He’s Back

From the end of last season and through the start of free agency, cornerback Patrick Peterson has been consistent with his hopes of returning to the Minnesota Vikings. Yesterday, on his “All Things Covered” podcast, he announced that he’s returning for a second season with the Vikings. The team later announced the signing. The deal has a base value of $4 million ($3.5 million guaranteed). It also has another $1 million available in incentives. 

“I’m not trying to back up the Brink’s truck any more, because I know I’m not 26, 25 any more. I just wanted to have a respectable contract.”

        

The Vikings and Peterson apparently reached that respectable contract. He drew interest from the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, and Washington Commanders but remaining in Minnesota was always his preference. 

At 31, Peterson is no longer the ridiculously talented football player that he was during his Arizona Cardinals days. At his peak, he was named All-Pro three times and went to eight straight Pro Bowls. He was named to the 2010s All-Decade Team. He’s no longer that generational cornerback. Time might’ve taken some of his ridiculous talent but time has also added to his game. He’s a smarter player. He was once given half the field or a particular player. Now, he works in a team defense. His knowledge and experience with schemes, techniques, and players make his teammates better, individually and collectively. It wasn’t a high bar but he was the Vikings best cornerback last year. He provided consistent and reliable coverage. He was also a committed and respected team leader. He was an excellent mentor to the team’s young cornerbacks. He also formed a strong relationship with safety Harrison Smith, on and off the field. The Vikings will need all of that from Peterson in his second season. 

Entering the offseason, the Vikings had several needs. That’s usually the case after a team has missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons and fired their general manager and head coach. Of those needs, cornerback topped the list. It took a couple weeks but the Vikings finally addressed that need. In the past week, they have re-signed or signed the following cornerbacks.

Patrick Peterson

Chandon Sullivan

Nate Hairston

Tye Smith

Those signings doubled the number of cornerbacks on the roster.

Patrick Peterson

Cameron Dantzler

Chandon Sullivan

Kris Boyd

Harrison Hand

Nate Hairston

Parry Nickerson

Tye Smith

In late March, the Vikings starting corners are Patrick Peterson and Cameron Dantzler on the outside and Chandon Sullivan on the inside. Kris Boyd, Harrison Hand, and Nate Hairston provide competent and experienced depth. It’s a decent group. Peterson has a shiny name but he’ll be 32 in July. Dantzler looks the part and has some terrific moments on the field but he still has some puzzling moments. Sullivan is a solid nickel corner on a one-year deal. The Vikings could go into the season with this group. With the assistance of a potentially disruptive pass rush, this group could be great. Still, it’s a group with a lot of questions. There are enough questions that I still like cornerback at #12 in the 2022 NFL Draft. With the recent additions, that pick no longer has to be cornerback. 

A productive offseason continues. 

New Overtime Rules

While in Palm Beach for the Annual League Meetings, NFL owners approved a proposal to change the overtime rules for postseason games. Under these new rules, both teams now will be guaranteed a possession in overtime before the game becomes sudden death.

The rules:

-Both teams will have the opportunity to possess the ball in overtime in the postseason.

-If the score is tied after each team has possessed the ball, the next score wins.

-If the team kicking off to start the overtime period scores a safety on the receiving team’s initial possession, the team that kicked off is the winner. 

I don’t mind the rule change. I was annoyed by the argument that triggered it. The Kansas City Chiefs-Buffalo Bills playoff game. By the end of that game, each team’s quarterback and each team’s offense was on a roll. Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen were hot, hot, hot. The winner of the game was going to come down to the team that had the ball last. It did. The Chiefs had the ball first and last in overtime. Game over. A hot Bills offense never stepped on the field. So, what if they did? They score a touchdown. Then what? A hot Chiefs offense gets the ball a second time. Mahomes marches his team down the field and scores. Game over. Is the overtime problem now that Allen and the Bills offense didn’t get the ball a second time? The overtime rules are probably always going to be a problem for the team that loses. If a team wants to better their chances in overtime, how about they play some defense. Get a stop. Better yet, avoid overtime altogether. Win the game in regulation. The Bills had a great chance to do that in that exciting playoff game. 

I believe that I’d like to see an overtime with a 15 minute time component to it. Unless a team can possess the ball for the entire 15 minutes and end the possession with a score, each offense gets the ball. The only real difference between this rule and the newly adopted rule is that there’s no sudden death component to it. With the way that the Chiefs and Bills offenses were zipping down the field, each offense probably would’ve had the ball at least four more times in 15 minutes. The game still would’ve come down to which team had it last. And it probably would’ve been one possession than the other team. 

I still think that the best answer to the problems with overtime is to introduce some defense to it. Just play some defense. Even just a little. 

A Few More Vikings Additions

Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell are in Palm Beach for the 2022 NFL’s Annual League Meeting. While the team’s top decision-makers were out of the office, those that remained met with and signed a couple free agents. 

Jesse Davis, G

Nate Hairston, CB

Both play positions of great need for the Vikings. Undrafted out of Idaho in 2015, Jesse Davis started his NFL career on the practice squad of the Seattle Seahawks and then the New York Jets. After two seasons, he found a home in Miami. He’s spent most of the past five seasons as a starter for the Dolphins. His starts came at all line positions but center so he’ll provide nice versatility. For now, he might be the leading candidate to be the Vikings starting right guard. At best, Davis provides a steady, veteran presence at a position that had none of that last season. At worst, he provides experienced, versatile offensive line depth. The Vikings might hope that 2021 third-round pick Wyatt Davis earns the right guard job but he showed nothing as a rookie. With a new coaching staff, nearly all of the Vikings players are starting with a clean slate. Wyatt Davis might be the player most in need of a clean slate. The Jesse Davis signing might not be the “big-time” offensive line signing that many hoped but the offensive line group is better with this signing. Nate Hairston was originally a 2017 fifth-round pick out of Temple by the Indianapolis Colts. From 2017-18, he started 11 games and played in 27 games. On August 28, 2019, he was traded to the New York Jets for a conditional sixth-round pick. He started six games for the Jets in 2019. He spent most of the 2020 season on the practice squads of the Jets and Baltimore Ravens. In December, he was signed off the Ravens practice squad by the Denver Broncos. He saw action in three games with his new team. Last season with the Broncos, he played in 16 games, starting one. With 18 starts over five seasons, the signing of Hairston is best seen as a depth signing. The Vikings need cornerback depth so this is very much a need signing. More cornerback depth was added yesterday when Tye Smith was re-signed. He was a 2015 fifth-round draft pick out of Towson by the Seattle Seahawks. After hanging on the roster edge of the Seahawks for a couple seasons, he found a spot with the Tennessee Titans in 2017. Over the next four years, he played in 27 games, starting seven. He signed with the Vikings last June. He was released at the end of the training camp and signed to the practice squad. He was eventually promoted to the active roster and appeared in five games. 

As with earlier free agency signings, the signings of Jesse Davis and Nate Hairston continued an apparent preference for players with experience with the new coaches. New Vikings offensive line coach Chris Kuper was an assistant offensive line coach for the Dolphins from 2017-18. He coached Davis for those two seasons. New Vikings defensive coordinator Ed Donatell was the defensive coordinator for the Broncos from 2019-20. He coached Hairston for the past year-plus. The Vikings are adding players that the coaches know. 

Vikings Free Agency Signings (so far)

Harrison Phillips, DT

Jordan Hicks, LB

Johnny Mundt, TE

Austin Schlottman, G/C

Za’Darius Smith, LB

Chandon Sullivan, CB

Jesse Bates, G

Nate Hairston, CB

The Vikings still need still need cornerbacks. The depth is improved but there is still a need for starting caliber cornerbacks. Other than that, further signings will probably be general depth signings. 

Minnesota Vikings Current Roster

It’s too early in the offseason to be thinking about the Minnesota Vikings roster as a whole. I can’t help it. Even when it’s cut down to a final 53 an NFL roster is a fluid thing. It’s especially fluid in the offseason. Here’s a look at the Minnesota Vikings roster after nearly two weeks of free agency. 

