rice, a second-round pick last year, is a player Childress thinks could become a vertical threat.

“He got behind people last year,” Childress said. “I think he’s got a good blend of ability to stretch the field, work the underneath, a large target. He certainly did that in college, I don’t see any reason why he can’t. And I think a great offseason program for he and Aundrae Allison would be huge.”

Rice, who is 6-4, 200 pounds, had 31 catches for 396 yards and four touchdowns this past season. His longest reception was a 60-yard touchdown. Allison had only eight catches for 122 yards but also contributed on kickoff returns.

 

[MAC_32]

If the Browns give up anymore than a 6th rounder for Troy effin Williamson I am going to hurl myself off of the 480 bridge.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

I like my receivers to have opposable thumbs preferably two, one on each hand. Not sure he qualifies.

 

[AnonymousBob]

Lelie didn't work in SF, no harm in trying another fast wr that can't catch.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

I didn't realize NFL teams were allowed to trade with CFL teams.

 

[Jason Wood]

It's hard to explain Williamson's production in college with the way he plays the pro game; but it's pretty clear he needs a fresh start. The interesting thing isn't that teams want him; it will be how much they are willing to give up for him. Anything more than a 3rd round pick (tops) would seem egregious to me given his track record; and I personally would want to see him go for a bit less than that.

I doubt if a team would give a 3rd round pick for a guy with only 2 years remaining on his contract. A guy who has played very poorly his 3 seasons in the league. If he were to get traded and he performs well, why wouldn't he just wait until his contract is up to become an unrestricted free agent rather than extending his contract?

Like I said, I don't think he's worth a 3rd rounder but again, if there are multiple teams interested in him that means:A) NFL GMs aren't as sour on the kid as we are [stupid GMs! ]B) Demand = A higher realized asking priceI don't think the Vikings will let him go for a 5th or 6th rounder, personally.

 

[RustyFA]

Williamson should be out of the league soon. I've never seen a WR with worse hands. Even Willie Gault had better hands than Williamson, and that's saying something. First he gets his eyes worked on, saying that should help, but it didn't. Maybe it's more mental than physical, I don't know. It's very comical watching him try to catch passes.

He must have caught the ball a few times in college to get a 1st rd grade.

He had 17 total catches in college. The Vikings front office were super on this one.

 

[awesomeness]

Williamson should be out of the league soon. I've never seen a WR with worse hands. Even Willie Gault had better hands than Williamson, and that's saying something. First he gets his eyes worked on, saying that should help, but it didn't. Maybe it's more mental than physical, I don't know. It's very comical watching him try to catch passes.

He must have caught the ball a few times in college to get a 1st rd grade.

He had 17 total catches in college. The Vikings front office were super on this one.

Williamson had 17 catches in his freshman year, he had 91 total catches in college.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Name any precedents for guys with Troy Williamsons track record for dropping the ball etc and turning it around at a new franchise?

 

[Beaumont]

Name any precedents for guys with Troy Williamsons track record for dropping the ball etc and turning it around at a new franchise?

Not a new team, but Roddy White had drop problems as serious as Williamson and turned it around in 2007.

 

[Gopher State]

February 24th, 2008 – 9:29 AM by Judd Zulgad

Minneapolis Star & Tribune

The NFL Scouting Combine runs through Tuesday but today marks the final day of media access. Many members of the Vikings staff will remain here through Tuesday and there is plenty of work to be done. In addition to watching the workouts and interviewing players, Rick Spielman, Brad Childress and Co. will continue to talk to the agents of their own players set to become unrestricted free agents at 11 p.m. Thursday and there also is the Troy Williamson trade talks.

Williamson’s agent, who is trying to work a deal for his client, will be back in town today so that means discussions should pick back up. One team that definitely appears interested in Williamson is the Jacksonville Jaguars. Keep in mind, former Vikings coach Mike Tice is an assistant in Jacksonville. Tice, of course, was in Minnesota when Williamson was taken seventh overall in the 2005 draft.

