Minnesota Vikings Offseason Predictions

The offseason for now 28 teams is underway. Minnesota has not played a game since January 4th, two weeks ago.

There are many questions for this team that need to be answered. Now, I don't know what will happen or what might happen, but I can give my thoughts on what could.

These predictions are based on realistic options for the Vikings. So, if you see that they don't go out and sign every free agent that they might need, don't be surprised. But, I can assure you this-- they will at least get one.

Free Agents and Cuts:

Cut List:
QB- Gus Frerotte
He turned around the Vikings season starting week three. Gus is 37 years old and has made it clear that if he isn't starting he wants out. Well Gus, you're out.
RB- Maurice Hicks
Coming in he was expected to be a great kick and punt returner-- not the case. Maurice on 29 kick returns had 690 yards. He also recorded no stats running the ball.
TE- Jeff Dugan
2 receptions for 12 yards isn't going to cut it. Therefore Mr.Dugan you are out.
OT- Marcus Johnson
A former second round pick in Marcus Johnson. He hasn't panned out and is very inconsistent. Hopefully Marcus finds success somewhere else.
DT- Jimmy Kennedy
Jimmy was brought in for depth when Pat Williams went down. There is a chance he might stay though if the Williams wall finally gets suspended.
DT- Kenderick Allen
Didn't even get on the field in 2008. Kenderick hasn't played a game since 2006. Keep up the streak, buddy!
LB- Dontarrious Thomas
Brought in for depth after E.J. Henderson went out for the year early. He did wrack up one tackle though.
LB- Erin Henderson
I believe he will be waived and signed to the practice squad. Erin has a great future ahead of him with the Vikings.
S- Michael Boulware
Michael Boulware went on Injured Reserve during the pre-season. He's a good special teams threat which may keep him on the team.
S- Husain Abdullah
Just like Erin Henderson, I believe Husain will be waived and signed to the practice squad. He has tremendous potential.

Re-Signings and Let go's:
FB- Naufahu Tahi
He's gone after his let-down season. Minnesota needs a better blocking and pass-catching fullback. Leonard Weaver or Heath Evans perhaps?
WR- Jaymar Johnson
Should be re-signed to a one year deal and placed back on the practice squad, where he spent all of last season.
TE- Jim Kleinsasser
Not a chance Minnesota lets him go. He's been a Viking for life and will remain one for a few more years at least.
OT- Brian Daniels
Spent the year on I.R. and won't likely be brought back.
C- Matt Birk
A legend to the Vikings, which is going to make it very sad to let him go.
DT- Fred Evans
Deserves to be brought back to the team.
DE- Otis Grigsby
Not talented enough to earn a spot on the team.
DE- Jayme Mitchell
Was on Injured Reserve all year long. Needs to be brought back for depth.
DE- Kenechi Udeze
Went on I.R. due to his leukemia disease. Will be back next year with a vengeance.
CB- Charles Gordon
Not needed on the team. He's a good return specialist but that's about it.
CB- Marcus Walker
Was on the practice squad for the whole season. Should be signed to a one year deal and placed back on the Practice Squad.
S- Darren Sharper
Darren is getting old and he showed it in the 2008 season. Thanks for the years, Darren!

Free-Agent Signings:
QB- J.P. Losman (Buffalo Bills)
Minnesota tried to get him last offseason and failed. This year they will sign him with hopes for a good starting quarterback.
RB- Andre Hall (Denver Broncos)
Doesn't have room on the Broncos. The Vikings need depth behind Adrian and Chester Taylor.
FB- Leonard Weaver (Seattle Seahawks)
A good blocking and pass catching fullback that the Vikes need.
WR- Devery Henderson (New Orleans Saints)
A talented deep-ball threat who received no recognition on the Saints.
C- Jason Brown (Baltimore Ravens)
With Matt Birk gone the Vikings need a talented young center like Jason Brown.
S- Jermaine Phillips (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Darren Sharper is gone and they need to bring in a talented safety along side Madieu Williams. Tyrell Johnson will split time with either one.

2009 Draft:

Round 1: Duke Robinson, Guard/Tackle, Oklahoma

Round 2: Josh Freeman, Quarterback, Kansas State

Round 3: Derrick Williams, Wide Receiver, Penn State

Round 4: Coye Francies, Cornerback, San Jose State

Round 5: Terrill Byrd, Defensive Tackle, Cincinnati

Round 7 a: Anthony Scirrotto, Safety, Penn State

Round 7 b: Will Allen, Outside Linebacker, San Diego State


Depth Chart:
QB- 1. J.P. Losman, 2. Tarvaris Jackson, 3. Josh Freeman, 4. John David Booty
RB- 1. Adrian Peterson, 2. Chester Taylor, 3. Andre Hall
FB- 1. Leonard Weaver
WR- 1. Bernard Berrian, 2. Devery Henderson, 3. Sidney Rice, 4. Derrick Williams, 5. Bobby Wade, 6. Aundrae Allison
TE- 1. Visanthe Shiancoe, 2. Jim Kleinsasser, 3. Garret Mills
LT- 1. Bryant McKinnie, 2. Ryan Cook
LG- 1. Steve Hutchinson, 2. Artis Hicks
C- 1. Jason Brown, 2. John Sullivan
RG- 1. Anthony Herrera, 2. Artis Hicks
RT- 1. Duke Robinson, 2. Ryan Cook

LE- 1. Ray Edwards, 2. Brian Robison
DT- 1. Kevin Williams, 2. Fred Evans
NT- Pat Williams, 2. Terrill Byrd
RE- Jared Allen, 2. Ellis Wyms
LOLB- 1. Ben Leber, 2. Vinny Ciurciu
MLB- 1. E.J. Henderson, 2. Napolean Harris
ROLB- 1. Chad Greenway, 2. Will Allen
LCB- 1. Antoine Winfield, 2. Benny Sapp
RCB- 1. Cedric Griffin, 2. Coye Francies
FS- 1. Madieu Williams, 2. Tyrell Johnson
SS- 1. Jermain Phillips, 2. Eric Frampton