Minnesota Vikings Roster

Offense

Quarterbacks

Kirk Cousins

Sean Mannion

Kellen Mond

Nate Stanley

The only thing that would change this group from being the group that enters training camp is a newly drafted quarterback. Kirk Cousins is clearly the team’s quarterback for at least another year. There has to be a plan for the future. The Vikings don’t have to draft a quarterback early but I wouldn’t be surprised if they did. 

Running Backs

Dalvin Cook

Alexander Mattison

Kene Nwangwu

A.J. Rose Jr.

Running back is a team strength. Dalvin Cook is elite. Alexander Mattison has a track record of being the main back if needed. Injuries wiped out the first half of Kene Nwangwu’s first season. Once healthy, he was a kick return sensation. On offense, he has the speed and athleticism to be a unique weapon. The Vikings new offensive coaches have to find ways to get the ball in his hands.  

Fullback

C.J. Ham

There should always be a role and a place on the Vikings roster for C.J. Ham.

Receivers

Adam Thielen

Justin Jefferson

K.J. Osborn

Ihmir Smith-Marsette

Dan Chisena

Olabisi Johnson

Myron Mitchell

Trishton Jackson

At a glance, this might be a top heavy group. Adam Thielen can still make a corner look silly. Great hands. Great route runner. Great in the red zone. Justin Jefferson’s first two years in the league have been unreal. In terms of yards gained, no receiver has ever had a better start. As great as he’s been it still feels like he’s just getting started. K.J. Osborn emerged last year as reliable, and sometimes explosive, third receiving option. Ihmir Smith-Marsette got some opportunities at the end of his rookie season and made the most of them. It’ll be interesting to see how he develops. He might be the most explosive receiver on the team. Dan Chisena has made the roster for two seasons for his play on special teams. He’ll have to excel there if he’s to continue making the team. Olabisi Johnson lost his third season to a training camp injury. As a rookie in 2019, he was dependable pass-catcher. He started the 2020 season as a starter until Jefferson sailed past him in Week 3. A team might be sitting pretty good if a receiver the caliber of Johnson is the fifth option. 

Tight Ends

Irv Smith Jr.

Johnny Mundt

Ben Ellefson

Zach Davidson

This is an interesting group. 2021 was supposed to be Irv Smith Jr’s breakout season. That didn’t happen due to an injury before the season started. If healthy, he should join Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson as the Vikings top playmakers. Smith has the talent to be one of the most dangerous tight ends in the league. He’s also playing for a second contract. Johnny Mundt was mostly used as a blocker for the Los Angeles Rams. Like Smith, he’s also coming back from a significant injury. Head coach Kevin O’Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips know Mundt well. They were his offensive coordinator and position coach for the Rams. They assured him that he’ll get more opportunities in Minnesota than he ever had in Los Angeles. The Vikings always seemed to run the ball a little better when Ben Ellefson was on the field. He’s an excellent blocker. This is an interesting group. Everyone knows what Irv Smith Jr might be. He just hasn’t done it yet. No one knows what Johnny Mundt might be. He and his coaches have an idea but he’s never had the opportunity to do anything. Ben Ellefson may never be anything other than an excellent blocker. Zach Davidson might be the most interesting player of the group. He’s very raw. He’s also 6’7” and freakishly athletic. And he’s 6’7”! 

Tackles

Christian Darrisaw

Brian O’Neill

Oli Udoh

Blake Brandel

Timon Parris

It’s been a while since the Vikings offensive tackles felt so settled. Christian Darrisaw missed a chunk of his rookie season recovering from a pre-draft injury. When he finally did get on the field, he played well. Based on his abbreviated rookie, he looks like he has what’s needed to develop into a very good, maybe elite, left tackle. Brian O’Neill has earned his place among the better right tackles in the league. Oli Udoh struggled at right guard last season. I like him so much better as the team’s swing tackle. Blake Brandel did well last season as an extra tight end in short-yardage situations. He’s a versatile lineman. 

Guards

Ezra Cleveland

Wyatt Davis

Kyle Hinton

Austin Schlottman

Ezra Cleveland has made left guard his. He seems to be a player on the rise. Right guard is one of the Vikings biggest questions. Of the players currently on the roster, Wyatt Davis appears to be the top contender for the job. His rookie season was a wash so he’s an unknown. He was terrific at Ohio State. As a result, he was drafted in the third round. Since he didn’t play last season many consider him a bust. That’s quite a leap after a lost rookie season. Kyle Hinton is a late-round, small school lineman that’s hung around for a couple season. I’ve been intrigued by him but I’m often intrigued by late-round, small school guys. Austin Schlottman is a free agent addition from the Denver Broncos. Offensive line coach Chris Kuper and assistant offensive line coach Justin Rascati know Schlottman well as they coached him in Denver. 

Center

Garrett Bradbury

There’s no Vikings player so routinely bashed as Garrett Bradbury. Not even Kirk Cousins. Most Vikings fans have already replaced Bradbury in the starting lineup with J.C. Tretter, or damn near anyone or anything. I don’t think that a new coaching staff is so quick to dump a former first round pick without getting their own hands and eyes on him. Bradbury can do some of the movement things needed from a center better than anyone in the league. He can also be taken apart by bigger, stronger defensive linemen. And most defensive linemen are bigger and stronger than Bradbury. I’m not ready to give up on him. I don’t think that the new coaching staff is either. 

Defense

Defensive Tackles

Dalvin Tomlinson

Harrison Phillips

Armon Watts

James Lynch

Jaylen Twyman

T.Y. McGill

T.J. Smith

The new Vikings coaches are introducing a 3-4 defense. That’ll be fun and new. While today’s NFL offenses force defenses into various sub-packages more often than not, the Vikings will work from a base 3-4. It’ll be strange to think of some of these 4-3 defensive tackles as 3-4 defensive ends. There should be an interesting and fun interior line rotation of Dalvin Tomlinson, Harrison Phillips, Armon Watts, and James Lynch. I’d like to see Jaylen Twyman as part of that rotation as well. Right now, in March, I like the following thee as the Vikings defensive line starters. 

DE James Lynch

NT Harrison Phillips

DT Dalvin Tomlinson

Edge

Danielle Hunter

Za’Darius Smith

D.J. Wonnum

Patrick Jones II

Janarius Robinson

Kenny Willekes

As with the interior defensive linemen, it’s going to be a little strange to think of the Vikings edge rushers as outside linebackers. Again, NFL offenses routinely force defenses into sub-packages. These edge rushers may be even-front ends nearly as often as odd-front linebackers. Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith should form one of the most disruptive pass rushing duos in the league. The addition of Smith is the most exciting addition of the offseason. The addition of Smith also allows time for talented, young pass rushers D.J. Wonnum, Patrick Jones II, Janarius Robinson, and Kenny Willekes to watch and learn. At the end of last season, Willekes may have been the Vikings best pass rusher.  

Linebackers

Eric Kendricks

Jordan Hicks

Blake Lynch

Troy Dye

Chazz Surratt

Tuf Borland

I like Eric Kendricks and free agent addition Jordan Hicks in the middle, directing the defense. At 30 and 29 respectively, each has a few more years of high-level linebacker play. I think each will make the other better and both will make the Vikings defense better. I like the abilities and potential of the linebackers behind them. Due to injuries, Blake Lynch and Troy Dye have had opportunities the past two years. They had some bumps but they also made the most of those opportunities. Several of last year’s rookies had red shirt seasons. Chazz Surratt is one of the most intriguing of the rookies that we didn’t see. Perhaps it’s because he only played linebacker his final two seasons at North Carolina. Perhaps it’s because he started his college career as a quarterback. Whatever the reason, I’m excited to finally see him play. 

