***OFFICIAL*** Minnesota Vikings 2015 Season Thread (1 Viewer)

[snogger]

So.... who is a free agent veteran QB familiar with Turner's system? Cause that is who we will probably sign.

Found a list here..

1. Mark Sanchez

2. Jake Locker

3. Josh McCown (Signed 3-year, $14M deal with CLE)

4. Brian Hoyer

5. Matt Moore

6. Ryan Mallett

7. Christian Ponder

8. Tarvaris Jackson

9. Shaun Hill

10. Michael Vick

11. Matt Hasselbeck (Re-signed 1-year, $3M deal with IND)

12. Colt McCoy

13. Jimmy Clausen

14. Jason Campbell

15. Dan Orlovsky (Re-signed 1-year deal with DET)

16. Blaine Gabbert

17. Kellen Moore

18. T.J. Yates

19. Tyrod Taylor

20. Matt Flynn

 

[mr roboto]

Bring back TJax!!!!!!

 

[snogger]

Bring back TJax!!!!!!

:finger:

 

[snellman]

So.... who is a free agent veteran QB familiar with Turner's system? Cause that is who we will probably sign.

Hoyer (doubt it, want's a chance to start somewhere) or Campbell in recent past.

 

[DLR]

I hope Bridgewater stays healthy...

 

[Biabreakable]

I hope Bridgewater stays healthy...

Agreed.

Shaun Hill is probably a bit better than Cassell.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Maybe they can work out a deal to get Rodgers from Green Bay to be Teddy's backup!!

 

[DLR]

Erasmus James was much more important than Rodgers.

 

[BigJim®]

So.... who is a free agent veteran QB familiar with Turner's system? Cause that is who we will probably sign.

Hoyer (doubt it, want's a chance to start somewhere) or Campbell in recent past.

This is my bet, after a few weeks of FA disabuses Hoyer of the notion he's going to get a starting opportunity. Backsliding to be reunited with Turner wouldn't be the worst outcome for him.

 

[Donnybrook]

Just like Peyton, I wonder if Peterson would take a $4 M pay cut.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Just like Peyton, I wonder if Peterson would take a $4 M pay cut.

When I think AP, I don't think "magnanimous".

 

[BigJim®]

Just like Peyton, I wonder if Peterson would take a $4 M pay cut.

That would probably fall short of the sort of apology AP is expecting from the Vikes.

 

[DLR]

In Peterson's defense his career will be half as long as Manning's so.... every dollar counts.

 

[Biabreakable]

Free agency shipping list: Cornerbacks

by Andrew Kramer

Before you start chiseling names onto your free agency wish list, remember the Vikings' general philosophy and different cap scenarios. With a week before the new league year begins, there is time for additional moves to gain/lose on their more than $20 million in room.

"You can never have enough [cornerbacks]," coach Mike Zimmer said last month. "I've been thinking a lot about this. All the corners I've been around that turn out good, they have the physical capabilities, but they're all pretty smart and they're all pretty tough -- most of them. Competitive, I guess. Trying to find those guys is important."

If the Vikings are planning to make any kind of 'splash' in free agency, they could look to bolster their secondary with an addition from a somewhat deep cornerback class set to hit the market.

The situation

Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn was one of two open market signings for the Vikings last season and the primary addition to turn around a dismal 2013 secondary. Under Zimmer, defensive coordinator George Edwards and defensive backs coach Jerry Gray, the Vikings as a whole made great strides in pass coverage with individual improvements from Xavier Rhodes, Harrison Smith and even Josh Robinson, who was saved from his misassignment in the slot by Munnerlyn, who had a bumpy first season in Minnesota. Munnerlyn could be relegated to a nickel-only role, he'd practically still be a starter in today's NFL, which would mean general manager Rick Spielman is searching for another outside corner, whether through the draft or free agency. It's worth noting projected first-round pick Trae Waynes, a corner out of Michigan State, wrote this week that he's visiting the Vikings. Jabari Price, Shaun Prater, Jalil Carter, Marcus Sherels and DeMarcus Van Dyke are also under contract.

