Minnesota Vikings Offseason (2007) (1 Viewer)

[Biabreakable]

DJacks is not getting cut.

Why not? Jackson is getting up there in age, has injury issues, missing 13 games over the last two years, plus the fact that Seattle has a lot of money invested in Burleson and Branch. I'd think the 'hawks will try to trade him but eventually cut him because of these reasons.

Because Seattle has a chance to get back to the Super Bowl if Alexander is recovered. They need Jackson for that too. I believe they will keep him for at least the 2007 season as they are in a win now mode. Several of thier other key players such as Walter Jones are getting old also.They may transition after this year and moving Jackson will likely be part of that but I do not see them doing that right now while they still have most of thier Super Bowl team still intact.We now return you to Viking fans doom and gloom about thier team and the growing lynch mob for Childress and anyone one else involved in the Vikings orginization.

 

[BigJim®]

I wonder with a free agent head coach like Bill Cowher out there if the Wolf's will go after him IF they want to go in yet another direction next year, assuming Childress fails. At least he would bring in instant creditibility to the organization, making it easier for potential free agents to come to us.

If Childress is not able to win, I just hope it's evident one way or the other whether he can coach. Waiting a couple years to find out he's not only arrogant, but also a very bad coach doesn't appeal to me much. Cowher is a tantalizing thought. In fact how dare you tease people like that. The Tice mentality with just barely enough brains to be successful. Better root for Carolina to win because I think I've heard Cowher resides in, and has significant ties to Carolina. He's a shoe-in replacement for Fox if Carolina falters again.

 

[wannabee]

Chester Taylor-RB- Vikings Mar. 28 - 9:40 pm et

Vikings head coach Brad Childress says he wants to find someone to "split carries" with Chester Taylor this season.

"I think it will be more of our intention to be able to split the carries with him," Childress said. "Give him fresh legs if we can." Whether this means using Ciatrick Fason or drafting a back in April is uncertain. Artose Pinner, Wendell Mathis, and Mewelde Moore are also on the roster.

Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune

 

[BigJim®]

Chester Taylor-RB- Vikings Mar. 28 - 9:40 pm et Vikings head coach Brad Childress says he wants to find someone to "split carries" with Chester Taylor this season."I think it will be more of our intention to be able to split the carries with him," Childress said. "Give him fresh legs if we can." Whether this means using Ciatrick Fason or drafting a back in April is uncertain. Artose Pinner, Wendell Mathis, and Mewelde Moore are also on the roster.Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune

 

[wannabee]

Chester Taylor-RB- Vikings Mar. 28 - 9:40 pm et

Vikings head coach Brad Childress says he wants to find someone to "split carries" with Chester Taylor this season.

"I think it will be more of our intention to be able to split the carries with him," Childress said. "Give him fresh legs if we can." Whether this means using Ciatrick Fason or drafting a back in April is uncertain. Artose Pinner, Wendell Mathis, and Mewelde Moore are also on the roster.

Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Here is the link: http://www.startribune.com/510/story/1086267.htmlRussell gets second chance at tryout

Vikings head coach Brad Childress said this Wednesday about:

LB E.J. Henderson's position change: "We'll probably start with him inside and create a spot for [Chad] Greenway."

NT Pat Wiliams' contract, which is set to expire next year: "We're going to see if we can work with his [contract] and see if it's favorable to him and favorable to us. Quite possibly, it's not his last year here."

RB Chester Taylor's workload: "I think it will be more of our intention to be able to split the carries with him, give him fresh legs if we can."

 

[Bull Dozier]

I'd be marginally shocked if TJ is ready to play at the beginning of this season. Comments from Chilly and Wilf that we're 2 years away only reinforce that. I'm by no means suggesting a need to get a franchise QB, but you can't be content with throwing an unprepared QB to the wolves with Bollinger as plan B. I also think you are overlooking that giving premature OJT can wreck a guy, quick. Countless examples of it.

There are more examples of players starting right away and succeeding. I actually did a brief look at the numbers last year because I formerly held your opinion. What I found surprised me, and that was 1st and 2nd round QBs who played significantly early in their career suceeded at a higher rate than those that didn't. For every Ryan Leaf, there are more Peyton Manning's and Troy Aikmans. Cases can be individual, and some players (for instance, I would conceed a 1-AA prospect) might not be as NFL ready as others, but I don't think failure on the field is phsychologially crushing to a players development, necessarily. Jackson might fail if thrown to the wolves, but we should at least be able to see some glimmer of hope, or complete lack thereof.

I'm not "saddling" Childress with Williamson, but the reality is this team relied to strongly on Williamson last year, just like they seemingly are planning to do with T.Jackson this year. I'd rather see them making a play for a bona fide WR than holding daily press conferences about being years away from competitive.

It sounded to me like you were saddling Childress, fair enough if I misunderstood. Correct me if I am wrong, but I don't recall the "rebuilding" comments while Curtis and Bennett were still on the market. I'm not saying losing them sent them on a rebuilding path, but I don't know that their comments hurt the chances of anyone coming to town. I believe they tried to sign at least Curtis. I'm not sure who else they could have grabbed to drastically change things. Since Cris Carter, they haven't had a huge success in free agent WRs. The list of Derrick Alexander, DeWayne Bates, Marcus Robinson, Travis Taylor (and on and on) does not make we remiss about not landing another one. Middle of the road WRs generally don't have a lot of success changing teams, and there weren't any studs available this year. Obviously it is a position of need, but I can't think of many examples of teams turning around their WR corp in a year, which is what we'd need to do.