Cornerbacks

Cameron Dantzler

Kris Boyd

Chandon Sullivan

Harrison Hand

Parry Nickerson

This is the Vikings most undecided group. A still somewhat unproven Cameron Dantzler currently tops the cornerbacks. Despite some rocky moments over his two years in the league, he’s shown that he has the talent to excel. If he can erase those rocky moments. I like Dantzler as a starter. I like free agent addition Chandon Sullivan as the slot corner. I’m not sure about the rest. If the Vikings had to play a game right now, perhaps it’s Dantzler and Sullivan on the outside in base. Dantzler and Kris Boyd on the outside with Sullivan inside in nickel. I really like Boyd. I like his passion and energy. I like him best as a special teams mainstay and depth corner. The Sullivan addition is great but the Vikings need cornerback help. 

Safeties

Harrison Smith

Camryn Bynum

Josh Metellus

Miles Dorn

I’m excited for the Harrison Smith-Camryn Bynum safety pairing. It might be the Cal connection talking but I’m a big Bynum fan. Some see safety as a position of need. I like the probable starters. I like Josh Metellus and Miles Dorn as depth. 

Special Teams

Kicker

Greg Jospeh

Punter

Jordan Berry

Long Snapper

Andrew DePaola

The Vikings kicking battery returns. They were mostly good their first year together. I think that they’ll get better the more they are together. 

Favorite Team Additions-AFC

The NFL’s new league year kicked off 11 days ago. There’s been far too much movement to be contained in only 11 days. Granted, the dealings were happening days, even weeks, before the official kick off. There’s been a lot of big-time movement. Quarterbacks, star receivers, pass rushers, etc. A lot of teams have made bold moves. A lot of teams have changed their teams and the league. Here are my favorite moves for each team. The NFC was yesterday. It’s the AFC’s turn today. 

Baltimore Ravens

Marcus Williams, S

When I think of Marcus Williams I can’t help but think of his tackling whiff on Stefon Diggs. The Vikings might have a Kai Forbath field goal. They might even have a playoff loss. We don’t have a Minneapolis Miracle if Williams doesn’t whiff on Diggs. One play shouldn’t define a player. Williams is a terrific safety and the Ravens secondary is better with him.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Myles Jack, LB

T.J. Watt-Devin Bush-Myles Jack-Alex Highsmith. That’s a dynamite linebacker group. 

Cincinnati Bengals 

La’el Collins, T

The Bengals attacked the offensive line in free agency. La’el Collins, Alex Cappa, Ted Karras. The Bengals have a strong roster. They had an offensive line weakness. On paper, the offensive line is no longer a weakness. La’el Collins is the best of the new linemen.

Cleveland Browns

I don’t really care for anything that the Browns have done. 

New England Patriots

Devin McCourty, S

This one isn’t an addition. I can’t imagine Devin McCourty playing for a team other than the Patriots. 

Buffalo Bills

Von Miller, Edge

The Bills are one of the most talented teams in the league. They probably didn’t need Von Miller. They are a better team with Von Miller.

Miami Dolphins

Tyreek Hill, WR

I don’t see Tyreek Hill with Tua Tagavailoa the same as Tyreek Hill with Patrick Mahomes. Hill is one of the most dangerous players in the league. Tagavailoa needs Hill more than Mahomes needs Hill. That’s probably why the Chiefs made the trade. It’s the Dolphins gain. Football will be interesting and fun in Miami. That’s a good thing. Hill will be a big reason for that. 

New York Jets

Tyler Conklin, TE

C.J. Uzomah might have the bigger name. Tyler Conklin might be the better tight end addition. 

Tennessee Titans

Robert Brooks, WR

Robert Brooks will pair nicely with A.J. Brown.

Indianapolis Colts

Matt Ryan, QB

The Colts have been trying to find a quarterback solution since Andrew Luck retired. Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and now Matt Ryan. Wentz was the youngster of the three. I believe that Ryan has more left than Rivers had when he joined the Colts. Ryan is now with a team that has nearly everything he needs to win. This Colts team might even be more talented than the Falcons team he took to the Super Bowl. 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Darious Williams, CB

The Jaguars kicked off free agency by adding players at such a rate it felt unconscious. I’m sure their fans loved it. We’ll see if the team is improved. Brandon Scherff. Fine. I get it. He topped a lot of rankings. Christian Kirk. Good receiver. Ridiculous contract. It was a Top 10 contract for a Top 25 receiver. At best. It’s the sort of deal that makes one wonder if a team knows the real world. Darious Williams? That’s a strong deal for an underrated football player. 

Houston Texans

Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Edge

When watching the Rams front it’s tough to see anyone other than Aaron Donald. With blinders, I often saw Ogbonnia Okoronkwo flash. He has a future in the NFL. 

Kansas City Chiefs

JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR

What we are seeing now is the difference a quarterback makes. Elite receivers can be found in draft rounds 1-7. Elite quarterbacks are an infuriating crap shoot. I wouldn’t be surprised if JuJu Smith-Schuster’s receiving numbers top those of Tyreek Hill in Miami. Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are going to love the reliability of Smith-Schuster. 

Denver Broncos

Russell Wilson, QB

In his second year as the general manager of the Broncos, George Paton took a big quarterback swing. I’m not sure if Russell Wilson’s the quarterback that he once was. I’m not sure if he’s ever been the quarterback that most think he is. I assume that Paton and new head coach Nathaniel Hackett are thrilled with their 33-year old quarterback. I trust the professional football people. I trust them even though I believe that Wilson is now the fourth best quarterback in the division. 

Los Angeles Chargers

Khalil Mack, Edge

The Chargers are the Bills without the recent playoff appearances. Ridiculously talented young quarterback. Special playmakers. Very good defense. With Brandon Staley as head coach, the Chargers will always have a strongly schemed defense. At crunch time it comes down to players. Despite Joey Bosa ripping up one side, the Chargers felt the need for a bit of balance. Khalil Mack. One of the most disruptive defensive players of recent years is now paired with Joey Bosa. 

Las Vegas Raiders

Davante Adams, WR

Davante Adams really wanted out of Green Bay. I wonder if there are other Packer players that feel the same. The Packers great loss is the Raiders great gain. Adams is a great receiver. He’ll be a great receiver for a few more years.

Favorite Team Additions-NFC

The NFL’s new league year kicked off 10 days ago. There’s been far too much movement to be contained in only 10 days. Granted, some of the dealings were happening days, even weeks, before the league year’s official kick off. There’s been a lot of big-time movement. Quarterbacks, star receivers, pass rushers, etc. A lot of teams have made bold moves. A lot of teams have changed the make of their rosters and the league. Here are my favorite moves for each team. So far. The NFC is up first. 

Minnesota Vikings

Za’Darius Smith, Edge

Za’Darius Smith is the Vikings most accomplished free agent addition since Steve Hutchinson. It’s exciting to imagine Smith paired with Danielle Hunter. Due to injuries, both spent very little time on the field last season. If they can stay on the field this season, Smith and Hunter should be among the most disruptive pass rushing duos in the league. 

Green Bay Packers

Jarran Reed, DT

Jarran Reed gives the Packers a fierce interior pair with Kenny Clark. I was surprised when the Seattle Seahawks let Reed go last offseason. I was equally surprised when the Kansas Chiefs let him go this offseason. Since his 10.5-sack season with the Seahawks in 2018, I’ve thought Reed was on the verge of joining the league’s great interior pass rushers. He hasn’t quite taken that next step.

Chicago Bears

Byron Pringle, WR

There was a brief moment when the Bears best signing was Larry Ogunjobi. He failed the team’s physical. Since then, it’s been difficult to find a Bears signing that I liked. I like the addition of Dakota Dozier but that’s for reasons not positive for the Bears. I’ll go with Byron Pringle. He had some nice moments with Patrick Mahomes. Maybe he’ll have some nice moments with Justin Fields.