Level of need

High -- Like guard and safety, the Vikings are currently looking to upgrade a starting spot with an outside corner to complement Rhodes. While they're vetting a top draft option in Waynes, it'll be interesting to see what moves they make this month for the secondary.

Options

Top shelf

Seattle's Byron Maxwell has started 17 games for the Seahawks' back-to-back seasons ending in Super Bowl appearances and is estimated to be the top guy available when the signing period starts on Tuesday. He has what the Vikings are looking for at 6'1" coming from a Seattle secondary that loves to play 1-on-1 with receivers in diverse coverage schemes. Gray was Seattle's defensive backs coach in 2010, the year before Maxwell was drafted, but he certainly still knows people in the building. Will Maxwell cost too much? If so, there are other options. Vikings linebackers coach Adam Zimmer was in Kansas City for part of Brandon Flowers' six-year run as a Chief and now he now may be for hire after one season in San Diego. Flowers is versatile and widely regarded as a good corner, but he reportedly wasn't a great fit for the Chiefs' new direction of press-man coverage under Bob Sutton, which is what Zimmer covets out of his corners. Green Bay's Tramon Williams just turned 31, but has missed only one game in eight seasons for the Packers as a smart cover corner. He's had 111 deflections and 27 interceptions since 2008. San Francisco's Perrish Cox is coming off a breakout season with 17 deflections and five picks. Norv Turner practiced against Cleveland's Buster Skrine, who could be too small at 5'9" for what the Vikings are seeking, though he has recorded 36 deflections in the last two seasons and should have a decent market after him.

Mid shelf

Another pair of 49ers and Packers corners lead off this group with Chris Culliver and Davon House. Culliver (6'0", 199lbs) looks the part: started 14 games last season as predominantly an outside corner; he has accumulated 28 deflections in the last two seasons. House (6'0", 195lbs) is coming off his rookie contract after starting on and off for the Packers since 2012. Turner also knows Arizona veteran Antonio Cromartie, who started his career in San Diego. Cromartie has missed just one game in his nine-year career and is the physical type Zimmer could use if the techniques align. Miami corner/safety Jimmy Wilson is an intriguing option after playing for four seasons with the Dolphins, three under DC Kevin Coyle, who learned as a defensive backs coach for four seasons under Zimmer in Cincinnati from 2008-2011. Jacksonville's Alan Ball is another interesting option at 6'2", 197lbs. Ball turns 30 this month and isn't always on the field, but Zimmer could dial up coaches from his Dallas days to hear more; Ball started his career in Dallas after Zimmer left, from 2007-2011. Adam Zimmer left New Orleans in 2009, a year before Patrick Robinson showed up, but like Gray, he has contacts to call if the Vikings wanted to know more about the pending free agent. If the Vikings were going to add a veteran, a la Chris Crocker, to the secondary this year, that could be Cincinnati's Terrance Newman, who played for Zimmer's Bengals and Cowboys. Houston's Kareem Jackson could also draw a crowd in free agency, though the fit might not be in Minnesota. A couple veterans round out the middle with Detroit's Rashean Mathis and Philadelphia's Cary Williams.

Bargain bin

Ex-Seahawks slot corner Walter Thurmond III only played two games for the Giants after leaving Seattle and won't have as much leverage as he did this time last season. A couple over-30 options include Miami's Cortland Finnegan, Chicago's Charles Tillman, Jacksonville's Will Blackmon and Oakland's Tarell Brown. Younger cheap options include San Diego's Shareece Wright, Philadelphia's Bradley Fletcher, Pittsburgh's Brice McCain, Indy's Darius Butler, Baltimore's Antoine Cason and the Jets' Kyle Wilson.

