***OFFICIAL*** Minnesota Vikings 2016 Season Thread (1 Viewer)

[Johnny Rock]

Did they overpay? Who cares? The Vikings have been pondering hehe this for days. You get your guy...period. I give Wilf credit for doing what they had to do.

Still have Heinecke coming back to develop as well. 

When you hit on picks like they have and develop depth like they have, you can give up the 1st Rounder. 

We're back in the game boys!

 

[Johnny Rock]

Vikes guys - for Dynasty - to get a deal done, I might need to take Charles Johnson/3 year contract, off a guys hands to save him dead years/cap room...I have room to stash him. Worth it?

Since you have room I definitely would. He's the #2 right now and has looked pretty good so far, and targeted, while coming off injury last year. 

Just two years ago he broke out and he's far from done. I see upside, especially if you get him for nothing. 

 

[snellman]

Since you have room I definitely would. He's the #2 right now and has looked pretty good so far, and targeted, while coming off injury last year. 

Just two years ago he broke out and he's far from done. I see upside, especially if you get him for nothing. 

I would make the trade as well.  Sounds like the team is shopping Wright as well.  In the 3 WR sets in the preseason we saw a lot of Johnson, Diggs and Thielen.  Will probably be a matter of time before Treadwell cuts in, but Johnson has shown like he is ready to go and looks like the Johnson of 2 years ago as opposed to the Johnson of last year.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

This front office has a plan. No need to panic

oops

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

My initial reaction is that the Vikes just pulled another Mike Lynn.  They seem, in my mind, to have misperceived their window and current skill and seem to have sold the future for a questionable here and now.  Maybe I am wrong, it certainly would not be unprecedented.

 

[sports_fan]

Philly made out like  bandits but I'm ok with it. He's not Teddy but Norv Turner will get decent play out of him. They would have been painful to watch under Shaun Hill.

 

[flapgreen]

Did they overpay? Who cares? The Vikings have been pondering hehe this for days. You get your guy...period. I give Wilf credit for doing what they had to do.

Still have Heinecke coming back to develop as well. 

When you hit on picks like they have and develop depth like they have, you can give up the 1st Rounder. 

We're back in the game boys!

This is homerism at its best.  Embarrassing move for a garbage qb.  

 

[Andy Dufresne]

My initial reaction is that the Vikes just pulled another Mike Lynn.  They seem, in my mind, to have misperceived their window and current skill and seem to have sold the future for a questionable here and now.  Maybe I am wrong, it certainly would not be unprecedented.

Slow down, bro. They gave up one pick next year and one the year after. This isn't anywhere near a Herschel type trade.

 

[flapgreen]

This front office has a plan. No need to panick. Last round of cuts is today and they will add a qb. I don't see them trading for a guy even as teams try to stash all of their qbs. They won't do something in a panick that will hurt them in the future. Kap won't happen. A 3rd for McCown won't happen. Bryce Petty might happen, unless the Jets can convince the league his shoulder bruise is serious enough to deserve the IR tag. Heinicke is also ahead if schedule in his rehab and could be back after week 2 or 3.

O RLY? 

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

Slow down, bro. They gave up one pick next year and one the year after. This isn't anywhere near a Herschel type trade.

Not in magnitude, not by a long shot.  It does feel to me, however, like a similar in that they perceive, or I would argue misperceive a window and a need.

At any rate it is bold and should create renewed interest in the Vikes for a year that a few days ago had a pall over it.

Oh, and if you thought my intent was only to rip on the Vikes my Packers have the John Hadl trade in their history.  Look that bad boy up if you want a laugh.  Maybe not quite the Vikes trade, but damn close.  I still have nightmares over that.

 

[Donnybrook]

Spielman traded for Bradford because the Eagles informed him that  AJ Feely has retired.  Nice knowing you Rick. 

 

[snogger]

Seems a bit "Rich" for Bradford, but they needed to do something..

IMO, Bradford could be a decent fit in this Offense.
He won't be asked to go out there and sling it like he had to with the Rams and the Eagles..
If he plays within the system, he could be the "Brad Johnson" this team needs right now.

 

[Biabreakable]

Well I didn't really see that coming.