I said "playoff caliber", which I'll stand by. I think it will be better this year without Smoot and with Greenway and other added experience for the young DL.

Fair enough, but with over a third of the teams making the playoffs, and obviously them not always being the top third of defenses, a "playoff caliber defense" doesn't mean a whole bunch. Sure, their defense is good enough to make the playoffs. I won't agree with that. The last Vikes D to make the playoffs was ranked #28, so this defense is definitely better than that.

Again, premature playing time can be as harmful as beneficial. If the team thinks he's ready, they should not be hedging publicly. You look at your average 2nd-3rd round QB and some never see the light of day, yet this one should definitely be a starter and franchise QB? He has to be? I've seen plenty of great film of Jackson and I don't want to see him ruined.

As I said before, I think that is a misnomer. I don't think he can be "ruined" unless he is psychologically fragile, and if he is, then he isn't fit for the NFL anyway. I think, from what I've heard from him, he has the confidence to survive some initial failure, and if he is talented, that would serve the franchise in the long run.Sure, some 2nd-3rd round QBs never see the light of day, but plenty of 1st rounders never should and only do because the team has money invested in them. If we need a QB, and have a potentially talented one, give him a shot and see what he can do. I just don't agree that is a worse situation, or a worse bet, than bringing in a Carr, who's failed for 4 years, or a Green, who is nothing better than a stop-gap.

Don't even mention Cutler, totally different class when you are talking about 1st round picks. Also the Shanahan comparison is . I think he deserves a little more rope than Chilly, although your average Bronco fan might disagree. Regardless, Cutler is a bona fide franchise QB, and was drafted accordingly. If he fails it will be less a reflection on Shanahan that going prematurely with a less proven prospect will/should be on Childress.

I only brought up Cutler because you compared a Childress QB decision to Gibbs. I figured if that was a valid comparison, then so was Shanahan. Obviously Shanahan deserves more rope, but you are adamant that in the NFL you win now, or you move on. If the Broncs are 4-12 due to the horrible play of a high 1st round 2nd year QB, how can that not be worse than Childress doing the same thing with a lower round QB. Arguably, Shanahan set his franchise further back by blowing a 1st round pick on a QB that failed (hypothetically, obviously).

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Uh oh. Some not good news on Erasmus.

Vikings have many plans in the making

In a wide-ranging interview, Vikings coach Brad Childress named a middle linebacker, praised a defensive tackle and intended to rest a battered running back, among other things.

By Kevin Seifert, Star Tribune

Last update: March 28, 2007 – 10:27 PM

PHOENIX - The sun rose early Wednesday morning over Camelback Peak, warming the pristine courtyard of the Arizona Biltmore resort. Relaxed and contemplative as he ingested an outdoor breakfast, Vikings coach Brad Childress provided a glimpse behind the curtain on the final day of the NFL's annual meetings.

Childress named E.J. Henderson his new middle linebacker and said the team hopes to extend nose tackle Pat Williams' contract. He said he plans to reduce tailback Chester Taylor's workload in 2007, indicated he will experiment with new play-callers during spring practices and said he is not counting on defensive end Erasmus James (knee) to be a contributor early this season.

...

At this point, it's unclear whether Childress will be talking to James during a game anytime soon. James still faces a long recovery from a second knee surgery that removed scar tissue earlier this winter. Childress said James would not be cleared for the Vikings' June 1-3 minicamp and is a candidate for the Physically Unable to Perform list when training camp begins in July.

"The important thing is to get it right," Childress said. "When you talk about guys coming off ACL injuries, typically they're always better two years out. He's going to be a big bonus if he gets well and gives us some quality snaps."

Heloooooo Jamaal Anderson.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

Here...here. If not Anderson then Adams, otherwise trade down to later on in the first.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

I still think they have to go with Landry in the first and then best available WR in the 2nd (and probably even again in the 3rd). As much as I LOVE Adrian Peterson (I am a die hard OU fan!) I think they need a secondary player worse than a RB at this point and I believe that Landry can be as big a star in the league as Peterson. He just has all the tools and is a player to go with all the measurables. If they can go Landry, Rice (I really think he will be there in the 2nd), and then the best remaining WR in the 3rd, I think they will have had a stellar draft.

I read an article on one of the Twin Cities web sites today about Darrion Scott not being happy with his tendered amount and I agree with the guy. I think he is the most underrated player on this team. He could start at either DE position and I would be happy. He is a blue collar type that just gets the job done and can play all 3 downs. I think it would be a mistake to get a pass rusher at that spot. He can fill in for James until he is healthy and then either take Udeze's spot or fill in without the line missing a beat. I just really like the guy.

 

[mozzy84]

Viking QB Jackson Impressed With New WR Wade

Written by: JUDD ZULGAD ¦ 3/30/2007

Source: www.startribune.com

Bobby Wade hasn't received a playbook from the Vikings yet, but the newly signed receiver has started familiarizing himself with the team's offense during the offseason workout program that started March 19.

"I got some basic stuff with formations, terminology and things like that," Wade said. "A lot of concepts will be the same."

Wade, who joins tight end Visanthe Shiancoe and linebacker Vinny Ciurciu as the Vikings' free-agent signees, received a five-year, $15 million contract after catching 33 passes for 461 yards and two touchdowns last season with Tennessee.

So far quarterback Tarvaris Jackson likes what he sees from his new teammate.