 

[Biabreakable]

Free agency shopping list: Guards

by Andrew Kramer

Before you start chiseling names onto your free agency wish list, remember the Vikings' general philosophy and different cap scenarios. With a week before the new league year begins, there is time for additional moves to gain/lose on their more than $20 million in room.

General manager Rick Spielman and coach Mike Zimmer like their options for drafting an offensive lineman in late April, but there are a handful of veterans with expiring contracts who could step in and fill the left guard void.

The Vikings cut Charlie Johnson on Friday after he started four seasons in Minnesota, three at left guard. Though the line suffered crippling injuries last season, starters on the left side in Johnson and Matt Kalil also contributed to 51 sacks on Vikings quarterbacks last season, fifth-most in the league.

The situation

To help solidify the left side while trying to keep Kalil going in the right direction, a change was needed at guard even though Spielman, Zimmer and offensive line coach Jeff Davidson also favor continuity. Without Adrian Peterson, Spielman said the style of play needed from their linemen was altered and could've also facilitated the change. Given the age and contract statuses of the other four starters, it'd be surprising to see any more subtractions along that front. The right side, guard Brandon Fusco and tackle Phil Loadholt, are returning from torn pectoral muscles and centerJohn Sullivan, who turns 30 in August, is still on top of his game. The Vikings need to decide on Kalil's fifth-year option this spring as he enters a very important season at left tackle. They used a fifth-round pick on David Yankey last year and could be in the mix depending on any future draft/free agency commitments at guard. Primary backup Joe Berger is a pending free agent entering his 11th season and wants a pay bump after starting nine games -- the second-highest total in his career. If Berger doesn't come back, the Vikings could be in the market for a starter and backup. Guard Vlad Ducasse is also a free agent and not expected to return. Swing tackle Mike Harris is a restricted free agent, but the team could be looking elsewhere for a backup tackle given the position's shaky play last season.

Level of need

High -- Whenever you're looking for a starter, the need should be considered high. Couple that with Berger, Ducasse and Harris set to be free agents and the Vikings may need to inject some new talent into Davidson's group.

Options

Top shelf

While the Vikings boast about the draft's depth, there are a handful of free agent guard options out there. San Francisco's Mike Iupati is one of the top names on the list, but I'm not sold he's a fit for the Vikings. With cutting Johnson and trading Matt Cassel, they've created some workable cap room to make a bid for a big name like Iupati, who Pro Football Focus graded in 2014 as one of the best run blockers and worst pass protectors in the league. If Peterson were returning, I could see the fit. Iupati comes from the Greg Roman 49ers, a physical, run-first behind a fullback offense. Without Peterson, the Vikings became more of a three-wide, spread group to catalyze Teddy Bridgewater's development. That's why I think Denver's Orlando Franklin, a monster of a man at 6'7", 320lbs, could be a better for bolstering the left side of the line. Franklin, 27, is coming off his rookie contract and was ranked by PFF as the 8th-best pass-blocking guard and ranked 13th overall last season. Franklin has missed only one game in four seasons. Cincinnati's Clint Boling is another option coming off his rookie deal after practicing for three seasons against Zimmer's defenses from 2011-2013.

Mid shelf

A couple veterans lead off the mid-range group in Atlanta's Justin Blalock, 31, and Philadelphia's Todd Herremans, 32. Blalock is as durable as they come, missing three games in eight seasons for the Falcons before he was released. He's a 'street free agent,' meaning if the Vikings decided to go that route, he wouldn't count against them when the league awards (2016) compensatory picks. That's the same with Herremans, who was cut after missing 16 games in the last three seasons. Seattle's James Carpenterwas drafted as a tackle out of Alabama with the 25th overall pick in 2011. He began as a right tackle before moving to left guard, suffering a season-ending ACL injury his rookie season. The Seahawks declined his option last spring and would seem to need a lot of coaching after starting off and on for four seasons in Seattle. Detroit's Rob Sims is also set to test the market after starting 16 games for five-straight seasons at guard. Another Berger-like combo center/guard in Chicago's Brian De La Puente could be available as a backup alternative. Three veteran guards round out the middle in Pittsburgh/New York's Willie Colon, 31, Cincinnati's Mike Pollak, 30, and New England's Dan Connolly, 32.

