Vikings Do Not Need to Make a Splash

Contrary to popular opinion, the Vikings do not need to make a "splash" in this year's free agent signing period. This is a team that was solid overall on defense and has ranked No. 1 against the run for the past three years.

This is also a team that has one of the best running back combinations in the league and an offensive line that could be easily boosted into the league's top tier. All they need to do is re-sign Matt Birk and find anyone to play right tackle. Sorry, Ryan Cook, but you're not getting it done.

Anyone who watched the Vikings last year had the same thought: "If only they had a quarterback."

We saw flashes of what it could be like, like when Tarvaris Jackson had the game of his short career against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15. He threw for four TD and no INT. After that, even the most pessimistic of fans had a glimmer of hope that we might have found our quarterback to lead us to the promised land.

Sadly, it appears we were wrong. Still, Tarvaris a young player with an outstanding arm, and if he can catch up to the speed of the NFL, he could be very dangerous.

So, was the recent trade for Sage Rosenfels the solution to the issue? Is he really that guy?

Well, if he is, he better not lead us into any "three-and-outs," because our kick coverage might be taking a severe blow this offseason. Which brings me to Heath Farwell.

If you are curious as to what this team would be like without Farwell, who led the squad in special teams tackles and was voted special teams MVP in both '06 and '07, just look at last year's results.

Farwell was taken out for the season with a torn ACL in just his fourth play of the first 2008 preseason game. Without him, the special teams gave up a league-worst and NFL-record seven touchdowns. 

On the defensive side of the ball, let me say, first and foremost, that I am a Darren Sharper fan, and am thankful for everything he has done for the Vikings. Now that that's out...

It was good to have you, call us when you land somewhere with your probably overpaid contract to let us know that you got there safely.

Sharper is quoted as saying that this defensive scheme calls for him to be more of a "protector", though he is more of a "playmaker" by nature. Luckily for Sharper, "playmakers" have been hitting it big the last few years in free agency, and I hope he does too. Look for Sharper to end up somewhere like Dallas, where Jerry is reportedly looking to unload safety Roy Williams and might be looking for veteran leadership if he doesn't land Ray Lewis.

Tyrell Johnson is looking to be the successor to Sharper. He was the Vikings' second-round pick in the 2008 Draft, and appears to have a good mix of size and speed. I can't wait to see what he can do in place of Sharper.

To Mr. Rick Spielman: Excellent work re-signing Kleinsasser; now just continue to look at our own free agents. Matt Birk and Heath Farwell are two of the unsung heroes of this team, and their absence would be noticed immediately.

Also, a reciever wouldn't hurt if there's cap room...