"He's kind of taking over as a No. 1 guy, being a leader," Jackson said. "He's a good guy. He's around the locker room talking to everybody. Just a cool guy. ... As far as ability goes, he's good."

Wade is looking forward to proving that in his role as the Vikings' primary slot receiver. He says this system should be a good fit.

"This is a big run after the catch scheme," he said. "They really put a lot of emphasis on getting the ball in the playmakers' hands early and often and letting them do their work. I think that's something that I definitely excel in. I'm looking forward to that. Coach [brad] Childress is the first offensive-minded head coach that I've ever played for. That's pretty exciting, too."

Excitement isn't a word that has been used in regard to the Vikings' receiver situation this offseason. An offense that struggled in 2006 has a receiving corps that also includes Troy Williamson, Billy McMullen, Randy Hymes, Jason Carter, Justin Surrency, Martin Nance and Maurice Mann.

Not surprisingly, Wade remains optimistic. "This group of receivers that we've got has the ability to be great," he said. "We've got a lot of speed, a lot of size and guys with some good ability. We just need to hone our skills a little better and be a little more focused on the task at hand. I think this group can be a powerful group."

http://www.startribune.com

man I hope there is a good one for us in the second round

 

[mozzy84]

Viking QB Jackson Impressed With New WR Wade

Written by: JUDD ZULGAD ¦ 3/30/2007

Source: www.startribune.com

Bobby Wade hasn't received a playbook from the Vikings yet, but the newly signed receiver has started familiarizing himself with the team's offense during the offseason workout program that started March 19.

"I got some basic stuff with formations, terminology and things like that," Wade said. "A lot of concepts will be the same."

Wade, who joins tight end Visanthe Shiancoe and linebacker Vinny Ciurciu as the Vikings' free-agent signees, received a five-year, $15 million contract after catching 33 passes for 461 yards and two touchdowns last season with Tennessee.

So far quarterback Tarvaris Jackson likes what he sees from his new teammate.

"He's kind of taking over as a No. 1 guy, being a leader," Jackson said. "He's a good guy. He's around the locker room talking to everybody. Just a cool guy. ... As far as ability goes, he's good."

Wade is looking forward to proving that in his role as the Vikings' primary slot receiver. He says this system should be a good fit.

"This is a big run after the catch scheme," he said. "They really put a lot of emphasis on getting the ball in the playmakers' hands early and often and letting them do their work. I think that's something that I definitely excel in. I'm looking forward to that. Coach [brad] Childress is the first offensive-minded head coach that I've ever played for. That's pretty exciting, too."

Excitement isn't a word that has been used in regard to the Vikings' receiver situation this offseason. An offense that struggled in 2006 has a receiving corps that also includes Troy Williamson, Billy McMullen, Randy Hymes, Jason Carter, Justin Surrency, Martin Nance and Maurice Mann.

Not surprisingly, Wade remains optimistic. "This group of receivers that we've got has the ability to be great," he said. "We've got a lot of speed, a lot of size and guys with some good ability. We just need to hone our skills a little better and be a little more focused on the task at hand. I think this group can be a powerful group."

http://www.startribune.com

WR Moorehead to meet with Vikings

Written by: ¦ 3/30/2007

Source: www.indystar.com

Interest in Aaron Moorehead apparently is picking up.

The former Indianapolis Colts receiver, who became an unrestricted free agent March 1, will meet with the Minnesota Vikings on Monday. At least two other teams also have shown an interest.

http://www.indystar.com

man I hope there is a good one for us in the second round

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I still think they have to go with Landry in the first and then best available WR in the 2nd (and probably even again in the 3rd). As much as I LOVE Adrian Peterson (I am a die hard OU fan!) I think they need a secondary player worse than a RB at this point and I believe that Landry can be as big a star in the league as Peterson. He just has all the tools and is a player to go with all the measurables. If they can go Landry, Rice (I really think he will be there in the 2nd), and then the best remaining WR in the 3rd, I think they will have had a stellar draft.

I calculate that there is a 99% chance that I will be happy with whoever the Vikings select.All the players that are potentials are really good:Gaines Adams/Jamaal AndersonLaron LandryAdrian PetersonBrady QuinnPatrick WillisThe only thing I can see them doing that would be crazy is taking Levi Brown to play right tackle.

I read an article on one of the Twin Cities web sites today about Darrion Scott not being happy with his tendered amount and I agree with the guy. I think he is the most underrated player on this team. He could start at either DE position and I would be happy. He is a blue collar type that just gets the job done and can play all 3 downs. I think it would be a mistake to get a pass rusher at that spot. He can fill in for James until he is healthy and then either take Udeze's spot or fill in without the line missing a beat. I just really like the guy.

I think if he leaves, they'll regret it. He and Wiggins are very underrated.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

How's THIS for a conspiracy theory:

1) Calvin Johnson wore #21 at Georgia Tech.

2) Vikings cut Fred Smoot, who wore #21, not because he sucks, but because they know that CJ would want the number.

3) Vikings give up the farm to trade up to get CJ.

Could be! You never know!

No, I'm not serious. The SP is just slow today. That, and I'm looking for a reason to buy that Smoot premier jersey I found for $50 at Champ's Sports. Anyone know how hard it is to take off those stitched on letters?

 

[FunkyPlutos]

How's THIS for a conspiracy theory:1) Calvin Johnson wore #21 at Georgia Tech.2) Vikings cut Fred Smoot, who wore #21, not because he sucks, but because they know that CJ would want the number.3) Vikings give up the farm to trade up to get CJ.Could be! You never know!No, I'm not serious. The SP is just slow today. That, and I'm looking for a reason to buy that Smoot premier jersey I found for $50 at Champ's Sports. Anyone know how hard it is to take off those stitched on letters?