Detroit Lions

D.J. Chark Jr., WR

The Lions needed a receiver and D.J. Chark is a big and fast receiver. He missed most of last season to injury but he had Pro Bowl moments with the Jacksonville Jaguars. That’s saying something. Chark’s size and speed should be a compliment to Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Dallas Cowboys

James Washington, WR

The Dallas Cowboys have spent most of the offseason retaining their own free agents. James Washington might not fill the production void created when the Cowboys traded Amari Cooper. Clearly, the keys to the team’s receiving room have been handed to CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup. James Washington can be a strong #3. I always thought Washington was on the verge of emerging with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Maybe he’ll finally emerge with the Cowboys.

Philadelphia Eagles 

Haason Reddick, Edge

This one’s easy. Haason Reddick was one of the best pass rushers on the free agency market. The Eagles did well to add him to their roster. Reddick seems especially motivated to play for his hometown team.

New York Giants

Mark Glowinski, G

The Giants had to improve their offensive line. Mark Glowinski was a good player on a great Indianapolis Colts offensive line. I suppose the hope is that he’ll be a great player on a good Giants offensive line. More likely, he’s a good player on an improving offensive line. 

Washington Commanders

Andrew Norwell, G

Adding Andrew Norwell to replace Brandon Scherff is a net offensive line loss. Norwell is a good, veteran offensive lineman. The Commanders are better with him. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ryan Jensen, C

Picking receiver Russell Gage was a consideration. I assumed that the need to get Tyler Johnson more involved in the offense might be a greater need than adding another target for Tom Brady.  The Buccaneers needed Jensen to return so much more than Tom Brady needed another weapon. Keeping Jensen became even more important after Ali Marpet retired.

Carolina Panthers

Austin Corbett, G

I picked Austin Corbett simply because he was a player I hoped that the Vikings might sign. 

Atlanta Falcons 

Lorenzo Carter, Edge

I believe that Lorenzo Carter is an emerging edge rushing talent. 

New Orleans Saints

Marcus Maye, S

I’ve liked Marcus Maye since the lead up to the 2017 NFL Draft. I like Maye but I’m not sure if he’s an upgrade over the Marcus (Williams) that the Saints lost. 

Los Angeles Rams

Allen Robinson II, WR

The only things that’s kept Allen Robinson II from being considered among the elite receivers of the league have been the teams that he’s played for and the quarterbacks that threw to him. Well, that’s no longer a problem. He joins the Super Bowl champs. 

San Francisco 49ers

Charvarius Ward, CB

The 49ers opened free agency with a big swing. Charvarius Ward was one of the best cornerbacks available. Most of their free agency action since has been of the under-the-radar variety. 

Arizona Cardinals

Jeff Gladney, CB

This one’s a little troubling. After his rookie season with the Vikings, Jeff Gladney got himself into a domestic abuse situation. The Vikings dropped him as soon as he was indicted by a grand jury. A jury recently found him not guilty so he was able to continue his football career. It’s the Cardinals gain as Gladney has the potential to be a terrific cornerback. Everyone deserves a second chance. He’s got his. He’d better take advantage of it. And get help.

Seattle Seahawks

Uchenna Nwosu, Edge

Uchenna Nwosu is an emerging edge rusher. I was surprised when the Chargers didn’t re-sign him. I suppose things change when Khalil Mack is added to the defense. 

 

Minnesota Vikings Free Agency

NFL free agency is just over a week old. With all that’s gone on across the league it feels much longer. Despite entering the offseason with a restrictive salary cap situation, the Minnesota Vikings have managed to do a few things. It’s all ledger stuff now but on paper, in March, the team has improved. Nearly all of those improvements have come on defense. The Vikings defense desperately needed improving. Here’s a snapshot of the team’s additions and losses through a week-plus of free agency.

Additions:

Harrison Phillips, DT

Jordan Hicks, LB

Za’Darius Smith, Edge

Johnny Mundt, TE

Austin Schlottman, G/C

It isn’t a spending spree but the Vikings did well to add three defensive starters. Combining Za’Darius Smith with Danielle Hunter gives the Vikings one of the best pass rushing duos in the league. Harrison Phillips and Jordan Hicks should make the defense better. Phillips is an emerging player. Hicks should have at least a couple good years left. Johnny Mundt could be one of those strong under-the-radar signings. With the loss of Tyler Conklin, the Vikings needed a second tight end to Irv Smith Jr. Mundt had limited opportunities with the Los Angeles Rams. He was mostly used as an additional blocker. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips were his offensive coordinator and position coach with the Rams. They know Mundt well and assured him that he will get more playing and receiving opportunities in Minnesota. Austin Schlottman is also familiar to new Vikings coaches. Offensive line coach Chris Kuper and assistant offensive line coach Justin Rascati were Schlottman’s coaches with the Denver Broncos. Schlottman appears to be a project but he’s a project that his coaches know well. 

Re-signed:

Sean Mannion, QB

Jordan Berry, P

Greg Joseph, K

For now, Sean Mannion gets another season as Kirk Cousins’ personal quarterback coach. With the re-signings of Jordan Berry and Greg Joseph, the Vikings keep their kicking battery together for another year. Berry had a fine punting season in 2020. Joseph’s first season in Minnesota will unfortunately be best remembered for the miss in Arizona. He rebounded from the huge miss to have a decent season. Vikings fans may never have faith in the team’s kicker but Joseph might give the less pessimistic out there some hope. 

A few of the Vikings unrestricted free agents have found jobs elsewhere.

Losses:

Tyler Conklin, TE-New York Jets

Xavier Woods, S-Carolina Panthers

Mason Cole, G/C-Pittsburgh Steelers

Michael Pierce, DT-Baltimore Ravens

Nick Vigil, LB-Arizona Cardinals

Dakota Dozier, G-Chicago Bears

Several others have yet to find jobs. 

Unrestricted Free Agents

Anthony Barr, LB

Patrick Peterson, CB

Sheldon Richardson, DL

Mackensie Alexander, CB

Rashod Hill, OT

Everson Griffen, Edge

DeDe Westbrook, WR

Wayne Galman, RB

Luke Stocker, TE

Chad Beebe, WR

Tashawn Bower, Edge

Chris Herndon, TE

Patrick Peterson has been very outspoken in his interest in returning to the team. The Vikings biggest need is cornerbacks. If for no other reason, he’d be a nice addition for his leadership and experience. The cornerback room is lacking in both. His ridiculous physical abilities are starting to fade but he can still play. When the Vikings signed Za’Darius Smith it probably closed the door on a return of Anthony Barr.  Sheldon Richardson is the only other free agent that I could see returning. 

Moving forward in free agency, cornerback and interior offensive line are the positions that still need to be addressed. The Vikings visited with Buffalo Bills restricted free agent guard Ryan Bates. He also visited with the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots. Unfortunately, Bates is signing an offer sheet from the Bears. I was hoping that the Bears had lost interest when they signed former Vikings guard Dakota Dozier.  They must’ve finally watched Dozier’s game film from the 2020 season. Ereck Flowers and Will Hernandez are two of the more intriguing of the available guards. Hernandez is visiting with the Arizona Cardinals so he might not be available for long. As for Vikings cornerback moves, the first might be coming soon as former Green Bay Packers slot corner Chandon Sullivan is coming to Minnesota for a visit. Vikings assistant head coach Mike Pettine knows Sullivan well as he was the Packers defensive coordinator in 2019 and 2020. Most of the available corners are on the wrong side of 30. Patrick Peterson, Stephon Gilmore, Joe Haden, Chris Harris, and Jimmy Smith are among the best corners of the past decade. They are past their best days. Some are well past their best days. Due to the need at the position, a return to Minnesota of Trae Waynes is tough to ignore. Due to injuries, he didn’t play much during his two seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. That’s two seasons of wear-and-tear that isn’t on his 29-year old body. The Vikings have spent four first round picks on corners since 2013. None are currently on the roster. Waynes is one of those corners. I wouldn’t hate it if he made a Minnesota return. One cornerback possibility that’s been nagging at me since the start of the offseason is trading for James Bradberry. He’d be an outstanding addition but the Vikings would have to perform something close to a miracle to make it financially feasible. Still, he’s one of best in the league at his position. It’s the team’s greatest position of need. It has to be considered. 

