With (QB) Rosenfels on Board, the Vikings Address Other Needs

A new year begins in the NFL as Free Agency opens in '09 and as the Combine rounds out, the draft takes shape and teams start bartering to fulfill the needs and holes in their rosters. The Minnesota Vikings as are no different.

As Matt Cassel is traded to the Chiefs, taking what ever hope of a franchise QB away from the Vikings sights.

So with that and the "radical" grab for Sage Rosenfels with a fourth-round draft pick, the Vikings seem to have done what they'ae eilling to do with QB position. Little in comparison to what many assumed they would do this offseason to address the QB position.

Okay, so now that we know Minnesota fans will be screaming "Fire Childress!" and banging heads against walls to unconsciousness for the '09 season due to mediocre QB play, lets get on to the off=season grabs that could/will make an impact for the 2008 NFC Champs.

With Bernard Berrian stepping up into and fulfilling his No. 1 status, the Vikings are in need of a compliment to him to make him more effective. A solid No. 2 that can challenge and enhance the threat of Berrian. The Vikings have the following options to address this...

• FA Nate Washington - This soon to be 26-year-old has big play ability and could produce as a solid and consistent No. 2 threat. He by far is the best of Free Agent options.
• FA Devery Henderson - Young and speedy. Not as big a playmaker as Washington, but comes cheaper with same desired effect.
• FA Laveranues Coles - Has a couple solid years remaining and would provide what Vikes want, but would come with an attitude  Minnesota would not embrace. This option looks unlikely for that reason alone.
• FA Marvin Harrison - May be on his way to the Hall, but until he retires, he insists on stretching out his career. He has No. 2 ability, but comes with injury and recessive ability issues. Also wants No. 1 money which also makes him an unlikely choice.
• FA Joey Galloway - Has polished ability and could provide a veteran leadership to the receiving corps the Vikings havn't had since Cris Carter left.
• FA Ronald Curry - Although ridden with injuries, he's got great athletic ability and would come cheap.
• FA Amani Toomer - This vet could also provide a polish to the mid passing game and provide leadership to this team for a year or two.
• Min Sidney Rice - The Vikings could also invest on Sidney Rice, barring any lack of injury, he could provide that role, but he was a low draft pick who is still proving his value. My opinion is that he's a safe No. 3, but I just don't see a No. 2 rising out of this crop they already have, but knowing the Childress campaign, this seems most likely.

The Vikings now seem to be focused on obtaining a corner who will succeed Antoine Winfield. This most likely will come in the form of a draft pick. The most likely options seem to be...

• FA Bryant McFadden - By far the best free agent option currently. But will expect a lot of zeros... and the Vikes are pretty low on those.
• FA Jabari Greer - Looking for $7 million for two years. This is testy, but could end up being the perfect fit... if the Vikes' conservative nature can persuade them to act.
• (Draft Pick) Vontae Davis - One of the two college prospects expected to go in the first round, both from the Big Ten. Davis is expected to go in the mid 20's to late round one.
• (Draft Pick) Malcolm Jenkins - The higher pick of the two is projected to go somewhere in the mid-teens, but if he falls to No. 22, expect the Vikes to pounce on this pick.

The Vikes could also use some help at the right tackle position with incumbent Ryan Cook struggling to keep the position. I see this answer coming via Free Agency.

• FA Mark Tauscher - Seems to be a safer bet and adds another former Packer to Minnesota's list of steals from its neighboring rival. He's a bit seasoned though.
• FA Khalif Barnes - The best free agent to possibly fill the role. A seriously talented player who can fill in and balance the line with talent.

The other needs the Vikings face are currently sitting right in front of them...

Matt Birk - The 6-time Pro Bowler is essential to this offense and he wants to stay in Minnesota. With Sullivan slated to start this season, the Vikings can't afford to not resign Birk.

It should be noted that the Vikes have resigned Kliensasser to a three-year deal.