Maybe Landry would be #21??Besides, I am excited about the #81 Jersey in my closet (AC - Chris Walsh - Koren Robinson - Visante Shiancoe!!)

 

[mozzy84]

Jackson? Bollinger? Vikings, fans begin months of QB wonder

By DAVE CAMPBELL - AP Sports Writer

2007-03-28 18:39

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -Bryant McKinnie cracked a sheepish smile, pausing briefly before answering the question about whether he wondered who Minnesota's quarterback would be this year.

``Yeah, I do,'' the big left tackle said with a chuckle. ``You want to know who you're protecting.''

Brooks Bollinger? Tarvaris Jackson? Brady Quinn, should he be available in the draft? Well, the winner won't be clear for another 5 1/2 months, but by opening Wednesday's player workout at Winter Park to the media, the Vikings also opened the dialogue.

``Everybody says we need a quarterback,'' Jackson said, ``but it really don't matter. They don't see what our coaches see. They don't see us practice day after day, so they're going to say a lot of stuff.''

Bollinger, an overachieving, undersized acquisition from the New York Jets last year whose opportunity for significant playing time in December was squelched by a sprained shoulder, was given a contract extension through 2008 after arriving in a trade last August.

Jackson, who started the final two games of last season as a raw rookie from Division I-AA Alabama State, was drafted in the second round in 2006.

Minnesota has traded Daunte Culpepper and released Brad Johnson in successive winters, leaving a depth chart that looks rather bare to most observers. The only other quarterback on the roster is one-time prospect Drew Henson, who spent a couple of weeks on the practice squad last season.

Coach Brad Childress, who was attending league meetings in Phoenix and unavailable for comment, has said he's comfortable with the players he has.

``I'm excited as heck about it,'' Bollinger said, ``and I'm going to keep working hard to put myself in the best position possible and help this team have a successful offense and win football games.''

The Vikings need to do more of that following a 6-10 record in Childress' first year as coach, but with the resumes they currently have at this important position there won't be many fans or analysts predicting a better performance.

Local interest and faith in what has long been the state's most popular sports team is lagging, as evidenced this week by an ESPN The Magazine report that ranked Vikings 119th out of the 122 major professional franchises in North America. The magazine organized research and fan feedback to determine how good or bad teams are at turning the rooting public's time, money and passion into success on the field.

A reliable quarterback certainly wouldn't hurt their image, but Jackson or Bollinger could be that guy.

``I think you've just got to look forward to the potential that we have here,'' said wide receiver Bobby Wade, one of the team's few free-agent additions.

With the seventh pick next month, the Vikings might be able to draft Notre Dame's Quinn if they're truly worried about the position.

``To worry about any of that stuff is just wasted sleep,'' said Bollinger, who will enter his fifth NFL season after being taken in the sixth round by the Jets out of Wisconsin.

Quinn could be long gone, though, and the open competition between Bollinger and Jackson that Childress has declared will likely hold up through training camp.

``When he says something, he pretty much means it,'' Jackson said.

 

[BigJim®]

That, and I'm looking for a reason to buy that Smoot premier jersey I found for $50 at Champ's Sports. Anyone know how hard it is to take off those stitched on letters?

I don't think I'd go through that sort of effort for something you plan to alter. If you are looking for newer jerseys, I think I saw someone post in this messageboard [or another ] of some surprisingly low similar pricing for authentic jerseys. I actually gave up on jerseys for new players myself and found a really good source for reasonably priced retro authentic jerseys. I went with a sewn-on Joey Browner and put my el cheapo Moss/Culpepper jerseys out to pasture. This seller has a surpring selection of throw-back Vikings jerseys (Tinglehoff, B.Brown, A.Page, G.Cuozzo, P.Krause, D.Osborne, G.Larsen, M.Blair, S.Voigt, W.Hilgenberg, B.Lurtsema to name many), all sewn on names/numbers and great all-around quality. If you have interest in that seller let me know and I'll link you via PM.

 

[BigJim®]

Haven't seen anyone post this story yet.

Bollinger believes Brad

Vikings quarterback Brooks Bollinger is used to being overlooked, underappreciated and, heck, even mistaken for being his team's kicker.

"I was warming up without pads on before our game in Green Bay last year," Bollinger said. "Some of the fans were screaming, 'Hey, [Ryan] Long- well, you stink!' And I was like, 'Geez guys, I played college football at Wisconsin."

Bollinger has started only nine games in four NFL seasons, going 2-7 with the Jets in 2005 after quarterbacks Chad Pennington and Jay Fiedler were injured.

Last offseason, the Jets told him he would "compete" for the starting job. Then they signed free agent Patrick Ramsey and drafted Kellen Clemens. Then Bollinger was traded to the Vikings for backup defensive tackle C.J. Mosley.

Well, Bollinger is a year older and he's being told the same thing. Vikings coach Brad Childress said there is an open competition for the starting job between Bollinger and Tarvaris Jackson, the 2006 second-round pick who stepped in for the since-released Brad Johnson late last season. Bollinger might have been able to compete for the job late last season if not for an injured left shoulder.

"I believe it's an open competition now because Coach Childress said it is, and so far they haven't brought anyone else in," Bollinger said. "I don't have any reason not to believe him, even if it seems that's something I have to make other people believe."