Quarterback Sam Bradford acquired by Vikings from Philadelphia Eagles

Bradford makes 7 million this year and according to the article above is at least partially why they released John Sullivan, to free up the cap space needed for the move.

According to this, Bradofrd is owed 17 million next season which seems like a lot.So he has kind of a prove it deal.

I am perfectly fine with Bradford and Teddy competing for this job next season, if Teddy is recovered enough by that time to do so. This gives the Vikings an option for if he isn't.

I would like to hear what Norv Turner thinks of Bradford, but we have to assume he signed off on this as Bradford being a guy he can work with.

When I think of Sam Bradford, I think of that interception he threw to Everson Griffen a few years back off the zone blitz. He just did not see him. I have seen Bradford make some other pretty questionable throws as well. He does have the physical tools to play the position, I just wonder about what he has going on upstairs.

I think this helps Charles Johnson as Sam should be able to find him deep.

I didn't want to, but I guess I am going to be watching a bunch of Sam Bradford in the days ahead and trying not to puke.

 

[Donnybrook]

According to this, Bradofrd is owed 17 million next season which seems like a lot.So he has kind of a prove it deal.

So you are saying we gave up a first round pick for a 1 year rental.  This just gets better. 

 

[Andy Dufresne]

So you are saying we gave up a first round pick for a 1 year rental.  This just gets better. 

That's two years

 

[Biabreakable]

So you are saying we gave up a first round pick for a 1 year rental.  This just gets better. 

No. But that is a lot of money if we keep him next season.

You seem to have it all figured out though so...

 

[Donnybrook]

No. But that is a lot of money if we keep him next season.

You seem to have it all figured out though so...

They only way the Vikings pay him 17 M next season is if he wins the Super Bowl and I don't see that happening.  (With his track record - he will be lucky to make it through the season)

 

[Andy Dufresne]

If he plays well they'll renegotiate a long term contract and that number will be greatly reduced.

 

[Dismattle]

Dont worry about next Season..  Sam may be willing to renegotiate his contract once Todd is back on the field

 

[Biabreakable]

Yeah that is why teams can restructure contracts.

Bradofrds current contract does seem structured as a prove it deal. If he plays well then the Vikings can look at extending his contract next season and make it more cap friendly in the process. If he doesn't play well they can try to trade him.

I am not a fan of Bradford but willing to keep an open mind about this for awhile.

Going back to what Jim was talking about earlier, I would like to see some competition at QB. So I am hoping Bradford plays well enough to provide that if/when Teddy comes back. Good for both players and good for the team to have competition.

The Vikings will just need to find a way to afford it. With the cap going up every year I think a team can likely afford 25 million or more of it tied up at the most important position and I am not against doing that.

Teddy will be on the fourth year of his rookie deal next season and they can use the 5th year option to keep him a year after that, so this part of the pair is still inexpensive for now.

I just want to give Bradford a chance. I know he hasn't been that good thus far in his career, but he is still a lot better than Hill. I will save the doom and gloom for later if necessary.

 

[Deamon]

If he plays well they'll renegotiate a long term contract and that number will be greatly reduced.

Exactly.  He wants to sign long term and will sign for cheaper.

 

[skol asylum]

My initial reaction is that the Vikes just pulled another Mike Lynn.  They seem, in my mind, to have misperceived their window and current skill and seem to have sold the future for a questionable here and now.  Maybe I am wrong, it certainly would not be unprecedented.

Don't like giving up a 1 either but pick 32 is no guarantee if you think about it. I like the agressiveness. I was hoping for Glennon or McCarron so they had a young guy to develop in case Teddy can't make it back. Bradford has had his own injuries. Hopefully he stays healthy and finally puts it all together. His number are sort of Bridgewater like. High completion percentage with slightly more yardage and not enough TDs. I like this move more than bringing in someone like Vick or McCown.

 

[BigJim®]

They only way the Vikings pay him 17 M next season is if he wins the Super Bowl and I don't see that happening.  (With his track record - he will be lucky to make it through the season)

So, you agree then it could be a 1 year rental for a 1st.

 

[sports_fan]

I don't care even if it is a 1 year rental. I get why outsiders are bashing it but if you're a fan of the team a 1st rounder is worth it to make the team watchable. I know I would have had difficulty sitting through full games if we had to endure a season of Shaun Hill as the starter. 

