May

10

Vikings Have Opportunities in the Next Wave of Free Agency

Posted by Chris Boynton under 2009 Free Agency, Minnesota Vikings 

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As we approach the second wave of impending free agency, there are still players available who could provide depth to an already strong Viking team.

The list of Free agents will likely grow as teams look to shed expensive contracts or rid themselves of unneeded players after assessing their draft results. Opportunities will become available, but the question remains…….Will the Vikings be aggressive enough to seize them ?

Although the Vikings did a nice job of filling out their roster via the draft. My feeling here is when you are running an NFL team, you cannot have too much depth, talent or competition going into the upcoming season. And since the Vikings still have cap money available to make improvements, then why not take a second look at the commodities still on the market.

So, besides Quarterback, where do the Vikings need help ? Lets start with Receiver. Not a position of glaring weakness with the addition of Percy Harvin, but bringing in a quality veteran possession receiver to compete might be a good idea.

How about Marvin Harrison (who has been rumored to be retiring, but who has recently said that he wants to play at least one more year). Talk about a solid veteran locker room presence to help teach Percy Harvin the proper work ethic, and what it takes to succeed in this league. If they can keep Harvin out of trouble, the sky is the limit for this multi-talented rookie.

Or how about a back-up running back like Warrick Dunn or Edgerrin James. Both veterans who know what being a winner is all about. I know the deep need is not there, with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor splitting carries, but a veteran third down back who can receive could be of value, especially if either Peterson or Taylor get injured.

What about a player like Ben Patrick to provide depth at TE ? Again, this is a position of relative strength, but besides Visanthe Shiancoe, who do the Vikings have as a proven receiving Tight end ? Jim Kleinsasser is the best blocking TE in the game, but is hardly a threat to create receiving opportunities for himself and Garrett Mills has potential but is unproven.

Available OL such as Levi Jones, Jon Runyan or Mark Tauscher are still out there. How about a little insurance in case Phil Loadholt takes longer then expected to fill the RT position. Jones abilities seem to have slipped just a tad, and Runyan isn’t what he once was. But both are still capable of playing a solid 15-20 snaps a game.

As for Tauscher, his name is linked to the rumor that if Brett Favre comes aboard as QB then Tauscher will sign on as a tackle as well.

What about the secondary? The Vikings seem set at CB, but still could use depth at Safety. Mike Brown, or Will Demps might work.

And lastly, the Vikings could definitely use an infusion of talent on special teams. So Rufus Alexander, Dontarrious Thomas, Michael Boulware are three former Vikings with exceptional special teams abilities that, among others available could help in this area.

Would the Vikings be willing to look at any of these players at this time ? Probably not. But I throw them out as fodder for debate.


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