Jackson said he also believes there will be an open competition.

"I welcome competition; that's part of why you play football," Jackson said. "You don't want them to give it to you anyway. I've spent my whole life transferring [from Arkansas] and going to a smaller school [Alabama State]. I feel like I've had to work harder to get to the NFL. I've earned everything I got, and I want to keep earning it."

So let me get this straight: Childress has convinced Bollinger that it's open competition between Bollinger and T.Jackson for the #1 QB... and if Childress brings in a vet for competition he will basically be ruining that trust? Ok, very, very scared now.

 

[Vikes Fan]

DB throughout the league are going to be fearful of this group!!!

Bobby Wade (Did T-Jackson say he is a "number one?") Troy Williamson (If I keep waving my hands together, maybe I can catch a cold!) Billy McMullen (Maybe our best receiver.) Randy Hymes (What happened to him between his rookie year in Balt. and his resurface here?) Jason Carter (Smurf who looks great against third stringers in preseason.) Justin Surrency (Who?) Martin Nance (See Jason Carter) :X Maurice Mann (Uhm...can you repeat the part you said about all the things...) Visanthe Shiancoe (Who?)

All of this leads me right here...

 

[Donnybrook]

The good news:

Kevin Seifert, of the Star Tribune, reports free agent S Mike Doss (Colts) will visit the Minnesota Vikings Tuesday, April 3, the NFL announced on its website.

The bad news:

Kevin Seifert, of the Star Tribune, reports free agent S Mike Doss (Colts) has switched agents to Drew Rosenhaus.

Vikings might have the edge in signing him. Vikings new DC was a defensive coach with Indy.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The good news:

Kevin Seifert, of the Star Tribune, reports free agent S Mike Doss (Colts) will visit the Minnesota Vikings Tuesday, April 3, the NFL announced on its website.

The bad news:

Kevin Seifert, of the Star Tribune, reports free agent S Mike Doss (Colts) has switched agents to Drew Rosenhaus.

Vikings might have the edge in signing him. Vikings new DC was a defensive coach with Indy.

Signs are pointing toward drafting a DE and not Laron Landry.

 

[Vikes Fan]

O.K. The Vikings signed Safety Mike Doss. http://www.startribune.com/blogs/vikings/

So, is someone going to get cut? At Safety they have Sharper, D. Smith, T. Williams and G. Blue. Plus now they have added Doss. At the end of last year, it was stated that even though there were some bad feelings between the coaches and Sharper, they had made up and all was well. Is he on the outs? Or maybe Smith being he didn't play all that well last year and the whole stairwell issue. Tank just resigned and I like how Blue plays. So, who are the starters at Saftey next year?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I have to think that one of Sharper or Smith is released.

The strikes against for each are age for Sharper and stairwells for Smith.

 

[Vikes Fan]

Maybe Chilli wants to collect as many safteys as possible. Then he and Gruden will just swap a QB for a S at some point. It is all part of the master plan that nobody seems to know about.

 

[BigJim®]

I have to think that one of Sharper or Smith is released.The strikes against for each are age for Sharper and stairwells for Smith.

Hopefully it isn't Sharper. He was a playmaker more often than not and should greatly benefit from not having to do Smoot's job in addition to his own. With slightly better CB coverage, he should be able to revert back to a ball hawking playmaker.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

I have to think that one of Sharper or Smith is released.The strikes against for each are age for Sharper and stairwells for Smith.

Hopefully it isn't Sharper. He was a playmaker more often than not and should greatly benefit from not having to do Smoot's job in addition to his own. With slightly better CB coverage, he should be able to revert back to a ball hawking playmaker.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

I'd guess and say Smith as well being cut but then maybe Tank has nothing left in the tank.

With this signing I even more strongly feel they we go CJ if possible (in a trade-up) then DE in Gaines Adams or Jamal Anderson.

 

[Couch Potato]

I have to think that one of Sharper or Smith is released.

The strikes against for each are age for Sharper and stairwells for Smith.

Here's what Rotoworld had to say:

Vikings signed S Mike Doss to a one-year, $1 million contract.

Doss, formerly a league-average starter for the Colts, is rehabbing a torn ACL but said to be ahead of schedule. The Vikings' depth chart at safety now includes Doss, Tank Williams, Dwight Smith, Darren Sharper, and Greg Blue. Smith was arrested in 2006, signed a contract without a signing bonus, and lost a big supporter in Mike Tomlin. He'll likely be cut.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

Vikings | Team not interested in Carr

Thu, 5 Apr 2007 14:08:39 -0700

Ryan Kibbe, of KSTP TV, reports Minnesota Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman said that unrestricted free-agent QB David Carr (Texans) was not on the team's radar.

Well I have to give props to Childress for having faith in his two QB's now but he's heading to a with his head coaching career as he appears to be sticking to his guns.

 

[Donnybrook]

Vikings | Team not interested in CarrThu, 5 Apr 2007 14:08:39 -0700Ryan Kibbe, of KSTP TV, reports Minnesota Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman said that unrestricted free-agent QB David Carr (Texans) was not on the team's radar.Well I have to give props to Childress for having faith in his two QB's now but he's heading to a with his head coaching career as he appears to be sticking to his guns.

How about the coaches of the other 31 teams that have not signed Carr?

 

[shamrock84]

Vikings | Team not interested in CarrThu, 5 Apr 2007 14:08:39 -0700Ryan Kibbe, of KSTP TV, reports Minnesota Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman said that unrestricted free-agent QB David Carr (Texans) was not on the team's radar.Well I have to give props to Childress for having faith in his two QB's now but he's heading to a with his head coaching career as he appears to be sticking to his guns.

