The Minnesota Vikings' Offseason Goals from Here on Out

As February ends, the combine is over, Free Agency's opening sensation is gone...and the Vikings seem to be about as close to a franchise QB as President Obama is to solving our economic debacle.

The Vikings have been out of action for almost a little over two months now with nothing new to report other then what they've been missing out on the past couple months.

Other then the few re-signings and the trade for Sage Rosenfels, the Vikings have obtained/retained nothing of true value.*

But time is not up, and the Vikings have accomplished one thing...they've stuck their nose into Free Agency for the second year in a row and are a serious player in the offseason market.

If the signing talks of T.J. Houshmandzadeh didn't get your attention, what did? The Vikings could have grabbed arguably the best pickup of the '09 offseason, but fell up short to the Seattle Seahawks.

Other then resigning key parts, the Vikings havn't really put their name out there for other free agent needs, even though Winfield and Griffin's contracts expire at the end of '09, the QB frustration has already lasted three whole seasons, a coach on his last leg of job security, and did I mention a stadium bill that would prove a lot more likely with a championship team?

The Vikings now sit with needs across the board, and are putting the pressure on their '09 squad to come through before a lot of their talent runs out of years... or duration in their contracts.

On that note, Zygi Wilf has made it perfectly clear that money is no obstacle. The Vikings shouldn't be shopping like this if that's the case, regardless of how the cap plays into this. The Vikings have too much talent here to ignore and to not put effort into making this team a champion.

With that said, here's a quick look at the team as a whole, and what the Vikings are presumably going to do with the time remaining this offseason.

Quarterback - (Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels, John David Booty)

Now if only the Vikings didn't play so cheap in trying to obtain this franchise QB, the Vikings probably already reached the NFC title game by now...but for some odd reason, they feel the one position that matters most comes better if you get it cheap.

The past four years, the Vikings have never put out more than $10 million a year or any higher then a second round draft pick for this franchise QB they desire.

A fourth-round pick is not exactly the cost that comes to mind when you should be searching for an immediate answer at quarterback.

Don't get me wrong; Sage Rosenfels I believe is an under-rated QB, but I don't think he's as high as Minnesota's hoping him to be. Sage is 31 this Friday and will pretty much a Gus Frerotte improvement for the moment. 

Although I think its been clear from the start that trading or releasing Jackson has been pivotal. The Vikings need a leader they can be proud to follow, and No. 7 just ain't the guy to lead this talented core when he's in all likeliness one of the lower talents on the team.

He did improve at the end of '08, but not enough to satisfy those he let down only twelve weeks prior when leading the Vikes to an 0-2 start to open the season.

On that note, I take a moment to say WTF (if you don't understand chat lingo, ask a kid 12-23 what it means) to the Childress staff. They just drop the QB that led your team to an 8-3 record post-Jackson and you drop him like a used Kleenex.

Gus Frerotte may have flung 15 picks, but he also did the important thing, by leading the team to victory, something which Jackson consistently could not accomplish.

But, rather then diddle-daddle around the whole Gus being released... lets look at what the Vikings have as options to approach the position in '09...

• Let Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson compete for the starting job

Why can't I see this happening? Oh, that's why...'cause Sage is a career backup, like Frerotte, just younger. This will prove the most fruitless, and although an improvement, it ISN'T the answer this team needs and Childress knows it.

• Trade for Jay Cutler using T-Jack or Rosenfels

Well I know it doesn't sound nice of the Vikings to go and trade the newly acquired QB away just as quickly as they signed him, but since when does the Minnesota Vikings treat their QB's with respect (e.g. Gus Frerotte)? Cutler would provide an immediate impact and possibly put the finishing touches on a growing, talented offense.

Especially with the whole Cassel for Cutler deal that kinda found its way to the media which in its own kinda stuck a thorn between Cutler and the new Broncos coaching staff.