Bargain bin

Some relatively cheaper options include a some tackle/guards in Indianapolis' Joe Reitz and Atlanta's Gabe Carimi, and interior options in St. Louis' Davin Joseph, Miami's Daryn Colledge, Arizona's Paul Fanaika and New York's Adam Snyder.

 

[Biabreakable]

Vikings' free-agent needs: Quarterback

By Ben Goessling | ESPN.com

State of the position: The Vikings have an emerging young starter in Bridgewater, who posted the seventh-highest passer rating by a rookie in NFL history. And at the moment, they have little else; practice squad player Pat Devlinis the only other QB on the roster. The Vikings traded Matt Cassel to the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday, and the word in league circles was they already had another backup quarterback in mind when they dealt Cassel. The Vikings will likely acquire a veteran over the next few weeks.

Draft vs. free agency: There's no chance of the Vikings spending a high pick on a quarterback this year, so the passers they'll be looking at will come at the end of the draft or out of the undrafted free-agent pool. Players like South Alabama's Brandon Bridge or Oregon State's Sean Mannion could make sense in later rounds, but a veteran backup would obviously have to come from somewhere else.

Cream of the crop: Cleveland's Brian Hoyer got his first win as an NFL starting quarterback in Week 3 of the 2013 season against the Vikings, and started three games while Norv Turner was the Browns' offensive coordinator that year. He started 13 games for the Browns in 2014, and if he doesn't get a chance to start for another team, he'd make a lot of sense for the Vikings.

Other options: Tennessee's Charlie Whitehurst, who started his career in San Diego while Turner was the head coach, would have to be acquired in a trade, but his name has been connected to the Vikings in the past week. Other quarterbacks who played for Turner include Jason Campbell and Shaun Hill, and players like Ryan Mallett and Matt Flynn could be on the market. Mark Sanchez and Jake Locker might be options, too, though both would seem interested in chances to start.

Growth from within: Devlin turns 27 in April, and could still blossom into a serviceable backup, but he's probably more of a developmental player than an immediate insurance policy for Bridgewater. If the Vikings wanted to keep him as the third quarterback in their room next year and continue working with him, they could get a decent return on a 6-foot-3 quarterback with solid arm strength.

 

[BigJim®]

Options

Top shelf

While the Vikings boast about the draft's depth, there are a handful of free agent guard options out there. San Francisco's Mike Iupati is one of the top names on the list, but I'm not sold he's a fit for the Vikings. With cutting Johnson and trading Matt Cassel, they've created some workable cap room to make a bid for a big name like Iupati, who Pro Football Focus graded in 2014 as one of the best run blockers and worst pass protectors in the league. If Peterson were returning, I could see the fit. Iupati comes from the Greg Roman 49ers, a physical, run-first behind a fullback offense. Without Peterson, the Vikings became more of a three-wide, spread group to catalyze Teddy Bridgewater's development.

Agree with the author here. If Iupati is bad at pass protection, he is not an option period. Other OLs can tolerate a weakness like that, but the Vikes OL surely can't.

 

[Donnybrook]

When I used the free agent simulator, I signed Bruce Carter to play middle line backer for the Vikings even though he is listed as an outside linebacker.

 

[Biabreakable]

When I used the free agent simulator, I signed Bruce Carter to play middle line backer for the Vikings even though he is listed as an outside linebacker.

There has been some talk about having Hodges play MLB in formations that call for a MLB.

I like Hodges and I think he could play more. I don't think a 3rd LB is a very high priority. Definitely not compared to a second corner.