 

[Biabreakable]

I was starting to think about the wildcat and Jerrick McKinnon getting the ball to Peterson once in awhile.

This seems like a better option. 

 

[Donnybrook]

"People are asking for some crazy things," Spielman said, via USA Today. "People think we're desperate."

People played you like a violin. Rick.  Good news is that I don't feel obliged to defend him anymore.  I think a fair price for both sides would have been a 3rd round pick. 

 

[Biabreakable]

I am curious to hear what kinds of offers Spielman got.

Likely teams wanting Barr or Rhodes or players like that.

 

[Johnny Rock]

"People are asking for some crazy things," Spielman said, via USA Today. "People think we're desperate."

People played you like a violin. Rick.  Good news is that I don't feel obliged to defend him anymore.  I think a fair price for both sides would have been a 3rd round pick. 

PHI other QBs are Chase Daniels and Wentz. PHI has a responsibility to their owners and fans too. They gave up their best QB. We can speculate about the price all we want but they likely kicked the tires on all teams. 

Bottom line is the Vikings are a better team today and it gives them a better chance to win. This is a pretty damn good football team. They owe it to the rest of the team to do what it takes. Of course we would have rather they not spent a high pick. But would you rather roll with an Aaron Murray-type, Vick or Sanchez and keep your #1, or Bradford? No brainer for me. Bradford. 

Vikings gave up a first and two- thirds for Jared Allen. How did that work out? Awesome. Again, I'm not saying this will work out in the Vikings favor. But they had to do something and they stepped up. It's not like they only have one first rounder in the next five years or something. Geez. 

 

[Biabreakable]

Report: Minnesota Vikings Shopping Jarius Wright

Or not.

 

[Donnybrook]

PHI other QBs are Chase Daniels and Wentz. PHI has a responsibility to their owners and fans too. They gave up their best QB. We can speculate about the price all we want but they likely kicked the tires on all teams. 

Bottom line is the Vikings are a better team today and it gives them a better chance to win. This is a pretty damn good football team. They owe it to the rest of the team to do what it takes. Of course we would have rather they not spent a high pick. But would you rather roll with an Aaron Murray-type, Vick or Sanchez and keep your #1, or Bradford? No brainer for me. Bradford. 

Vikings gave up a first and two- thirds for Jared Allen. How did that work out? Awesome. Again, I'm not saying this will work out in the Vikings favor. But they had to do something and they stepped up. It's not like they only have one first rounder in the next five years or something. Geez. 

Some GMs wouldn't pay the Eagles price: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/the-eagles-wanted-an-outrageous-price-for-sam-bradford-and-the-broncos-wouldnt-pay/

 

[Biabreakable]

Minnesota Vikings Waive DE Stephen Weatherly

From what I saw of him in the last preseason game he played well. Walked back the tackle with good leverage and strength. Not sure he will make it to the practice squad as other teams may be interested in him.

Willie Beavers also cut.

Minnesota Vikings 53-Man Roster

David Morgan and Kentrell Brothers were the other rookies to make it besides Treadwell and Alexander.

Only keeping 2 guards seems like at least one less than we should, even though they kept 3 centers. Perhaps another move there on the way.

 

[Heatman]

oops

Yeah oops is right! I actually thought things were going to be different around here. It's like being in the movie groundhogs day and watching the movie dumb and dumber over and over.

Yes, I pray Im eating crow on that statement by seasons end... highly doubt it though.

 

[Biabreakable]

The Eagles cut McLeod Bethel-Thompson, QB should the Vikings want him back.

 

[skol asylum]

Give me A GM who's willing to be aggressive rather than sit on his hands and accept disaster for a full season anyday. 

 

[skol asylum]

The Eagles cut McLeod Bethel-Thompson, QB should the Vikings want him back.

Might not be a bad idea.

 

[Rogi]

Considering draft picks don't always pan out I can live with this.  Vikings were desperate and considering their options they did okay.  Bradford doesn't have to carry the team on his shoulders and won't be expected to throw 50 passes a game like he did with Chip Kelly.

