After just over a week of free agency the Minnesota Vikings have been on the light end of activity. I know of six players that the team has brought in for visits. Of those, four have been signed. Here they are and their contracts:
TE John Carlson 5years/25 million
G/T Geoff Schwartz 1/1.5
FB Jerome Shelton 1/700,000
RB Lex Hilliard 1/615,000
BONANZA! By name value and contract value, Carlson is by far the biggest signing. Tight end became a need when Jim Kleinsasser retired and Visanthe Shiancoe wasn't re-signed. Teaming Carlson with emerging second-year player Kyle Rudolph at tight could be potent. Both are very talented. Schwartz could be a huge signing. The Vikings offensive line has to improve. He missed the entire 2011 season following hip surgery. He should have been a restricted free agent but the Carolina Panthers failed to protect him. He's only 25 and has excellent size and skills. His one year contract and fairly light salary is a "show me" deal. After missing an entire he has to show that he's back. I see him as the starting right guard for the Vikings next season and hopefully beyond. He'll improve what should be a very young line. Felton and Hilliard are both big backs.The Vikings have had their eye on Felton for a while. They tried to sign him last season when the Detroit Lions released him but the Panthers got him first. I see both players as an attempt by the Vikings to replace some of the blocking of Kleinsasser. That's a tall order. Both will likely battle incumbent Ryan D'Imperio in camp at fullback. As for the two players that visited but weren't signed, Ted Ginn Jr was apparently offered a contract but chose to, foolishly, re-sign with the San Francisco 49ers. Cornerback Chris Carr was in for a visit last night. We'll see what he decides to do. The Vikings secondary needs vast improvement.
The Vikings relative inactivity in free agency was not taken to well by most Vikings fans. Most have been losing their minds. Their reactions have been depressing and ridiculous. This past Wednesday was a different day. The signing of Schwartz combined with the release of very disappointing defensive tackle Remi Ayodele sent those very sad Vikings fans into fits of euphoria. A calm settled over Vikings nation. Ginn's visit helped the happy feelings as well. It's funny how things can change so quickly. The Vikings improvement through free agency is questionable at best. Like the draft, true impact can't be judged until the season starts. I expect Carlson and Schwartz to make an immediate impact and improvement. That's something. Free agency is far from over but the pickings at defensive back and, in particular, receiver are getting thin. The Vikings may need to look at the draft and their own young players to improve the receiver position.
Welcome to Minnesota new Vikings!
No comments:
Post a Comment