 

[Donnybrook]

When I used the free agent simulator, I signed Bruce Carter to play middle line backer for the Vikings even though he is listed as an outside linebacker.

There has been some talk about having Hodges play MLB in formations that call for a MLB.

I like Hodges and I think he could play more. I don't think a 3rd LB is a very high priority. Definitely not compared to a second corner.

Agreed but I had Vikings get a outside corner early in the draft. Not saying the simulator is accurate but free agent corners were going for basically double of Carter's salary.Zimmer has been able to get the most out of a very mediocre group of linebackers in Cinci and I could see the Vikings using that to their advantage. It makes me think that may be looking later in the draft to get a linebacker.

 

[Donnybrook]

Bridgewater has be happy that Donkey Kong Suh has left the division. Cassel on the other hand.

 

[DLR]

So.... who is a free agent veteran QB familiar with Turner's system? Cause that is who we will probably sign.

Found a list here..

1. Mark Sanchez

2. Jake Locker

3. Josh McCown (Signed 3-year, $14M deal with CLE)

4. Brian Hoyer

5. Matt Moore

6. Ryan Mallett

7. Christian Ponder

8. Tarvaris Jackson

9. Shaun Hill

10. Michael Vick

11. Matt Hasselbeck (Re-signed 1-year, $3M deal with IND)

12. Colt McCoy

13. Jimmy Clausen

14. Jason Campbell

15. Dan Orlovsky (Re-signed 1-year deal with DET)

16. Blaine Gabbert

17. Kellen Moore

18. T.J. Yates

19. Tyrod Taylor

20. Matt Flynn

and Shaun Hill is the winner!

 

[BigJim®]

Reading the tea leaves it seems like something needs to happen between Murray-Dallas before serious trade negotiations can happen. As long as Murray is a possibility to return to Dallas, they won't offer much. Once Murray signs elsewhere, they'll be obliged to go hard for Peterson. Once Dallas goes all in, teams like Arizona/SF/Oak will have to give a best offer Unfortunately, seems like Demarco is maybe himself holding off on signing elsewhere, hoping to return to Dallas. A true Mexican standoff IMHO. Nice thing is, I don't think the Vikes have any reason to blink first, since the deals McCoy/Lynch signed validate paying AP $13M. Gotta admit, I'd chuckle if Dallas loses both Murray-Peterson when the music stops.

 

[Donnybrook]

Reading the tea leaves it seems like something needs to happen between Murray-Dallas before serious trade negotiations can happen. As long as Murray is a possibility to return to Dallas, they won't offer much. Once Murray signs elsewhere, they'll be obliged to go hard for Peterson. Once Dallas goes all in, teams like Arizona/SF/Oak will have to give a best offer Unfortunately, seems like Demarco is maybe himself holding off on signing elsewhere, hoping to return to Dallas. A true Mexican standoff IMHO. Nice thing is, I don't think the Vikes have any reason to blink first, since the deals McCoy/Lynch signed validate paying AP $13M. Gotta admit, I'd chuckle if Dallas loses both Murray-Peterson when the music stops.

I suspect that Dallas is fine taking a back in the draft. Imagine if they drafted David Johnson in the 3rd round. All of a sudden he would be going top 5 in rookie drafts.

 

[Biabreakable]

I think BigJim is right in a sense, that some other things need to fall into place before a decision is made about Peterson. I think it has to do with the contract he will renegotiate to. He wants $25 million over 3 years which is slightly more than what Murray is seeking and has been offered by the Jaguars. The Cowboys thus far do not seem willing to pay Murray that. I am not sure if they would be willing to pay Peterson that or more.