 

[mr roboto]

https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-vikings-find-bridgewater-replacement-in-sam-bradford-trade/

Let’s look at the top takeaways for both teams in this deal:

1. The Vikings should again be considered a Super Bowl contender with Sam Bradford under center.

This trade was triggered by the Vikings’ current roster situation. Armed with one of the best defenses in the league, running back Adrian Peterson’s likely last few days of glory, and a young receiving corps, losing Bridgewater brought them from championship contender status to top-10-pick-in-the-draft contender. They acted quickly. (Check out colleague Sam Monson’s analysis following the Bridgewater injury here.)

Enter Bradford, who could now write a book about the number of offensive systems he’s played in since entering the league in 2010. From a traditional West-Coast offense, to a Patriots-centric offensive led by Josh McDaniels, to Chip Kelly’s up-tempo system, and now to offensive coordinator Norv Turner’s vertical passing system, Bradford has yet to settle in as he enters his seventh year in the league.

Inconsistency and injuries have marred Bradford’s career, as strong play is often followed by a disastrous game, all while the injury bug has been all too prevalent. When healthy, he has settled in as a mid-tier quarterback, capable of throwing accurately to the short and intermediate levels of the field while showing better than expected throwing down the field. If there’s a knock, the stats have always seemed to lag behind his play as he’s never been surrounded by a talented group of playmakers.

Last season, Bradford played with the worst receiving corps in the league, a group that dropped 7.6 percent of his passes to lead the league. He missed all of 2014, and while there was some early-season rust, he was one of the top-graded quarterbacks during the second half of the season. On the season, he actually finished 12th in PFF quarterback grades, at 85.3, one spot ahead of 13th-place Bridgewater at 82.6.

 

[Johnny Rock]

Yeah oops is right! I actually thought things were going to be different around here. It's like being in the movie groundhogs day and watching the movie dumb and dumber over and over.

Yes, I pray Im eating crow on that statement by seasons end... highly doubt it though.

Coming on the heels of the "oops" comment, what does this post even mean? State a position. 

 

[Heatman]

Coming on the heels of the "oops" comment, what does this post even mean? State a position. 

This is the Vikings thread correct? I was posting in reference to an "oops" comment that was in reference to a comment I made about the Vikings front office correct? It's all right there if you read it all. Here I'll state it plainly for you. I was talking about the Vikings front office. Don't be an ***.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Sam Bradford trade shows Vikings won't give in

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000695031/article/sam-bradford-trade-shows-vikings-wont-give-in

 

[Dismattle]

This front office has a plan. No need to panick. Last round of cuts is today and they will add a qb. I don't see them trading for a guy even as teams try to stash all of their qbs. They won't do something in a panick that will hurt them in the future. Kap won't happen. A 3rd for McCown won't happen. Bryce Petty might happen, unless the Jets can convince the league his shoulder bruise is serious enough to deserve the IR tag. Heinicke is also ahead if schedule in his rehab and could be back after week 2 or 3.

Seriously not to upset ya or nothing of that nature

But it seems like ya hoped your team would consider a guy probably not even close to nfl starting talent

Do you believe Hill is the answer for the complete Season n Playoffs?

Im pretty firm believer in "show me a team with two QB;s, and ill show you a Team w/o a QB"

Second Question  Do you feel Hill could outplay Bradford?

 

[Biabreakable]

The QB controversy where a team has two QB but isn't sure which one is better than the other means a team does not have any QB is when both of the teams QB suck. I don't see how this applicable here, although some folks may think both Bradford and Teddy suck, I don't really agree with that. I think both of them are capable starters in the NFL and when Teddy comes back I hope this is a open competition between the two QB and may the best player start. The Vikings will be in  a position where they have a starting quality back up then, whichever player does not win the start fair and square. I have more optimism about Teddy becoming a better player than Bradford has been, but no evidence to support that Teddy has been better than Bradford thus far.

Sam Bradford isn't a great QB but I do think he is good enough to start for half the teams in the NFL. Teddy may be a better QB than Bradford is, but he has not played at a higher level than Bradford has yet in his career.

Going into his 3rd season I and pretty much everyone was expecting him to take a step forward in his development. That is a projection however, we will never know if he would have accomplished that or not. Teddy's injury was very serious. We do not know how well he will recover from it or when he will get back to the level he was playing at, if he does. That level of play was in need of improvement as well, which we don't know if he would have achieved that, or will achieve that when he returns to health. 

