Minnesota Vikings: 5 Reasons the Vikings Are in Rebuilding Mode

The Minnesota Vikings are two years removed from a strong run at the Super Bowl.  That Brett Favre-led team was a few key plays away from a Super Bowl appearance.  Fast forward, and the Vikings appear to be in rebuilding mode.  However, this rebuilding might have slid under the radar, as several moves appeared like moves towards contention.

As with most teams, the Vikings are trying to sell tickets and create buzz.  They brought in a veteran quarterback with the idea of inspiring some hope.  Several other key players remain on the team, such as Adrian Peterson.  However, behind the scenes the Vikings are making moves geared towards the future.

It is important to keep in mind that the Vikings are trying to get a new stadium.  NFL franchises attempting to get a new stadium rarely go through publicized rebuilding.  The idea is to surround the franchise with a positive vibe, in order to remain an attractive commodity. 

Minnesota Vikings: Drafting Christian Ponder a Sign of Rebuilding

This offseason was very different because the draft was held prior to any other player movement.  This difference put several franchises in difficult positions, including the Minnesota Vikings.  The Vikings needed to find a solution at the quarterback position.  However, they were unable to gage the trade or free agent market, prior to the draft.  The Vikings decided to address the position by adding Christian Ponder with the No. 12 overall pick.

The Ponder selection was met with some criticism, as many felt Ponder was more of a late first-round prospect.  Minnesota disagreed and felt that Ponder had a bright future.  His selection was the first sign that the Vikings were thinking towards the future.

Minnesota Vikings: Trading for Donovan McNabb a Sign of Rebuilding

Minnesota had already added Christian Ponder in the draft, but felt they needed a veteran presence.  Donovan McNabb to the Vikings has been rumored for several years and they finally pulled the trigger.  McNabb was acquired from the Washington Redskins for a sixth-round draft selection.

After the trade, McNabb and the Vikings agreed to a one-year $5 million restructuring of his contract.  This signals that Minnesota is likely to let McNabb walk after the season.  It is obvious that McNabb was brought in to make the team competitive.  However, his recent play shouldn't have inspired much optimism.

Acquiring McNabb was likely part of a two-headed strategy.  First, McNabb was seen as an upgrade over Ponder.  He has the potential to keep the Vikings relevant, filling the seats, and increasing the likelihood of a new stadium.  He also is only under contract for one season, meaning they would be able to move forward with Ponder.

Minnesota Vikings: Releasing Bryant McKinnie a Sign of Rebuilding

I know that McKinnie reported to camp out of shape, but he was still better than anyone remaining on the roster.  If the Vikings were serious about contending they would have dealt with McKinnie's weight issue.  However, they decided to move on and sign Charlie Johnson.  Johnson is by no means the long term answer, but a cheap replacement plan.

This move is also tied to the McNabb trade, because if Ponder was going to start they would have kept McKinnie.  McNabb is used to dealing with the pressure and adversity that results from a below average offensive line.

Minnesota Vikings: Not Resigning Sidney Rice a Sign of Rebuilding

This one is a little tougher to argue but still shows signs of rebuilding.  Rice's potential and free agency meant the Vikings would have to spend big bucks to retain him.  However, they also were aware of his injury concerns.  Rice's injury history combined with only one year of really good production made him expendable. 

Teams that are looking to rebuild tend to allow pricey free agents to walk.  If the Vikings were trying to contend this season, retaining Rice would have been a must.  The loss of Rice and the lack of a legitimate replacement is also important to note.  Just as in the case of replacing Bryant McKinnie, the Vikings went with a cheap option, Michael Jenkins.

Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson's Contract a Sign of Rebuilding

Adrian Peterson is in his prime and playing at a high level.  However, his seven-year deal shows that the Vikings consider him an important part of the future.  Minnesota's long term success will be tied to the health of Peterson and development of Ponder.  Conversely, Ponder's development is also tied to the health and production of Peterson.