Through nearly two weeks of free agency the Minnesota Vikings have done little. That's really no surprise as they had very little cap space with which to work. They had such little cap space that they had to do a little work to free up enough funds to do some of the things that they had to do. They released offensive lineman Mike Remmers, declined an option on safety Andrew Sendejo, and re-structured the contract of defensive end Everson Griffen, Each was done to to add a little additional cap space. Before the offseason is done the Vikings might have to do further contract juggling in order to sign their entire draft class. So far, the dig deal of free agency is the re-signing of linebacker Anthony Barr. That re-signing included much more drama than the typical re-signing. On the first day of the "legal" tampering period, two weeks ago today, Barr agreed to a reportedly substantial deal with the New York Jets. Less than 24 hours later he decided that he really didn't want to leave Minnesota and agreed to re-sign with the team that selected him with the ninth pick of the 2014 NFL Draft. Due to the little cap space available, it was pretty much assumed that Barr was gone. Suddenly, he was back. What was supposed to be a significant need moving forward, finding a linebacker was no longer a need. Keeping Barr has been the Vikings biggest move of the offseason. Here are the other things that they've done. So far.
Re-signings:
LB Anthony Barr
K Dan Bailey
RB Ameer Abdullah
The Barr re-signing is huge. The best thing about the Dan Bailey re-signing is that it will allow the Vikings kicking battery to work together all offseason. He joined the team after the Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers in which three missed field goals, including two overtime, turned a win into a tie. That tie ultimately kept the Vikings out the playoffs. Bailey wasn't great last season. Hopefully an entire offseason of working with holder Matt Wile and long snapper Kevin McDermott will allow him to get back to the tremendous consistency that he's shown in the past. Ameer Abdullah was claimed off waivers last season. His versatility can give the offense some nice options. He can also help with returns.
Tendered
S Anthony Harris
P Matt Wile
It's a safe bet that both Anthony Harris and Matt Wile will remain in Minnesota but they still have to sign their tenders. There's always the possibility that some team might pursue Anthony Harris. As a restricted free agent, the Vikings have the right to match. If they choose not to match the signing team would have to give up a second round pick. I'd be surprised if a team pays that price. Matt Wile's punting was a very pleasant surprise last season. Hopefully, he can build on that.
Signings
DT Shamar Stephen
OG Josh Kline
Shamar Stephen doesn't really feel like a free agent addition. He was originally chosen by the Vikings in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft, earned a strong role with the team, starting 20 of the 52 games in which he appeared. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks last season. Now, he's back. On paper right now, he's the Vikings starting defensive tackle. Improving the offensive line is, and continues to be the priority of the offseason. As such, these two weeks of free agency have been a tremendous disappointment for Vikings fans. Personally, I'm glad that they spent the money that they spent on Barr rather than severely overpay for the marginally talented offensive linemen that were available in free agency. The Oakland Raiders made Trent Brown the highest paid offensive lineman in the league. He isn't even among the 25-best offensive linemen. The Vikings signed Josh Kline for a comparatively modest three-year, $15.75 million. He's currently penciled in as the starting right guard. The Vikings are far from done improving and stocking the offensive line. A contract offer is reportedly on the table to retain G/C Brett Jones. Former Jacksonville Jaguars C/G Tyler Shatley visited last week and reportedly left with a contract offer. Both are probably hoping that another team can top whatever offer the Vikings were able to scrape together.
Most of the activity involving Minnesota Vikings players were from other teams making them former Minnesota Vikings players.
Departures:
DT Sheldon Richardson-Browns
OG Nick Easton-Saints
RB Latavius Murray-Saints
QB Trevor Siemian-Jets
S Andrew Sendejo-Eagles
OG Tom Compton-Jets
CB Marcus Sherels-Saints
The New Orleans Saints sure love Vikings. Add Nick Easton, Latavius Murray, and Marcus Sherels to Teddy Bridgewater and you have Vikings South. Considering the ferocity with which they went after Anthony Barr, the New York Jets are quite fond of Vikings players as well.
According to those that keep track of such things, the Vikings are currently looking at receiving as many as four compensatory picks next year as a result of overall player loss in free agency.
3rd-Sheldon Richardson
6th-Latavius Murray
7th-Trevor Siemian
7th-Tom Compton
The Shamar Stephen signing cancels out the Nick Easton signing.
I find it silly that potential compensatory picks next year factor into what a team does this year but that's just how it is. So, the Vikings have that going for them.
There it is. The Minnesota Vikings offseaon. So far.
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