Arif breaks down recent RB contracts here and what that might mean for Petersons asking price. He also talks about RB age and workload, how that might influence teams valuation of Peterson in terms of how long he has left before significant decline in performance. I disagree with the workload aspect of this evaluation, but at some other time perhaps I will revisit that. He does make an interesting point about the scarcity of RB of Peterson's quality. Which is very rare. I tend to agree with this and I think other NFL teams besides the Vikings recognize the value a player like Peterson adds to a teams ability to win. The Vikings made the playoffs with Ponder as the QB which is proof of how much Peterson can do for a teams bottom line. Then concludes with maintaining that Peterson should be able to get more than a second round pick in value if the Vikings do trade him.

The Cardinals signed Lupati. So that may be an indicator that they have serious interest in improving their running game and pushing hard for Peterson. I am not sure what their salary cap situation is right now.

There are still some free agent RB out there who have not yet signed. like Spiller, Matthews, Forsett who may need to sign before the price for Murray and Peterson can be properly gauged by the teams interested in them is ultimately determined. Once those players are signed there aren't many good RB left in free agency, and that is when the teams interested in Peterson will make their move.

Murray did remove all connections to the Cowboys from his twitter account, which might just be another tactic, but it might mean he doesn't plan to return there as well.

We don't really know what happened when Peterson met with the Wilfs yesterday. It is still possible he remains a Viking. They can afford him. I don't think they are just going to give him away no matter how much of a pita he is.

Clint Boling re-signed with the Bengals, but Wisnewski is still available. He is the only player left from the top 5 targets I linked awhile back. I hope the Vikings make a serious effort to sign him. I sure don't want to go into the draft with only Berger and Yankey competing to play LG. I am not sold on this rookie group of offensive linemen, and I would prefer the Vikings use their 1st round pick on a cornerback.

 

[Biabreakable]

From Peter Kings MMQB :X

• The running back market. Adrian Peterson hasn’t changed his mind about wanting out of Minnesota, I’m told. And if a certain domino falls—Jacksonville or Oakland overpaying DeMarco Murray and pulling him out of Dallas—then Jerry Jones might be willing to deal a good pick for Peterson … Baltimore really wants Justin Forsett back but won’t overpay … The LeSean McCoy contract ($16 million in year one in Buffalo) is having a chilling effect on Dallas’s effort to keep Murray.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I'm ready for them to be done with AP.

DLTDHYWTGLSY

 

[mr roboto]

I'm ready for them to be done with AP.

DLTDHYWTGLSY

Huh?

 

[FunkyPlutos]

From Peter Kings MMQB :X

• The running back market. Adrian Peterson hasn’t changed his mind about wanting out of Minnesota, I’m told. And if a certain domino falls—Jacksonville or Oakland overpaying DeMarco Murray and pulling him out of Dallas—then Jerry Jones might be willing to deal a good pick for Peterson … Baltimore really wants Justin Forsett back but won’t overpay … The LeSean McCoy contract ($16 million in year one in Buffalo) is having a chilling effect on Dallas’s effort to keep Murray.

This would be the best case scenario for the Vikings.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I'm ready for them to be done with AP.

DLTDHYWTGLSY

Huh?

Don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya.

 

[Hov34]

I'm ready for them to be done with AP.

DLTDHYWTGLSY

I'm sort of with you, but then I start thinking about Matt Asiata. :X

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I'm ready for them to be done with AP.

DLTDHYWTGLSY

I'm sort of with you, but then I start thinking about Matt Asiata. :X

McKinnon is okay and there are about a dozen guys they can draft in round 3+ that would suffice.

 

[Prowler]

Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter



Vikings announced they signed former Rams QB Shaun Hill.

 

[BigJim®]

I'm ready for them to be done with AP.

DLTDHYWTGLSY

I totally agree with this. OTOH I'm willing to tolerate AP for however long it takes for Spielman to turn lemons into lemonade. Seems like the quicker the Vikes act here, the worse off the team will be. Outright release should hopefully be out of the question. If you need to pay $13M for a player of Peterson's caliber, you just do it. Not a question in my mind the Vikes would be in the playoff hunt with Peterson in 2015. You have to think they could have been in 2014 with Peterson.