I don't think there is any way you could argue that Hill is a better QB than Bradford right now. Bradford is a better QB than all of the QB who have been cut and could be hard without giving up something. Sanchez was probably the best QB who was cut, the Cowboys had waiver priority and they picked him up before the Vikings could have. The Broncos are not in a better QB situation right now than the Vikings were with only Hill, and they let Sanchez go.

The season is about to begin. This is the time of the season when teams are the least likely to part with a starter at the QB position. The Eagles were going to start Bradford and he likely would have held on to the job all season because he is significantly better than their other current options. They had some willingness to trade Bradford however because him and his agent made a stink about not liking Wentz being the heir apparent and to recover some of the value they spent moving up to get Wentz, which required multiple moves on their part. That is a unique situation. Most of the other teams were not even slightly interested in parting with their starter or even their back up QBs who they are invested in and have plans for.

While I can understand the sentiment of not panicking or doing something drastic. The situation did create an emergency and something needed to be done. No you do not want to ever be in that situation, but when you are I think it is better to act than to just sit on your hands and do nothing.

The Vikings had to overpay a bit because of the timing of the deal. I am ok with that under the circumstances.

I also like that the Vikings have a QB for next season should Teddys recovery take a long time. This sets up a situation where the Vikings can have competition and depth at the QB position going forward unless they decide to trade Bradford at some point down the road.

QBs tend to play some of their best football once they have matured a bit in the NFL. This is the stage Bradford is in his career. He will likely play some of his best football for his next 4-5 seasons.

 

[Heatman]

Seriously not to upset ya or nothing of that nature

But it seems like ya hoped your team would consider a guy probably not even close to nfl starting talent

Do you believe Hill is the answer for the complete Season n Playoffs?

Im pretty firm believer in "show me a team with two QB;s, and ill show you a Team w/o a QB"

Second Question  Do you feel Hill could outplay Bradford?

To answer your question I don't think Hill is a franchise QB no. Do I think he could get the team to the playoffs? Possibly. But things can and do happen in the NFL and I was hoping they would not panick and give up a 1st round pick for a guy worth a 3rd. Bradford is not a franchise QB either imo.

Heck he was traded to the Eagles for Nick Foles for crying out loud. (His career Quarterback rating does beat Blaine Gabbert, Chad Henne and Mark Sanchez so at least he's not last) Even if they gave up a 2nd at least it would be better but a 1st plus a 4th. The 4th which they are hoping will be a 3rd or even 2nd. (If it ends up being a 1st and 2nd I will be quite happy however, but that is money wasted in Vegas)

Do you think Bradford can take this team to the superbowl? Because that's what needs to happen for what they gave up. You don't give up a first for a QB who can hopefully help you make the playoffs. 

This team is still built around the running game. With an O line that still has to prove it can pass protect. Bradford has played all of 2 full seasons having torn his left ACL twice. I hope they can keep him healthy or that 1st will be in the IR next to Teddy.

The only thing that makes sense out of this whole thing is that they believe Teddy could be out a long time or maybe even be done. That would be horrible imo. Great guy and a better QB than most give him credit for.

If that's the case and he is done than we just traded for the guy they believe can be the future of the franchise... as a friend of mine put it "I can't believe I became a Vikings fan after the Rams moved to LA and I'm going to be stuck watching Bradford again." Not exactly a ringing endorsment from a knowledgable former Rams fan.

To answer your second question I don't think Hill can outplay Bradford. But the gap is unfortunately much smaller than most think imo. 

Did I mention he has yet to win a game against the NFC North in his career?

Sorry that I rambled on so long, just frustrated by this whole thing. I've said it earlier in this thread. I hope I'm eating crow with these comments come the end of the season. I'll be the first one on here admitting I was wrong... We shall see...

 

[Biabreakable]

Heatman the reason Bradford was traded for Foles and a 5th round pick is because the Rams wanted to get out of his contract at that time. Foles had just played very well over a short time frame with the Eagles as well, so his value was inflated at the time of that trade. Foles sucked with Fisher and was not able to hold the starting job. Bradford played pretty well for the Eagles and was going to be their starter this season. It is not really fair to value Bradford based on what the Rams did when trading him, as this trade clearly ended up being a win for the Eagles.