How about the coaches of the other 31 teams that have not signed Carr?

The vast majority of those other 31 teams don't have the question marks the Vikes have at QB.

 

[Donnybrook]

Vikings | Team not interested in CarrThu, 5 Apr 2007 14:08:39 -0700Ryan Kibbe, of KSTP TV, reports Minnesota Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman said that unrestricted free-agent QB David Carr (Texans) was not on the team's radar.Well I have to give props to Childress for having faith in his two QB's now but he's heading to a with his head coaching career as he appears to be sticking to his guns.

How about the coaches of the other 31 teams that have not signed Carr?

The vast majority of those other 31 teams don't have the question marks the Vikes have at QB.

I would like to see the Vikings take the time to develop a QB. Jackson did not look good in his first season but neither did Alex Smith and almost every other rookie QB. The Vikings can bring in a second rookie QB to compete. There are some decent prospects in the draft - Quinn, Stanton, Kolb, Beck, etc. I don't want to see the Vikings act like Detroit and bring in a vetern that is incapable of winning the big game. I think that is a waste of time.

 

[shamrock84]

Vikings | Team not interested in CarrThu, 5 Apr 2007 14:08:39 -0700Ryan Kibbe, of KSTP TV, reports Minnesota Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman said that unrestricted free-agent QB David Carr (Texans) was not on the team's radar.Well I have to give props to Childress for having faith in his two QB's now but he's heading to a with his head coaching career as he appears to be sticking to his guns.

How about the coaches of the other 31 teams that have not signed Carr?

The vast majority of those other 31 teams don't have the question marks the Vikes have at QB.

I would like to see the Vikings take the time to develop a QB. Jackson did not look good in his first season but neither did Alex Smith and almost every other rookie QB. The Vikings can bring in a second rookie QB to compete. There are some decent prospects in the draft - Quinn, Stanton, Kolb, Beck, etc. I don't want to see the Vikings act like Detroit and bring in a vetern that is incapable of winning the big game. I think that is a waste of time.

I agree with you that they should develop Jackson but I think he would be a great insurance policy in case Jackson blunders. A vet as a backup is better IMO since another youngster would likely suffer the same rookie learning curve that you alluded to.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

Vikings | Team not interested in Carr

Thu, 5 Apr 2007 14:08:39 -0700

Ryan Kibbe, of KSTP TV, reports Minnesota Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman said that unrestricted free-agent QB David Carr (Texans) was not on the team's radar.

Well I have to give props to Childress for having faith in his two QB's now but he's heading to a with his head coaching career as he appears to be sticking to his guns.

:( How about the coaches of the other 31 teams that have not signed Carr?

The vast majority of those other 31 teams don't have the question marks the Vikes have at QB.

?? Not sure what that means. Most teams in the league don't have young and/or inexperienced QB's with less experience at starting than Carr. Buffalo and Houston come to mind off the top of my head. Doesn't really matter now anyway since Carr signed with Carolina.http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?i...ce=NFLHeadlines

 

[Vikes Fan]

Doesn't really matter now anyway since Carr signed with Carolina.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?i...ce=NFLHeadlines

These smilies tell the whole story of how I feel about the Vikings not signing Carr.

 

[mozzy84]

Doesn't really matter now anyway since Carr signed with Carolina.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?i...ce=NFLHeadlines

These smilies tell the whole story of how I feel about the Vikings not signing Carr.

oh come on its david freakin carr

 

[jestertj]

I don't get why everyone is so fired up to have a veteran backup. If Jackson struggles, he needs to keep playing. If he's going to be the QB of the future, he'll improve. The only way he should come out is if he's getting sacked a ton and beat up like Carr did in Houston. It's not like this team is a Trent Green away from being a SB favorite. Jackson and the team are either going to struggle all season, or struggle and improve. I'm hoping it looks kind of like Tennessee did last season. Struggle out of the gate and then hopefully find your legs and learn to win games. It's very likely that this team misses the playoffs and ends up picking in the top half of the first round again next season. Hopefully, we find out we have a some good young players to continue building on.

 

[Vikes Fan]

I don't get why everyone is so fired up to have a veteran backup. If Jackson struggles, he needs to keep playing. If he's going to be the QB of the future, he'll improve. The only way he should come out is if he's getting sacked a ton and beat up like Carr did in Houston. It's not like this team is a Trent Green away from being a SB favorite. Jackson and the team are either going to struggle all season, or struggle and improve. I'm hoping it looks kind of like Tennessee did last season. Struggle out of the gate and then hopefully find your legs and learn to win games. It's very likely that this team misses the playoffs and ends up picking in the top half of the first round again next season. Hopefully, we find out we have a some good young players to continue building on.

I just don't think Jackson is ready. I think another year behind someone else and as the no. 2 would do him some good. I wanted to see them sign Carr, have him start this year, then they could have evaluated Jackson's progress and let an open QB competition start in another year. I truely think if Chilldress does not show improvement with this team (which I just don't see happening) he will be fired. (Do I hear you cheering, AD?) Where does that leave us? I think Carr has a better chance (with a decent OL) to win now.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

I want someone to teach Action Jackson and even push him. So maybe Carr isn't the best person for this role but who else is out there looking for work? I think Jackson will be ok but he needs time and playmakers around him. We know there are questions on Taylor if he is a playmaker (I think yes but some say no), but we need someone who has speed AND hands to stretch the field and not have the safeties roll up and help in run support.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

The Vikings have completed a long-expected restructuring of tight end Jim Kleinsasser's contract, according to NFL Players Association documents.