The Vikings are nine days into a new league year. Nine days! It sure feels longer. They’ve added three new starters on defense. Harrison Phillips, Jordan Hicks, and Za’Darius Smith. A defense with significant needs is significantly better. Adding a capable corner, or three, is next. If the Vikings bring in another interior offensive lineman and scattered depth players, the draft might be wide open. No one position will dictate the players they select. Despite some hand-wringing from fans, there always is, this has been a productive free agency for the Minnesota Vikings. And we’re only nine days into it. 

Minnesota Vikings Best Free Agent Signings

This week’s signing of Za’Darius Smith got me thinking of the best free agency signings that the Minnesota Vikings have ever made. Since the introduction of the NFL’s current free agency system in 1993, the Vikings have often taken a passive approach to adding expensive new players. It’s rare that they sign, let alone chase, the “big ticket” players that are available each year. Here’s a stab at ten of the Vikings best free agent signings. These are only unrestricted and restricted free agent signings so no Brett Favre, Randall Cunningham and other street free agents like them.

10.  Za’Darius Smith, Edge

Za’Darius Smith has yet to take a snap for the Minnesota Vikings. I can’t keep him off of this list. The excitement over his signing is still so great. This time next year, I believe that he’ll have earned a spot in the top half. 

9.  Ben Leber, LB

Ben Leber was a consistently solid linebacker for the Vikings from 2006-10. He had a great knack for making big plays in crucial moments. The linebacker trio that Leber formed with Chad Greenway and E.J. Henderson was one of the best in franchise history.

8.  Ryan Longwell, K

A kicker! The only thing that keeps Ryan Longwell from being ranked higher is the position that he played. Longwell was an excellent kicker each of his six seasons in Minnesota. He's in the argument for best kicker in Vikings franchise history.

7.  Chester Taylor, RB 

Chester Taylor had an outstanding first season for the Vikings in 2006. He probably would have had several more in Minnesota if not for the surprising arrival of Adrian Peterson in the 2007 NFL Draft. Taylor's playing time was cut drastically but he remained an effective complimentary back to Peterson. The two formed an excellent combo.

6. Corey Chavous, S

Corey Chavous came to Minnesota as a corner in 2002 but really found his home with a switch to safety. His 2003 season was outstanding. That was the year in which he often seemed to be the only Vikings player on the field that had any interest in playing defense. He earned the only Pro Bowl nod of his career that season. Smart football player.

5.  Pat Williams, DT

Defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams formed the "Williams Wall." No one ran on the "Williams Wall." It was remarkable to watch Pat Williams move short distances. He was so big but he got through the line so fast. He was a lot of fun to watch.

4.  Linval Joseph, DT

Linval Joseph was a force in the middle of the Vikings defensive line from the moment he joined the team in 2014. In his six years in Minnesota, there were stretches of games in which he simply couldn't be blocked. The only knock on his play was the occasional injuries. When healthy, he was among the very best interior defensive linemen in the league. 

3. Kirk Cousins, QB

Kirk Cousins has been sailing up this list. Statistically, each of Cousins’ four seasons in Minnesota are among the best passing seasons in Vikings franchise history. Unless he can lead the Vikings to a Super Bowl title it’ll never be enough. If nothing else, Cousins has brought consistency to football’s most important position. The Vikings have been seeking quarterbacking consistency since Fran Tarkenton’s last snap. 

2.  Antoine Winfield, CB

Antoine Winfield's signing in 2004 was the Vikings first true venture into big time free agency. They merely dabbled in the player market for the first ten years. They struck gold with Winfield. He played for the Vikings for nine years and was fantastic for nine years. He made it to three Pro Bowls. He should have been to more. It was a real treat to be witness to his football career. He won't get much Hall of Fame consideration but he's in my Hall of Fame. Winfield was a great, fun football player. 

1.  Steve Hutchinson, G

Steve Hutchinson might have been the team MVP in 2006. He quickly changed the level of play and attitude of the Vikings offensive line the moment he became a part of it. As a result he changed the entire offense. He was an outstanding football player for all of his six seasons in Minnesota. He’s a Hall of Famer and he’s the best Vikings free agent signing.

***

The Minnesota Vikings have rarely gotten too involved in free agency. The Hutchinson, Winfield, and Cousins signings were the biggest but such signings have been rare in Minnesota. A low free agency profile is the norm. That's why 2006 was such a surprise. In Brad Childress' first season as head coach the Vikings really dove into free agency. Four players on this list were signed that year. Steve Hutchinson, Chester Taylor, Ryan Longwell, and Ben Leber. That offseason was a bonanza and Vikings fans were delirious. All four helped form the foundation of a team that improved each season. A team that ended up being a play away from the Super Bowl in 2009. 

Za’Darius Smith isn’t the typical free agency signing. Among Vikings free agent additions over the past three decades, only Hutchinson arrived in Minnesota with more acclaim. I suppose Smith missing nearly all of last season to injury dulls his shine a bit. When he was last healthy, he was thrashing offenses in a Pro Bowl/All-Pro fashion. At 29, he’s still in his prime. He’s still one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the league. He’s one of the Vikings best free agent signings and he’s yet to play a snap for them. Here’s hoping that his play on the field moves him to the Hutchinson-Winfield level of this list. 

New Minnesota Vikings Defense

What a difference a day makes. Despite being only a week into free agency, many were moaning about the activity, or lack of activity, of the Minnesota Vikings. Before the NFL’s annual spending spree “officially” started, the Vikings had already added two new defensive starters in defensive tackle Harrison Phillips and linebacker Jordan Hicks. Two new starters and the offseason had just begun. Still, there were gripes that the new Vikings decision-makers were content with “running it back.” Somehow, a team with a new general manager, new head coach, new coaching staff, new trainer, new defensive scheme manned by what was sure to be mostly new players was “running it back.” A day of no new signings is apparently a sign of apathy and/or contentment. Anyway, all those moans turned to mania yesterday when the Vikings signed former Green Bay Packers pass rusher Za’Darius Smith. Since his Minnesota visit was announced on Monday, Vikings fans have reversed their views of the team’s new decision-makers. This was a move that the critics didn’t think that the new Vikings decision-makers could or would make. There’s no “running it back.” There’s only a commitment to getting better. On paper, in mid-March, the Minnesota Vikings have gotten better. The free agency focus has been on the defense. It’s a defense that needed improvements. After a week of free agency, here’s the new Minnesota Vikings defense. 

DE	Dalvin Tomlinson
NT	Harrison Phillips
DE	James Lynch
OLB	Danielle Hunter
ILB	Eric Kendricks
ILB	Jordan Hicks
OLB	Za’Darius Smith
CB	Cameron Dantzler
CB	Kris Boyd
S	Harrison Smith
S	Camryn Bynum

Other than general depth, the front seven looks set. One might even be so bold as to see the front seven looks great. A defensive line of Dalvin Tomlinson-Harrison Phillips-James Lynch is an early guess. At about 320lbs, Tomlinson is the closest to the girth that’s usually expected over the center. During his introductory press conference, Phillips specifically mentioned playing nose tackle in this defense. I’m going with that. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a rotation of Tomlinson, Phillips, and Armon Watts through all of the defensive line positions. I like Lynch’s potential as an interior pass rusher. As such, I like him to emerge as a starter. The versatility of the Vikings defensive linemen should make for a varied and fun front. The linebackers are easy to project. They look like a group that can rip apart an offense. They will be the heart of the defense. 

The secondary is a whole other story. I like the safety duo of Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum. I get that Bynum is unproven but he’ll be fine. I saw too much of his potential at Cal to believe otherwise. Cornerback is the team’s biggest question mark. After adding an elite edge player, cornerback likely becomes the free agency focus of the Vikings. It’ll probably be the focus at the top of the draft as well. 