If this trade had been offering around draft time, I could see the value of the deal possibly being less. It wasn't made at this time (when teams would have time to adjust their plans after a deal) and because of the timing, the Vikings had to pay more. That is not ideal and I think it is fair to say the Vikings should have worked on a better back up option than Hill during this time, when the price may have been more reasonable, but they didn't so here we are.

I am not really too excited about watching Sam Bradford either. I think Bradford's deficiencies are mental. I don't think he reads defenses very well. Too often I think he decides where and how he is going to throw the ball before the snap, which leads to interceptions because he doesn't always read the defense correctly or adjust to the defense after the snap. In this way I think Bridgewater is a better QB than Bradford is.

Bradford does have all of the physical tools to be a quality QB starter in the NFL. It is more the mental aspect of his game that I think is lacking. That said I think he is much better than Hill who is past his prime now.

 

[Dismattle]

While Bradford had me feeling the fool that first Season 

I liked his resume in College..

I was staring at him in my draft..

But boy I thought I had the Rams all misconstrued that first Season IF not longer

Sadly/Luckily I felt vindicated down the road..

Anyway I will drop the discussion based on the fact that it appears we can both agree that Hill would not have any chance of leading the Team to the SB

The merits of any additions should either be viewed as necessary  OR  complacent

But for someone who watched many Vikings games just to enjoy Randy Moss..  I sure hope it leaned more towards necessary

I enjoy poking Fun at some Football choices..  Do you see how often 1st round picks bust?  How about the 1st pick overall   Im pretty sure it happens, even if Coachs can somehow downplay their mistakes.. 

While I do agree that the top few picks can have an increased chance of success..  But, we will still continue to see additions which are similar to square in the round peg hole  (eye-blinders)  DE's still need Corners, and solid LBer's cant be overlooked   (The very best ballhawk addition at FS could just make it worse)

Quarterback development becomes the key point of interest at this time..  IF the Coachs believe, and the players can be trusted.  There might be a chance.  Most any name you could otherwise mention would probably be meant with some degree of complacency.. 

 

[IHEARTFF]

Considering draft picks don't always pan out I can live with this. 

Yeah, sometimes 1st rounders bust, like Sam Bradf.....

 

[skol asylum]

Yeah, sometimes 1st rounders bust, like Sam Bradf.....

Way too early to say that.

 

[IHEARTFF]

Way too early to say that.

6 years of practically nothing is too early to call him a bust?

 

[cstu]

6 years of practically nothing is too early to call him a bust?

Obviously a bust for the Rams but jury is still out on his career.  I have my doubts that he'll ever stay healthy enough to reach his potential.

 

[scott46984]

PHI other QBs are Chase Daniels and Wentz. PHI has a responsibility to their owners and fans too. They gave up their best QB. We can speculate about the price all we want but they likely kicked the tires on all teams. 

Bottom line is the Vikings are a better team today and it gives them a better chance to win. This is a pretty damn good football team. They owe it to the rest of the team to do what it takes. Of course we would have rather they not spent a high pick. But would you rather roll with an Aaron Murray-type, Vick or Sanchez and keep your #1, or Bradford? No brainer for me. Bradford. 

Vikings gave up a first and two- thirds for Jared Allen. How did that work out? Awesome. Again, I'm not saying this will work out in the Vikings favor. But they had to do something and they stepped up. It's not like they only have one first rounder in the next five years or something. Geez. 

Completely agree with johnnyrock here.  Donnybrook you clearly oppose this trade based on your past many comments, but I would much rather the Vikes try to do something to address the situation based on who they thought was the best option for their offense.  Assuming someone like Mccown was even available, they obviously felt giving up what they did for Bradford was a better option than someone who would cost less, and presumably also deliver less of what they felt they needed.  I'm good with this deal, actually very glad they were willing to take a chance to perhaps salvage what they think could be a very good season.  Time will tell if it was the correct decision, but like someone pointed out in the Bradford to MN post, don't discount the fact that if Teddy comes back healthy they can trade one of these guys later and likely recoup much if not all of what they gave up. Glad Spielman had the balls to take a risk to improve the situation rather than take the easy way out and say they caught a bad break.