He took a $1 million reduction in his base salary for 2007, dropping from $2.9 million to $1.9 million. His salary in 2008 went from $2.9 million to $2.4 million. It was unknown Friday whether Kleinsasser would have the opportunity to earn back the money through expenses.

The Vikings have signed free agent Visanthe Shiancoe to be their No. 1 tight end, and Kleinsasser agreed in principle earlier this month to adjust his contract and remain with the team. The Vikings filed the new contract this week.

Entering his ninth season, Kleinsasser will battle Jeff Dugan, Richard Owens and others for the No. 2 job behind Shiancoe in training camp.

LinkThis is a great move by the Vikings. Kleinsasser blocks like a tackle and can also catch the ball if need be. Shiancoe is more athletic than Wiggins which will allow them to stretch the field down the middle (very necessary against the cover 2 schemes that teams are using now - and also why Wiggins didn't really fit well into this offense). Dugan can block as well as Kleinsasser and has good hands. I think this sets them up well at the TE position and doesn't mean they have to draft the position (at least not the first day anyway).

 

[jestertj]

I don't get why everyone is so fired up to have a veteran backup. If Jackson struggles, he needs to keep playing. If he's going to be the QB of the future, he'll improve. The only way he should come out is if he's getting sacked a ton and beat up like Carr did in Houston. It's not like this team is a Trent Green away from being a SB favorite. Jackson and the team are either going to struggle all season, or struggle and improve. I'm hoping it looks kind of like Tennessee did last season. Struggle out of the gate and then hopefully find your legs and learn to win games. It's very likely that this team misses the playoffs and ends up picking in the top half of the first round again next season. Hopefully, we find out we have a some good young players to continue building on.

I just don't think Jackson is ready. I think another year behind someone else and as the no. 2 would do him some good. I wanted to see them sign Carr, have him start this year, then they could have evaluated Jackson's progress and let an open QB competition start in another year. I truely think if Chilldress does not show improvement with this team (which I just don't see happening) he will be fired. (Do I hear you cheering, AD?) Where does that leave us? I think Carr has a better chance (with a decent OL) to win now.

I don't think he's ready either, but I don't see him getting any more ready by watching. He needs to win the job out of camp and get the starters reps in practice and games. Running the scout team can only take him so far. Bringing in Carr would basically be flushing another year down the toilet. He's no more ready to run the offense than the other two guys on the roster who have been here a season. Do you really want to push this rebuild back another season? The only way the coach gets canned is if the team goes 2-14 and the players quit on him.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

I don't get why everyone is so fired up to have a veteran backup. If Jackson struggles, he needs to keep playing. If he's going to be the QB of the future, he'll improve. The only way he should come out is if he's getting sacked a ton and beat up like Carr did in Houston. It's not like this team is a Trent Green away from being a SB favorite. Jackson and the team are either going to struggle all season, or struggle and improve. I'm hoping it looks kind of like Tennessee did last season. Struggle out of the gate and then hopefully find your legs and learn to win games. It's very likely that this team misses the playoffs and ends up picking in the top half of the first round again next season. Hopefully, we find out we have a some good young players to continue building on.

I just don't think Jackson is ready. I think another year behind someone else and as the no. 2 would do him some good. I wanted to see them sign Carr, have him start this year, then they could have evaluated Jackson's progress and let an open QB competition start in another year. I truely think if Chilldress does not show improvement with this team (which I just don't see happening) he will be fired. (Do I hear you cheering, AD?) Where does that leave us? I think Carr has a better chance (with a decent OL) to win now.

I don't think he's ready either, but I don't see him getting any more ready by watching. He needs to win the job out of camp and get the starters reps in practice and games. Running the scout team can only take him so far. Bringing in Carr would basically be flushing another year down the toilet. He's no more ready to run the offense than the other two guys on the roster who have been here a season. Do you really want to push this rebuild back another season? The only way the coach gets canned is if the team goes 2-14 and the players quit on him.

 

[Vikes Fan]

I don't get why everyone is so fired up to have a veteran backup. If Jackson struggles, he needs to keep playing. If he's going to be the QB of the future, he'll improve. The only way he should come out is if he's getting sacked a ton and beat up like Carr did in Houston. It's not like this team is a Trent Green away from being a SB favorite. Jackson and the team are either going to struggle all season, or struggle and improve. I'm hoping it looks kind of like Tennessee did last season. Struggle out of the gate and then hopefully find your legs and learn to win games. It's very likely that this team misses the playoffs and ends up picking in the top half of the first round again next season. Hopefully, we find out we have a some good young players to continue building on.

I just don't think Jackson is ready. I think another year behind someone else and as the no. 2 would do him some good. I wanted to see them sign Carr, have him start this year, then they could have evaluated Jackson's progress and let an open QB competition start in another year. I truely think if Chilldress does not show improvement with this team (which I just don't see happening) he will be fired. (Do I hear you cheering, AD?) Where does that leave us? I think Carr has a better chance (with a decent OL) to win now.

I don't think he's ready either, but I don't see him getting any more ready by watching. He needs to win the job out of camp and get the starters reps in practice and games. Running the scout team can only take him so far. Bringing in Carr would basically be flushing another year down the toilet. He's no more ready to run the offense than the other two guys on the roster who have been here a season. Do you really want to push this rebuild back another season? The only way the coach gets canned is if the team goes 2-14 and the players quit on him.