It’s time to end this “running it back” nonsense. New defensive coaches. New defensive scheme. Nothing is the same on that side of the ball. The only starters last year that project as starters this year are Dalvin Tomlinson, Eric Kendricks, and Harrison Smith. Cameron Dantzler eventually stepped into the starting lineup. This is a new Vikings defense in scheme and makeup. I can’t wait to see them on the field. 

Taking A Big Free Agency Swing

Most NFL free agent dealings these days are done long distance. Actual visits are a bit of a rarity. The Minnesota Vikings have rolled out the purple carpet for a player. Recently released Green Bay Packers edge rusher Za’Darius Smith is receiving royal treatment from the Vikings. News of the visit popped yesterday. He arrived at TCO Performance Center in the late afternoon. He’s supposed to be there this morning. Hopefully, he’s there now making progress on a happy contract. This free agency visit has fans of the team in a frenzy. Much of that frenzy has been generated by Smith. He captured the visit with the Vikings in an Instagram story and posted this squeal-worthy tweet:

“Meet at the quarterback” 

This clear acknowledgement of the Vikings’ pass-rushing history was adorned with a smiling emoji. None of this is the equal of a signed contract but it has even the most pessimistic fan on the edge of their seat. It’s been said that nothing is real until it’s posted on social media. Za’Darius Smith is making this dance with the Vikings very real and very exciting. 

Wining and dining Za’Darius Smith is a big free agency swing for the Vikings. This is the sort of swing that many in the media and nearly all fans were beginning to think that the Vikings weren’t willing or able to make. There was reportedly considerable hand-wring over what to do with expensive and brilliant (when healthy) pass rusher Danielle Hunter. It’s a little surprising to see the Vikings pursuing another potentially expensive and brilliant (when healthy) pass rusher. Smith missed all but one regular season game in 2021. Prior to that, he’d racked up 26 sacks and ridiculous pressure numbers over his first two seasons with the Packers. Those pass rush numbers had Smith and Hunter as the best in the league at harassing quarterbacks in 2019. “Meet at the quarterback.” It’s exciting to imagine both in purple.

The Vikings aren’t alone in the pursuit of Smith. The Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly very interested. The Baltimore Ravens actually had an agreement with him last week. That seemed like a done deal until Smith said that it wasn’t. Who knows what happened there? Who knows if the team that drafted him in 2015 is still lurking? They probably aren’t as breakups like that are difficult to forget. At this moment, it looks like the race to sign Smith is between the Vikings, Cowboys, and Chiefs. The Vikings are in the lead as he’s in Minneapolis now. They also might have another edge. His defensive coordinator in Green Bay, Mike Pettine, and position coach, Mike Smith, are currently employed by the Vikings. All of that is nice. All of that is fuel for the frenzy. It means nothing until an agreement is reached. If the fiasco with the Ravens reveals anything, it means nothing until a contract is signed. 

Hopefully, Za’Darius Smith’s time as a free agent ends today. Hopefully, he doesn’t leave Minneapolis without signing a contract. 

Minnesota Vikings 7-Round Mock Draft

Still just passing time waiting for further Minnesota Vikings offseason developments. The Mock Draft Simulators that are out there make mock drafts too easy. Too damn easy. If you have to blow through a couple hours, go to one of these simulators and lose yourself in third-round corners. Since the Scouting Combine, I’ve been tooling around with three-round mocks. I don’t currently know enough about the players projected for the later rounds to go any further than that. So, this seven-round mock for the Vikings is a real stab in the dark. Aren’t all mock drafts, no matter then number of rounds, a stab in the dark? Anyway, here’s a stab at a Vikings 7-round mock draft. I used the Mock Draft Machine from the The Draft Network.

Minnesota Vikings 7-Round Mock Draft

1(12).   Jermaine Johnson, Edge, Florida State

2(46).   Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA

3(77).   Marcus Jones, CB, Houston

5(156). Jack Sanborn, LB, Wisconsin

6(184). Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson

6(191). Chris Paul, IOL, Tulsa

6(192). Thomas Booker, DL, Stanford

7(250). Elijah Hicks, DB, California

In my opinion, the greatest current need and draft need on the Vikings roster is cornerback. Cornerback, cornerback, cornerback. There are only four cornerbacks currently on the roster.

Cameron Dantzler

Kris Boyd

Harrison Hand

Parry Nickerson

Cameron Dantzler is the only one of the four that should be on the field for the majority of defensive snaps. Kris Boyd is a nice depth corner and very good special teams player. Harrison Hand is a bit of a mystery. He showed more potential as a rookie in 2020 than last season. Parry Nickerson has spent most of his four years in the league on practice squads. The Vikings currently have one starting cornerback. They need at least three. 

The Vikings have the rest of the offseason and the draft to add starting caliber cornerbacks. The best place to find those in the draft is the first round. Unfortunately, with the way this mock draft fell, I felt that the best pick for the Vikings at #12 was Jermaine Johnson. Edge rusher is a need. Maybe it won’t be as much of a need by draft time. I was able to select corners that I like in the second and third rounds. Tariq Woolen has only been playing cornerback for a couple seasons. He has elite speed and athleticism. Due to his inexperience, it’s a gamble to expect him to be able start in the NFL immediately. Maybe one day he’s considered the best cornerback to come out of this draft. Right now, he’s a significant gamble. Marcus Jones is one of my favorite players in this draft. I think that he’d immediately step in as the Vikings nickel corner. He’s also an explosive returner. 

Edge-corner-corner felt like the right way to go in this mock draft. In the real thing, I like cornerback in the first. 

The missing fourth-round pick is a problem. The wait felt forever with the mock draft simulator. The real wait is going to be longer. So much longer. Hindsight isn’t a fair way to judge football decisions but the trade for Chris Herndon will forever be considered a mistake. 

I don’t have much to say about the final five players in this mock draft. I like the potential of Justyn Ross. I saw mentions that the Vikings have met with him. I watched Thomas Booker make plays against Cal. I didn’t much care for him then. Elijah Hicks had a very good college career for the Golden Bears. He played corner his first couple years in Berkeley. He played safety his final couple years. I still can’t believe that he didn’t get an invite to the Scouting Combine. He’ll play in the NFL. 

Flea Flicker Mock Draft 3.0

After about a week of free agency some team needs have changed. Trades have further altered the first round. With those changes in mind, here’s another stab at a mock draft. 

1.   Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan

2.   Detroit Lions: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

3.   Houston Texans: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

4.   New York Jets: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State

5.   New York Giants: Tavon Walker, Edge, Georgia

6.   Carolina Panthers: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

7.   New York Giants: Devin Loyd, LB, Utah

8.   Atlanta Falcons: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon

9.   Seattle Seahawks: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

10. New York Jets: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

11. Washington Commanders: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

12. Minnesota Vikings: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

13. Houston Texans: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

14. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

16. Philadelphia Eagles: Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

18. New Orleans Saints: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

19. Philadelphia Eagles: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

21. New England Patriots: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington

22. Green Bay Packers: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

23. Arizona Cardinals: George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue

24. Dallas Cowboys: Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M

25. Buffalo Bills: Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson

26. Tennessee Titans: Boye Mafe, Edge, Minnesota 

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College

28. Green Bay Packers: Drake London, WR, USC

29. Miami Dolphins: David Ojabo, Edge, Michigan

30. Kansas City Chiefs: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

32. Detroit Lions: Matt Corrall, QB, Mississippi

Until the next one. 

Minnesota Vikings Top 10 Receivers

Just waiting for free agency developments on the first Saturday of a new league year. While waiting for free agency developments, I was thinking about receivers. In particular, I was thinking about the best receivers in Minnesota Vikings franchise history. It’s a strong receiver history. Two are among the best to ever play the position. Two others have Hall of Fame arguments. Another, after only two seasons, is on a fast path to joining the legends at the position. In the 61-year history of the Vikings, the team has often had one, two, and sometimes three of the best receivers of their era. Here are ten (11) of the best receivers in Minnesota Vikings franchise history.