If the Vikings choose this route, it will quick and most likely sending Rosenfels as to fulfill his desire to start, as he would no doubt be backup to Cutler if Jackson was sent, but like I said... no respect from Vikings coaching staff to their QB's. (Makes you wonder if Cutler would really feel that much different coming to Minnesota)

• Sign Free Agent QB's Byron Leftwich, Jeff Garcia, or Kurt Warner Warner Re-signed to Cardinals

This option although unlikely, could still happen. The Vikings have not ruled out the option of picking up a big name QB as Childress has expressed. With that said, Garcia or Leftwich could get a one or two year contract from the Vikings if no one else bites or they offer the best option. 

With Jackson's contract set to expire at the end of '09, the Vikings could be looking to pick one of the guys up and attempt to pick a big name QB in 2010 with names like Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford, and possibly Colt McCoy entering the draft, any of which could easily turn into their franchise guy.

Leftwich would prove to be the most talented, but isn't quite as a familiar with the Vikings system. Garcia would fit like a shoe, as would Warner, but Warner has made it clear that like other people that have aged many years, that he'd prefer to stay in the Pacific Southwest.

At the same time, this involves Rosenfels being jettisoned from the team some how, and that seems to be one too many hurdles for the Vikings to hop this offseason.

Wide Receiver - (Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice, Bobby Wade, Aundre Allison)

As earlier stated, T.J. Houshmandzadeh was a failed attempt at making this core group an elite one, but that isn't to say it is bad by any means.

The Vikings receiving core has a huge upside of youth. The problem is that their second receiver on the list with talent is third year receiver Sidney Rice. What's wrong with that? Only that he's spent more time on the bench this past season.

Until he proves durable and as productive, the Vikings must look at this as a need to compliment both Adrian Peterson and Bernard Berrian.

The options for this vary, but the following options seem the most likely...

• Sign Free Agent WR Devery Henderson Re-signed to Saints

Henderson could prove to be a solid No. 2 and has the speed to compliment Berrian and to open up the middle of the field. He's still been quiet this offseason and not many teams have expressed much interest yet.

• Sign Free Agent WR Laveranues Coles Signed to the Bengals

Yes, he has an attitude, but brings with him a ton of talent. At 31, he also adds experience to a core that desperately could use it. Although for the attitude reason alone, this coaching staff will likely avoid Coles, but if other options begin to fade, he could prove to be an option.

• Sign Free Agent WR Marvin Harrison Should only be sought as last resort

If healthy, he's a behaved Laveranues Coles. Although he may ask for more zeros then most teams would barter with, he would provide the No. 2 punch and provide the veteran leadership, but the Vikings are best suited to let him remain on the market for his asking price to drop.

• Sign Free Agent WR Joey Galloway Should be Minnesota's CURRENT Primary Target

Another vet that could provide among the better results. He proved a very valuable piece in the Bucs offense last season and you can bet that if Garcia finds his way onto the Vikes that Galloway may also find a way on, but like Henderson, has been quiet so far in free agency.

• Draft WR (Missouri) Jeremy Maclin
• Draft WR (North Carolina) Hakeem Nicks
• Draft WR (Rutgers) Kenny Britt

With Crabtree being long gone by No. 22, the Vikes will likely grab Maclin versus any other option at this point. Although, if the Vikes decide to grab a corner in round one, expect a grab for Hakeem Nicks, if he's still around, or Kenny Britt. Britt's size would make him ideal, but a risk none the less.

Offensive Line - (McKinnie, Hutchinson, Sullivan, Herrera, Cook)

Lets be frank, without Birk, this line is lost. Yes Hutch is a great guard, but without Birk, Sullivan will be baptised under fire to the harsh world of the pros and will likely be the new weak link in a strong run-offense, and being right in the middle, only complicates the problem.

The play of Ryan Cook is also something suspect. Cook committed too many penalties and played too poorly in '08. With that said, a correction there would be ideal. Especially when the play of the tackles are invaluable to a run-heavy offense.

These goals should be met if the Vikings wish to continue to showcase Adrian Peterson...

• Re-sign Free Agent C Matt Birk Signed to the Ravens

Six-time Pro Bowler and influential team leader for the past decade. Doesn't that say enough? The Vikes obviously need Birk and should do anything and everything to resign him for at least two to three more years. As an update, Birk visited the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday.

If that's a sign of much, he's either seriously considering playing elsewhere or he's sweating the Vikes for a bigger paycheck. Either or, the Vikes need him.