I guess we just disagree on several fronts. First, I think Jackson can learn from running the second team and getting a few reps in practice each week with the first team. It will make him understand the game better and let him learn more about reading blitzes, etc. without having to run for his life. Many a QB has watched for a couple of years and developed as a backup.I really don't think Carr is that bad, he just hasn't had the team to work with. Terrible OL, and one legit WR would be a difficult hand to be dealt. I think they would play better with Carr. He can make the intermediate throw that this offense is predicated on and I think the team could win 5-7 games with Carr. Then open up the QB competition for next year.As this team stands now, I think we win 3-4 games. Seriously. So you say that with Carr we would take a step back, I think that having Jackson behind center takes us back.Now maybe in the long run Jackson will be a stud and this will be spectacular. I am not a doubter of his long term abilities. I just think that having him sit and learn is the way to go.Just my humble opinion.

 

[Biabreakable]

I do not think Jackson is ready to start yet either and I am unsure if he will work out or not. It also remains to be seen what the Vikings do with thier 1st round pick.

Maybe he will be suprisingly good though. It is possible. I am not buying into the doom and gloom I hear so much about the Vikes. They could be better than most people are thinking. You never know. Solid defense and a running game can take a team a long way.

 

[pigskin pimp]

I don't get why everyone is so fired up to have a veteran backup. If Jackson struggles, he needs to keep playing. If he's going to be the QB of the future, he'll improve. The only way he should come out is if he's getting sacked a ton and beat up like Carr did in Houston. It's not like this team is a Trent Green away from being a SB favorite. Jackson and the team are either going to struggle all season, or struggle and improve. I'm hoping it looks kind of like Tennessee did last season. Struggle out of the gate and then hopefully find your legs and learn to win games. It's very likely that this team misses the playoffs and ends up picking in the top half of the first round again next season. Hopefully, we find out we have a some good young players to continue building on.

I just don't think Jackson is ready. I think another year behind someone else and as the no. 2 would do him some good. I wanted to see them sign Carr, have him start this year, then they could have evaluated Jackson's progress and let an open QB competition start in another year. I truely think if Chilldress does not show improvement with this team (which I just don't see happening) he will be fired. (Do I hear you cheering, AD?) Where does that leave us? I think Carr has a better chance (with a decent OL) to win now.

I don't think he's ready either, but I don't see him getting any more ready by watching. He needs to win the job out of camp and get the starters reps in practice and games. Running the scout team can only take him so far. Bringing in Carr would basically be flushing another year down the toilet. He's no more ready to run the offense than the other two guys on the roster who have been here a season. Do you really want to push this rebuild back another season? The only way the coach gets canned is if the team goes 2-14 and the players quit on him.

I guess we just disagree on several fronts. First, I think Jackson can learn from running the second team and getting a few reps in practice each week with the first team. It will make him understand the game better and let him learn more about reading blitzes, etc. without having to run for his life. Many a QB has watched for a couple of years and developed as a backup.I really don't think Carr is that bad, he just hasn't had the team to work with. Terrible OL, and one legit WR would be a difficult hand to be dealt. I think they would play better with Carr. He can make the intermediate throw that this offense is predicated on and I think the team could win 5-7 games with Carr. Then open up the QB competition for next year.As this team stands now, I think we win 3-4 games. Seriously. So you say that with Carr we would take a step back, I think that having Jackson behind center takes us back.Now maybe in the long run Jackson will be a stud and this will be spectacular. I am not a doubter of his long term abilities. I just think that having him sit and learn is the way to go.Just my humble opinion.

Exactly. Stop drinking the kooliade, homies. TJAX went from being a DIV II QB to a 2nd RD pick to getting hurt to rehabbing to running the practice squad to starting QB in weeks 16 and 17.Not exactly the progression most take.I'm not saying write the guy off, but seriously, the fluff coming out of Winter Park is condensending. Even the most inept football fan can shift through the #### and know this year is going to suck with a TJAX-Bollinger QB battle in spring. In the NFL, where a couple of key FAs or draft picks can turn your season around (see NO '06), the Vikings spend big money to a backup TE and waiver wire WR.When we have our 1st TV blackouts since pre-Moss, you'll know why. Finally we have a D since '98, the team needs to secure the QB position and WR, and then sign backups to huge deals. For the first time in many, many years (even during the Tice regime); I have no idea what this team is doing.With their recent drafting fiasscos, let's see them pull this together. Make me a believer.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The only way the coach gets canned is if the team goes 2-14 and the players quit on him.

I can absolutely see this happening.

 

[Vikes Fan]

The only way the coach gets canned is if the team goes 2-14 and the players quit on him.

I can absolutely see this happening.

Didn't it seem to anybody else last year like they quit against the Rams?

 

[Vikes Fan]

Pigskin Pimp.

(I didn't want to make this a super long post by quoting the whole thing?)

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Funny sig image from another board...

Vikings draft.

 

[Donnybrook]

Hi, I'd like to place my "Vikings Draft" order if I could?Yeah, I'll take AP in the first, one of Jarrett/Sidney Rice/Jason Hill in the second and Aundrae Allison in the third, please.

I like the first two picks. I curious what you think about taking DE Quentin Moses in the third. I am not sure what round he is going in.

 

[TeamDingo]

Week 13 vs. Detroit, noon, Dec. 2 (Fox)

is there a pool yet for the first blackout?