Minnesota Vikings Top 10 Receivers

1.   Cris Carter

2.   Randy Moss

3.   Ahmad Rashad

4.   Anthony Carter

5.   Adam Thielen

6.   Justin Jefferson

7.   Sammy White

8.   Jake Reed

9.   Stefon Diggs

10. Percy Harvin

10. John Gilliam

The top two are easy. Cris Carter and Randy Moss are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It was incredible to see the two together for four seasons. Incredible. Many may have Moss #1 and Carter #2. I get that. Moss was the most physically gifted receiver to ever play. He was a Freak of nature. Defenses had no answer for what he could do on the football field. I have Carter #1 simply because he had all of the attributes that I value most in a receiver. Hands. Carter had the best hands I’ve ever seen. His ability to get separation. His body control. I’ve never seen a player work the sideline better than Carter. It didn’t seem fair. Carter-Moss. Moss-Carter. It doesn’t really matter. Each are on the short list of the very best to play the position. 

As tough as it is to separate the top two, it might be even tougher to separate the next four, or more. 

Ahmad Rashad and Sammy White were the Cris Carter and Randy Moss of my youth. Like Carter, Rashad was a move-the-chains machine. Like Moss, White was a big-play threat. I truly believe that if Rashad had played the entirety, or even just a little more, of his career in Minnesota, he’d be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Still, his seven years in Minnesota were as strong as any other receiver of his era.

Anthony Carter’s demolition of the great San Francisco 49ers in the 1987 playoffs was one of the greatest days in my life as a Vikings fan. That day was fun. Carter was fun. So much fun. He played nine years in Minnesota but it felt like five. It went by so fast. His four-year stretch from 1987-90 should trigger Hall of Fame discussions that have yet to happen. In the 1987 strike-shortened season, he gained a remarkable 922 yards on only 38 receptions. That works out to 24.3 yards per each catch. Incredible. That might be as incredible as Jerry Rice’s 22 touchdowns that season. Maybe not. Both are damn incredible. 

Two current Vikings are 5 and 6. Adam Thielen’s play, path and Minnesota roots will forever have him as a franchise icon. As a fan of the particulars of receiver play, I’ve been spoiled by recent Vikings receivers. It’s been an absolute joy to watch the pass-catching and route-running of Thielen, Stefon Diggs, and Justin Jefferson. Justin Jefferson. What can you say about Justin Jefferson? Two seasons. 196 catches. 3016 yards. 17 touchdowns. Those a ridiculous two-year numbers. Those are the sort of ridiculous two-year numbers that you see from a Hall of Fame receiver in the MIDDLE of his career. Jefferson did it in his first two seasons. The first of which was the hacked-up COVID season. No offseason workouts. Hacked-up training camp. Hacked-up season. Two seasons! #6 on this list already feels low. He’s only resting at #6 on his climb to Cris Carter and Randy Moss. 

Jake Reed had four consecutive seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. The only thing that kept him from having more was the selection of Randy Moss in the 1998 NFL Draft. Reed will always be a Vikings receiving afterthought because he played in the immense shadows of Carter and Moss. He was one of the best deep threats of his era. 

Stefon Diggs is now considered one of the best receivers in the game. There’s nothing that he’s doing in Buffalo that he didn’t do in Minnesota. He’s so much fun to watch. His quickness. His route-running. His hands. His passion. He and Thielen were so fun. It was a sad day when the Vikings traded Diggs. But his departure and the pick that the Vikings received for him brought Justin Jefferson to Minnesota. 

As a football player. As a receiver, runner, and returner, Percy Harvin was one of the most exciting players in Vikings franchise history. He was incredible with the football in his hands. He really wasn’t a receiver. He wasn’t refined as a receiver. The Vikings had to design ways to get him the ball. When they did, Harvin was a blast to watch. 

John Gilliam is often over-looked among the great receivers in Vikings franchise history. He’s tied for #10 here. I had to get him on the list. He shouldn’t be overlooked as he was terrific during his four years with the team. 

1972: 47 catches, 1035 yards, 22.0 yards/catch, 7 TDs

1973: 42 catches, 907 yards, 21.6 yards.catch, 8 TDs

1974: 26 catches, 578 yards, 22.2 yards/catch, 5 TDs

1975: 50 catches, 777 yards, 15.5 yards/catch, 7 TDs

It’s important to remember the NFL offenses of the early 1970s. 50 catches in the 1970s often led the league. It was like 100 catches today. Gilliam made the Pro Bowl in each of his four seasons in Minnesota. His 20+ yards/catch from 1972-74 was ridiculous. If he hadn’t had a brief dance with the failing WFL in advance of the 1975 season, he probably has four seasons with 20+ yards/catch. He was one of the most explosive playmakers and one of the best receivers of his era. 

While they were at the top of their game and still in their prime, the Vikings made the very disappointing decision to trade three of the players on this list. Randy Moss, Percy Harvin, and Stefon Diggs. Each of these trades was crushing. Fortunately, the Vikings most often did a good job of replacing those star receivers. The trade of Harvin led to the drafting of somewhat similarly talented Cordarrelle Patterson. The trade of Diggs turned into Justin Jefferson. The Vikings never did replace Moss. How could they? 

The great receiver tradition of the Vikings has been and continues to be so damn much fun. 

Minnesota Vikings Free Agency-Day 2

Rumors raged about the future of defensive end Danielle Hunter. 

On the surface, the Minnesota Vikings spent a chunk of the second day of free agency introducing defensive tackle Harrison Phillips and linebacker Jordan Hicks to the assembled media. The team’s two most significant free agent additions, so far, impressed everyone that listened. If both do as well on the field as they did during yesterday’s meet-and-greet, the Vikings defense will be much improved. Granted, it wouldn’t take much to register improvement over the injury-riddled 2020 and 2021 seasons. Thinking about Phillips on the Vikings interior defensive line and Hicks paired with Eric Kendricks is becoming more comforting with each day. 

While Phillips and Hicks were in the spotlight, the Vikings decision-makers hosted Buffalo Bills restricted free agent guard Ryan Bates. Remember the days when teams wined and dined free agents? There was a wait-and-see approach with every potential free agent. “Is he still in the building?” “He can’t leave town without a signed contract!” Media and maniacs would stake out Manny’s. Those feel like distant days. Perhaps it’s the impact of the tampering period, most free agent deals are now done long distance through texts or phone calls. It now feels like an oddity when a player actually visits a team before agreeing on the terms of a deal. Bates was at TCO Performance Center yesterday. He left without a deal for a visit with the New England Patriots. Apparently, his plan was to visit with interested teams and then make a decision. As a restricted free agent, with a low-level tender, Bates is free to visit and field offers from teams but the Bills have the “right of first refusal” to match any other contract offer. With the free agency signing of Rodger Saffold III, the Bills might not be inclined to match an offer. Bates would be an intriguing addition for the Vikings. He was originally signed by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019 as an undrafted free agent out of Penn State. He was traded to the Bills prior to the 2019 season. He’s mostly been a versatile backup until he got a starting shot late last season. With Bates as part of the interior offensive line for the final four regular season games and both playoff games, the Bills running game improved dramatically. The Vikings have a wide-open opening at right guard. If signed, it would surprise no one if Bates entered offseason workouts at the top of the right guard depth chart. He’s even taken some snaps at center. So, there might be that possibility as well. 

Those pesky Danielle Hunter rumors. 

Hunter was severely underpaid soon after he took his first snap for the Vikings. Despite collecting 18.5 sacks over his first two seasons, he didn’t become a full-time starter until his third season. He signed a big, team-friendly deal before his fourth season. By his fifth season, he was severely underpaid again. He spent nearly all of his first five seasons severely underpaid. Despite missing all but seven games over the past two seasons, it should really be no surprise that Hunter is hesitant to make more contract concessions. Perhaps playing only seven games the last two seasons opened his eyes even wider to his NFL mortality. He must maximize his compensation while he still can. I understand his stance. I also understand that the Vikings have to do something about his nearly $26 million cap hit. There must be some middle ground. I sure hope that Hunter and the Vikings can find it. He’s been one of my favorite players since his rookie season. I can’t imagine, don’t want to imagine him in another uniform. Find that middle ground!

