Who Goes, Who Stays: Vikings Consider Free Agency

For the Minnesota Vikings to succeed in 2009, or at least build on their division title of 2008, they must look at free agency losses, gains, and of course, the draft. In a previous article, I addressed the QB position, and my position was for the Vikings to pursue Jeff Garcia as an UFA; but there are other components to a very complex situation that every team wrestles with each and every year.

The Vikings have 18 UFA’s and five RFA’s. They are roughly $20 million under the cap. When you balance needs with money, sometimes you don’t always end up with a recipe for success, but let’s give this a shot.

Must keeps are: Birk, Kleinsasser, and Farwell. Birk continues to excel at center. Do not judge one bad snap for a season’s worth of work. Kleinsasser is crucial to Peterson’s running success, and Farwell is one of the better special teams players on the team.

I would also try to hang onto Jimmy Kennedy because Pat Williams and/or Kevin Williams might be lost for four games due to the ongoing steroids investigation, and even if they don’t have to serve a suspension, Kennedy might be a good reclamation project that could surprise many. He was a first round draft choice by the way.

Marcus Johnson is a capable back up, so he should be placed in the "keep" department. I would also try to re-sign Harris as a back up LB. He’s a good veteran to have.

In the DB field, Sapp is a good nickel, or dime back. Also, Viking fans should remember that Henderson, Gordon, Farwell, and Udeze should all return next season. That is like adding four new players to an already strong defense.

As for the losses, I say Sharper has dressed for the last time in a Viking uniform. He costs too much for the little productivity this year, and Tyrell Johnson should be ready to step in. The others on the list will probably garner little or no interest from other teams, other than teams that might be fooled with the, “He played on Minnesota’s stout defense so he must be good” theory.

As for obtaining free agents, the Vikings might be in a situation where they need to be careful. I realize many are calling for Minnesota to go after Cassell (he will be franchised), but what do they forfeit for someone who has played for one season? I have expressed my desire to get Garcia, draft a QB at 22 or 23 (wherever they fall) and work from there.

The Vikings need a few positions solidified in order to make a strong post-season push. QB and head coach aside, they need a solid No. 2 WR.

Berrian is a good vertical threat, and Wade is capable underneath (most of the time), but Rice has not panned out (too injury prone it seems) and Allison is not a No. 2. In the free agent market there are three guys the Vikings should consider. "Housh-a-your-mouth" from Cinncy will cost too much. He will most likely want Berrian or more type money.

So that leaves a few second tier guys like Henderson from the Saints, Hurd from the Cowboys, and Shaun McDonald of the Lions. The only problem is that these guys are similar in size to Wade.

Defensive back: You talk about rolling the dice, the DB position is one of the more risky FA areas. For every Winfield there’s a Deangelo Hall. The Vikings would best be served to look at, not just the talent of the guy, but character, and whether he fits Frazier’s scheme. Three players stand out: Dunta Robinson(Texans), Chris Gamble(Panthers) and Jermaine Phillips(Tampa).

Tackle: Rumor has it that Ryan Cook is not a long time answer at RT. That may be true, but every chain has its weak link. Even Dallas in its hey-day of Emmitt and gang, their O-Line had weaknesses, and other teams of this magnitude have them as well. You cannot look at the Vikings situation and say that this position is desperate, but suffice to say, let’s look at who could possibly come in.

Question: Are the Vikings looking at a long term solution, or a one or two year bridge that would be handed off to a younger guy? If they need a one or two year guy, Runyan(Eagles), or Tauscher(Packers) might fit nicely. To go younger would be to pursue someone like Jordan Gross, but that will cost them.

As with every team come evaluations, needs, desires, etc., and the Vikings are no different. The draft is at the end of April, and in football, from now until then, that is an eternity. We will see surprises and disappointments, but one thing is certain, this sure is fun. What pro sport generates this kind of off-season action and excitement?