• Sign Free Agent RT Mike Tauscher

If the fact that he's a former Packer doesn't peak the interest the Vikings staff, it's the fact that he's a reliable tackle with a few years left in him and considered one of the best right tackles on the market.

• Sign Free Agent RT Jon Runyan

With 12 years of not missing a start, Jon's microfracture in his foot could prove him a risk, especially at his age, but he sure has the tools and skills to fill the role if the Vikings feel tempted to lean his way.

• Sign a LT Free Agent and convert them to the Left Side

Khalif Barnes, Tra Thomas, Marvel Smith, or Trai Essex are also options if they are willing to cross to the ride side of the line. Barnes or Smith seems the most likely options, but Barnes comes with dirty laundry with the law and Smith has back issues making either choice a gamble.

Thomas and Essex also have injury and age issues apparent.

Cornerback -(Antoine Winfield, Cedric Griffin, Marcus McCauley, Charles Gordon)

With Winfield and Griffin's contracts set to expire after '09, finding a successor for Winfield at least is a must. At the same time, McCauley and Gordon are still young and need direction and competition for the job.

The Vikings will likely address this in the draft, but they have free agency options as well...

• Sign Free Agent CB Bryant McFadden

Headlining a free agent class that is mediocre at best and still has an upside heading into his fifth season could challenge Griffin this year and fulfill the successor for Winfield as the dominate corner. The problem being McFadden would could with quite a price tag.

• Sign Free Agent CB Jabari Greer

Former Buffalo Bill entering his sixth year could fulfill the void as well. Greer as an aggressive corner and could provide a spark similar to that of Winfield. He'll want a long term contract in reverence to DeAngelo Hall's $54 million contract. Probably averaging around $7 mil a season.

• Draft CB (Ohio State) Malcolm Jenkins
• Draft CB (Wake Forest) Alphonso Smith
• Draft CB (Connecticut) Darius Butler
• Draft CB (Oregon) Jairus Byrd

With the above options, Jenkins will in all likelihood be gone by pick No. 22, but if he's around, Minnesota will surely grab him over any receiver on the docket.

The Vikes may choose to address their WRissue in round one and address their CB in round two. In such a case, the Vikes will likely go for Jairus Byrd, even though there are other corners in the draft that are significantly better.

Byrd is familiar with the Cover-2 defense which is Minnesota's bread and butter. The receiver in round one seems most likely, otherwise, the Vikes may address a young offensive lineman here in round one or two, but I sincerely doubt it.

Safety - (Tyrell Johnson, Eric Frampton, Madieu Williams)

I refuse to believe the Vikings won't add a layer here or maybe even a starter in place of Johnson. Although he may prove to be a big pick-up, I still think he lacks refined skill to start and fill the shoes of departed Darren Sharper. I wouldn't be surprised by a free agency dip or a mid-round draft pick.

• Sign Free Agent S Jermaine Phillips

Phillips presents the best Safety pickup on Free Agency. Obviously he'll want good money, but will surely provide the much needed talent to anchor the secondary. Otherwise, Sharper is considered the third-best Safety on Free Agency behind Phillips and the recently signed Brian Dawkins.

Thus there would be no improvement to dip any deeper and might as well re-sign the interception leader, Sharper.

• Draft a Mid-Round Safety

Obviously not the fourth round, but maybe the third or fifth to add depth to the core and hope that Tyrell comes out and produces.

Health/Stability of Roster

LB E.J. Henderson - IR (Focus on recovering from season-ending toe injury)
DT Kevin Williams - Possible Suspension (Keep them focused as though they will play)
DT Pat Willaims - Possible Suspension (Ditto.)
CB Charles Gordon - IR (Take it easy on him, but him focused on returning)
DE Kenechi Udeze - IR (Obviously he's aiming to just make the squad now)
DE Erasmus James - IR (Ditto... E. James may be the odd man out.)

Overall, the staff of the Vikings need to focus on the big picture. If the Vikings are to remain in Minnesota, they need to produce NOW. The state wants to grant these guys a stadium, but with the current economic crisis, the state can't help too much.