Lorenzo Booker signs with the Vikes (1 Viewer)

[Raider Nation]

Uh oh...

The Vikings signed United Football League running back Lorenzo Booker from the Hartford Colonials, interim coach Leslie Frazier said Monday.

The plan is for Booker, a former NFL running back with Miami and Philadelphia, to contribute immediately.

"I'm hoping that he can help us now on third-down situations," Frazier said. "I think he can be a plus for us. He's done a good job over in the UFL, making some plays, and we're going to try to see where we can utilize him during this season."

The Vikings wanted to sign Booker two weeks ago but balked after the UFL required a $150,000 transfer fee, according to a Pro Football Talk report. The fee was reduced to $25,000.

The addition of Booker will force the Vikings to make a roster move, and running back Albert Young could be the odd man out since teams don't typically carry four running backs. The Vikings already have Adrian Peterson and rookie Toby Gerhart, who played 23 snaps on Sunday and is earning the coaches' trust.

Frazier said Monday that he had not made a decision on the roster. Wide receiver Hank Baskett, the team's sixth receiver, also could be a candidate for release.

Booker had 178 rushing yards and 248 receiving yards from 2007-08 with the Dolphins and Eagles.

 

[Horses Mouth]

why the "uh oh"?

 

[PennStater77]

I am eliminated, so I don't care.. Hope he steals ADP Goal line carries.

 

[Warhogs]

I remember when he was coming into the NFL. I thought he was going to be a pretty good RB but it never happened. Glad he is getting another look.

 

[Bri]

3rd down back seems like a decent role for him-could possibly have a career in that role

 

[thriftyrocker]

3rd down back seems like a decent role for him-could possibly have a career in that role

I thought after they fired Chilly, the Vikes would stop signing Eagles castoffs. He was brutal in Philly. A complete bust. But if they just want him to catch passes out of the backfield, he can do that. Don't know if he's any better than Albert Young though.

 

[Statcruncher]

Something about an NFL team balking at a $150,000 transfer fee sounds incredibly lame. Yeah, we want to put the best product out there on the field, but we aren't willing to pay $150,000. Weak. I know money is money and every dollar matters, but when you're talking about a 700 million dollar franchise in an uncapped year that's ridiculous.

 

[Bri]

Something about an NFL team balking at a $150,000 transfer fee sounds incredibly lame. Yeah, we want to put the best product out there on the field, but we aren't willing to pay $150,000. Weak. I know money is money and every dollar matters, but when you're talking about a 700 million dollar franchise in an uncapped year that's ridiculous.

Other thread...It's 150k but technically these guys are done playing in UFL and only under contract til Feb 2011 so they aren't even signed for next year.

 

[SugarNuts]

They reduced it from 150k to 25k didnt they?

 

[Raider Nation]

why the "uh oh"?

Because cute 'n cuddly little Toby is already getting a ton of carries. Now AD looks to lose any chances he had to catch the ball.

 

[ScottyFargo]

why the "uh oh"?

Because cute 'n cuddly little Toby is already getting a ton of carries. Now AD looks to lose any chances he had to catch the ball.

I read that Toby's got a hammy. I was assuming this meant worse things for Gerhart than AD, but you could be right given they've been spelling Peterson for drives and Booker could take on 3rd down duties for either of them.

 

[FFdork]

why the "uh oh"?

Because cute 'n cuddly little Toby is already getting a ton of carries. Now AD looks to lose any chances he had to catch the ball.

That's a bit of hyperbole. Facing AP this week? Peterson has really productive as a receiver this year, so I'm sure they'll still get the ball to him in the passing game. Where he has still struggled at times is pass protection. If Booker does that well, I could see him being in there on 3rd and long plays.Gerhart got a lot of carries in the game where Peterson got hurt and the game where the Vikings were up big and Peterson was playing on a bad wheel.

Other than that you're dead on.

 

[FFdork]

why the "uh oh"?

Because cute 'n cuddly little Toby is already getting a ton of carries. Now AD looks to lose any chances he had to catch the ball.

I read that Toby's got a hammy.

Yes, there's also this which I forgot to mention.