 

[snogger]

Thinking out loud here but.. let's say Dallas resigns Murray.. Raiders or Jags might be wiling to give up their 1st round pick for Adp ( might be dreaming, then again we are talking about poorly managed teams here) .. so Vikes use that pick on Melvin Gordan and still have their own pick to use as they see fit..

 

[BrainDeadGenius]

There is so much wrong with that post, I don't know where to begin. Neither team would trade their 1st rounder for Peterson and there's zero chance the Vikings would take a RB that high.

Anyway, I guess I really don't see how Peterson has any leverage. The Vikings are in great salary cap position and have him signed for the next 3 seasons... Peterson isn't going anywhere.

 

[BigJim®]

Probably no sense in holding our breath for Murray to blink first... tonight's PFT update is humorous:

Per a league source, running back DeMarco Murray will not be making any decisions tonight. That counters increase reports, rumors, and speculation that Murray is closing in on a new contract.The source says Murray most likely will make a visit soon. The destination isn’t currently known.

The Raiders, Eagles, and Jaguars have shown interest in the 2014 rushing champion. At least one of those teams believes Murray eventually will return to Dallas. A source close to Murray says that conclusion is premature.

This guy is more wishy-washy with his freedom than those poor saps in Hall Pass.

 

[snogger]

There is so much wrong with that post, I don't know where to begin. Neither team would trade their 1st rounder for Peterson and there's zero chance the Vikings would take a RB that high.

Anyway, I guess I really don't see how Peterson has any leverage. The Vikings are in great salary cap position and have him signed for the next 3 seasons... Peterson isn't going anywhere.

Again, it was just thinking out loud based on the ADP doesn't want to return vibe out there right now.. Why not possibly take advantage of desperate teams.. Raiders have been getting by free agents, and look to be at the bottom of the Murray sweepstakes if he decides to leave, so they might be just desperate enough.

If the Vikings had two first round picks why wouldn't they try to grab a RB to replace ADP if they traded him?

Besides the Raiders are the Raiders.. Hell, they've used a 1st round pick for a flippin Kicker before..

As for Peterson.. If he wants out, the team is MUCH better off finding someone that wants to trade for him then keep him and force him to play under his contract..

Don't think Zimmer would want to deal with discontent all season from a player who doesn't want to play for him no matter how much talent he has..

 

[snogger]

Probably no sense in holding our breath for Murray to blink first... tonight's PFT update is humorous:

Per a league source, running back DeMarco Murray will not be making any decisions tonight. That counters increase reports, rumors, and speculation that Murray is closing in on a new contract.The source says Murray most likely will make a visit soon. The destination isn’t currently known.

The Raiders, Eagles, and Jaguars have shown interest in the 2014 rushing champion. At least one of those teams believes Murray eventually will return to Dallas. A source close to Murray says that conclusion is premature.

This guy is more wishy-washy with his freedom than those poor saps in Hall Pass.

Dallas "Low balled" him.. Offering "only" $5M a year They either feel there is no market for him, or they really don't want him back.

 

[snogger]

If all goes as planned, DeMarco Murray will be an Eagle by the end of the day.

That’s the word from Adam Schefter of ESPN

If ADP does want out, Dallas may be back in play for his services

 

[BigJim®]

If all goes as planned, DeMarco Murray will be an Eagle by the end of the day.

That’s the word from Adam Schefter of ESPN

If ADP does want out, Dallas may be back in play for his services

LOL... well JMHO this is all a game being waged through the media. Now Dallas has "leaked" that they are moving on, convinced Murray is signing with Eagles (yeah, right... should have included parenthetical "Dallas calls bluff"). Just someone do something other than leaking propaganda to news outlets already, so we can resolve the AP situation.

Pure insanity going on in Philly. Oh well, let's start the AP bidding Dallas...