Mike can have Troy for a 3rd round pick IMO

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

February 24th, 2008 – 9:29 AM by Judd Zulgad

Minneapolis Star & Tribune

The NFL Scouting Combine runs through Tuesday but today marks the final day of media access. Many members of the Vikings staff will remain here through Tuesday and there is plenty of work to be done. In addition to watching the workouts and interviewing players, Rick Spielman, Brad Childress and Co. will continue to talk to the agents of their own players set to become unrestricted free agents at 11 p.m. Thursday and there also is the Troy Williamson trade talks.

Williamson’s agent, who is trying to work a deal for his client, will be back in town today so that means discussions should pick back up. One team that definitely appears interested in Williamson is the Jacksonville Jaguars. Keep in mind, former Vikings coach Mike Tice is an assistant in Jacksonville. Tice, of course, was in Minnesota when Williamson was taken seventh overall in the 2005 draft.



Mike can have Troy for a 3rd round pick IMO

I'll throw up if this happens.

 

[Mr. Peterson]

February 24th, 2008 – 9:29 AM by Judd Zulgad

Minneapolis Star & Tribune

The NFL Scouting Combine runs through Tuesday but today marks the final day of media access. Many members of the Vikings staff will remain here through Tuesday and there is plenty of work to be done. In addition to watching the workouts and interviewing players, Rick Spielman, Brad Childress and Co. will continue to talk to the agents of their own players set to become unrestricted free agents at 11 p.m. Thursday and there also is the Troy Williamson trade talks.

Williamson’s agent, who is trying to work a deal for his client, will be back in town today so that means discussions should pick back up. One team that definitely appears interested in Williamson is the Jacksonville Jaguars. Keep in mind, former Vikings coach Mike Tice is an assistant in Jacksonville. Tice, of course, was in Minnesota when Williamson was taken seventh overall in the 2005 draft.



Mike can have Troy for a 3rd round pick IMO

I'll throw up if this happens.

I bet they can get him for a 4th.

 

[Gopher State]

Agent: Three teams have high interest in Williamson

David Canter says he met with Rick Spielman to discus the scenarios.

By JUDD ZULGAD, Star Tribune

INDIANAPOLIS — The agent for Vikings wide receiver Troy Williamson said Sunday that trade talks involving his client have "heated up" with three teams. David Canter met late Sunday night with Vikings Vice President of Player Personnel Rick Spielman at the NFL Scouting Combine to "discuss the offers and each situation."

Canter declined to discuss the talks or the three teams involved but did say Williamson is "involved in all the discussions and is aware of the teams."

Canter, who arrived back at the NFL combine on Sunday morning after attending another client's wedding a day earlier, was given permission by the Vikings last week to shop Williamson. The situation will continue until at least 11 p.m. Thursday because no trade can be made official until the league's new year begins. The Vikings must approve any trade worked out by Canter.

Canter initially said "eight to 10" teams were interested in the speedy receiver, who has been plagued by dropped passes since being the seventh overall pick in the NFL draft in 2005.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Let's have a contest:

"Troy Williamson catches the ball like ________"

A: It's a flying rabid wolverine.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

It's hard to explain Williamson's production in college with the way he plays the pro game; but it's pretty clear he needs a fresh start. The interesting thing isn't that teams want him; it will be how much they are willing to give up for him. Anything more than a 3rd round pick (tops) would seem egregious to me given his track record; and I personally would want to see him go for a bit less than that.

I doubt if a team would give a 3rd round pick for a guy with only 2 years remaining on his contract. A guy who has played very poorly his 3 seasons in the league. If he were to get traded and he performs well, why wouldn't he just wait until his contract is up to become an unrestricted free agent rather than extending his contract?

Like I said, I don't think he's worth a 3rd rounder but again, if there are multiple teams interested in him that means:A) NFL GMs aren't as sour on the kid as we are [stupid GMs! ]B) Demand = A higher realized asking priceI don't think the Vikings will let him go for a 5th or 6th rounder, personally.

Exactly, some may not think he's worth a 3rd rounder, but take on the view of the Vikings. They aren't just going to let the guy go....it's not worth giving him up for a 6th rounder.I think about a 4th round pick is right.

 

[nysfl2]

Name any precedents for guys with Troy Williamsons track record for dropping the ball etc and turning it around at a new franchise?

Again, not switching teams, but I recall that Herman Moore also had problems dropping the ball early in his career. He had eye surgery, and turned out to be pretty decent.