 

[Donnybrook]

espn_watkins ‏@espn_watkins

Source: Jasper Brinkley agrees to deal http://es.pn/18gSU2g

Vikings sure are keeping a strong hold on the purse strings. Shaun Hill is their only free agent that wasn't their own.

 

[Biabreakable]

Yeah the first wave of free agency is getting close to complete now I think and the Vikings have basically brought back their depth players. I think they are serious about keeping Peterson if he likes it or not unless something makes them change their mind. If they would have been able to deal him earlier on, then perhaps they would have gone after a big free agent with the freed up money. Too late to know now.

Wisnewski is still available last time I checked.but visiting the Seahawks who need a center.

 

[snogger]

Yeah the first wave of free agency is getting close to complete now I think and the Vikings have basically brought back their depth players. I think they are serious about keeping Peterson if he likes it or not unless something makes them change their mind. If they would have been able to deal him earlier on, then perhaps they would have gone after a big free agent with the freed up money. Too late to know now.

Wisnewski is still available last time I checked.but visiting the Seahawks who need a center.

I think Zimmer is one of those type of coaches that believes on Coaching those on the team rather then trying to "Buy" a team aka Raiders, Redskins, etc..

I think now that the hoopla is calming down they will go after some of the 2nd string FA that they feel fit their team..

At this point I won't be in regards to whatever happens with ADP aka.. stay or traded..

If he stays hopefully it is because he wants to stay so we don't have to hear about him wanting out all year..

 

[snogger]

and now Tampa jumps into the fray:

According to a league source close to the situation, the Bucs have had internal discussions of trading for Peterson. Whether the pursuit for the veteran tailback has already occurred or will occur, no clear answer was given. Instead, I was told there are "aggressive" plans in place.

Love this part:

Now, before anyone gets too carried away with this. . .yes, the Buccaneers have the #1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Anybody that thinks they're going to be trading that pick in exchange for Peterson has been eating paint chips.

But the Bucs have plenty of other assets they could be sending the way of the Minnesota Vikings in a potential deal. They have the second pick of the second round (#34 overall), and could throw in other picks as well.

Frankly, at this point, I think most of us just want to see this whole thing resolved one way or another, because it sure seems like the rest of the Vikings' offseason has been put on hold until this whole thing works itself out. One way or another, it's time to move forward.

Agree 100% with the final statement..

 

[Hov34]

So they missed out on all the Guards? What are they going to do at LG?

 

[Biabreakable]

There are still some guards the Vikings could pursue. Just not top notch guards.

Justin Blaylock is a bit old for a Vikings FA target. But guards usually can play well in their 30's (he is 31 right now) at least into their mid 30s.

Here is the free agent list sorted by guards. After Blaylock things get back to Charlie Johnson level of prospect again. Davin Joseph was a good player at one point, but I don't think he has been good for quite a few years now. I think he had an injury awhile back that he never really returned to former form.

Stephen Wisnewski is still available and has been the guy I have wanted the Vikings to pursue all along. He can play Guard or Center. I have not heard the Vikings say they are interested in him however. There are a few other centers that might be decent guys to sign, but I am not sure if they can play Guard well or not.

 

[Donnybrook]

If we do part ways with Peterson, I wouldn't mind if the Vikings picked up Pierre Thomas. A good guys to pair with McKinnon in a Norv Turner offense.

 

[brianj74]

If we do part ways with Peterson, I wouldn't mind if the Vikings picked up Pierre Thomas. A good guys to pair with McKinnon in a Norv Turner offense.

When is a decision made regarding AP or at least a rough ETA ?

 

[snogger]

If we do part ways with Peterson, I wouldn't mind if the Vikings picked up Pierre Thomas. A good guys to pair with McKinnon in a Norv Turner offense.

When is a decision made regarding AP or at least a rough ETA ?

Your guess is as good as anyone's..

No one knows if he wants to stay, if he wants to go, if the Vikings want him to stay, or if the Vikings want him to go..

So far there has been LOTS of but nothing concrete.