That being said. If the Vikings could get a couple high draft picks for Hunter and maybe sign Za’Darius Smith, I might be able to manage the pain of losing one of my favorites. Keeping Hunter is the priority. The alternative would be manageable.

It’s on to Day 3. 

Minnesota Vikings Free Agency-Day 1

NFL Free Agency has been in the works for three days. In reality, teams and agents have been exchanging numbers for weeks. No one believes that Monday’s big dollar deals were hashed out in minutes. Officially, NFL Free Agency opened yesterday. Through Day 1, the Minnesota Vikings have a net gain of one player.

Additions:

Harrison Phillips, DT

Jordan Hicks, LB

Johnny Mundt, TE

Austin Schlottman, G/C

Losses:

Xavier Woods, S - Carolina Panthers

Mason Cole, G/C - Pittsburgh Steelers

Tyler Conklin, TE - New York Jets

With the Vikings-Jets free agency relationship, the deal with Conklin shouldn’t be considered done until he’s in a Jets uniform.

If one is tracking potential 2023 compensatory picks, the above free agency exchange might garner the Vikings one, maybe even two, later round picks. 

Harrison Phillips and Jordan Hicks will step in as starters in the Vikings defense. Phillips can probably play anywhere in the team’s new three-man front. At a listed 307 lbs, he doesn’t carry the usual bulk of the usual nose tackle. He does have the strength and ability to shed blocks to play over the center. It’ll be fun to see how the new coaching staff takes advantage of Phillips’ versatility. Hicks will pair nicely with Eric Kendricks in the middle of the Vikings defense. With the addition of the two, the Vikings front seven got better. 

Johnny Mundt and Austin Schlottman are now Vikings because of their relationships with some of the Vikings new coaches. Despite catching only ten passes over five seasons with the Los Angeles Rams and coming off of an October torn ACL, Mundt is a very interesting addition. Vikings new head coach Kevin O’Connell was his offensive coordinator the last two season. Vikings new offensive coordinator Wes Phillips was his position coach. The Vikings offensive architects know their new tight end well. For the Rams, Mundt was mostly on the field for his blocking. O’Connell and Phillips promise that he’ll be targeted in the Vikings offense more than he was targeted in the Rams offense. Seeing as Mundt is rehabbing a torn ACL, it’s reassuring that new Vikings trainer Tyler Williams was part of that process with the Rams. He knows the state of that knee better than anyone. Since the close of the 2021 season, I wasn’t too optimistic about Tyler Conklin’s return. I was less optimistic of his return when Mundt’s signing was announced. I really like Conklin. He was a nice TE2 pair with Irv Smith Jr. When Smith was lost for the season before the season even started, Conklin was solid in 2021 as the team’s top tight end. He’s in New York now. Mundt’s in Minnesota now. Smith should return and be the impact player player that he has the talent to be. Mundt’s blocking and ability to line up all over the field should be a nice compliment. At 6’6” and 300 lbs, Schlottman brings interesting dimensions to the Vikings interior offensive line. Despite having seven starts and 42 games played with the Denver Broncos, he’s got to be seen as a project. He’s a project that new Vikings coaches know well. New offensive line coach Chris Kuper and new assistant offensive line coach Justin Rascoti coached Schlottman in Denver. The coaches that know him best saw him as a player to bring with them to Minnesota. That’s good enough for me. 

The losses.

Xavier Woods played well in his lone season with the Vikings. I felt that his time in Minnesota would be brief as soon as Camryn Bynum was selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. If the Vikings had to play a game now, the swap of Woods for Bynum would be a downgrade. By September, I believe that it will be an upgrade. Bynum is a smart, instinctive football player. He’s ready to start. Just as he did in college at Cal, he’ll evolve into a team leader and impact player. 

It can be argued that the Vikings 2021 offensive line got better when Mason Cole was on the field. Judging from the grumbling heard daily, I might be the lone Vikings fan with remaining hopes for center Garrett Bradbury. I know that he has to be better. I also know that he can do some things that few, if any, of the league’s centers can do. I want to see what a new offensive coaching staff and a new scheme can do with Bradbury. I’d rather see him get an opportunity to improve those things that need improving before I write him off as first-round bust. Despite having nothing to go on but his college career, I believe that Wyatt Davis will emerge as the Vikings right guard. With those offensive line hopes, I really only saw Cole as a high-end back-up and perhaps safeguard for Bradbury or Davis. It would’ve been nice to have him stay in Minnesota but he deserves an opportunity to be a starter. Maybe Schlottman emerges as a respectable swing interior lineman. 

It’s on to Day 2. 

What’s Left In NFL Free Agency?

With the tampering period, the start of NFL Free Agency is no longer the start of NFL Free Agency. That being said, NFL Free Agency “officially” opens today at 4pm ET. That’s when the team-player deals that have been reported over the last two days can become official. Maybe a player gets cold feet, a change of heart. Maybe there’s another Anthony Barr situation. Probably not. The deals done during the tampering period usually stick. The flurry of signings over the past two days has taken many of the best free agents off the market. There’s still plenty of talent available. 

NFL.com’s Top 50 Free Agents

1.   Terron Armstead, OT, New Orleans Saints

2.   J.C. Jackson, CB, New England Patriots-Signed-Los Angeles Chargers

3.   Von Miller, Edge, Los Angeles Rams

4.   Carlton Davis, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Re-signed

5.   Chandler Jones, Edge, Arizona Cardinals

6.   Tyrann Mathieu, S, Kansas City Chiefs

7.   Marcus Williams, S, New Orleans Saints-Signed-Baltimore Ravens

8.   Allen Robinson, WR, Chicago Bears

9.   Emmanuel Ogbah, Edge, Miami Dolphins-Re-signed

10. Brandon Scherff, G, Washington Commeanders-Signed-Jacksonville Jaguars

11. Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Los Angeles Rams

12. Stephon Gilmore, CB, Carolina Panthers

13. Duane Brown, OT, Seattle Seahawks

14. Jameis Winston, QB, New Orleans Saints

15. Randy Gregory, Edge, Dallas Cowboys-Signed-Denver Broncos

16. Bobby Wagner, LB, Seattle Seahawks

17. Jadeveon Clowney, Edge, Cleveland Browns

18. DeVondre Campbell, LB, Green Bay Packers-Re-signed

19. Za’Darius Smith, Edge, Green Bay Packers

20. Calais Campbell, DL, Baltimore Ravens

21. James Daniels, G, Chicago Bears-Signed-Pittsburgh Steelers

22. Haason Reddick, Edge, Carolina Panthers-Signed Philadelphia Eagles

23. Melvin Ingram, Edge, Kansas City Chiefs

24. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

25. Jarvis Landry, WR, Cleveland Browns

26. Joe Noteboom, OT, Los Angeles Rams-Re-signed

27. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Denver Broncos-Signed-Miami Dolphins

28. D.J. Jones, DT, San Francisco 49ers-Signed-Dnever Broncos

29. Jerry Hughes, Edge, Buffalo Bills

30. Quandre Diggs, S, Seattle Seahawks-Re-signed

31. Akiem Hicks, DL, Chicago Bears

32. Marcus Maye, S, New York Jets-Signed-New Orleans Saints

33. Russell Gage, WR, Atlanta Falcons-Signed-Tampa Bay Buccaneers

34. Bradley Bozeman, C, Baltimore Ravens

35. Ben Jones, C, Tennessee Titans-Re-signed

36. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

37. Trent Brown, OT, New England Patriots

38. D.J. Reed, CB, Seattle Seahawks-Signed-New York Jets

39. Christian Kirk, WR, Arizona Cardinals-Signed-Jacksonville Jaguars

40. Darious Williams, CB, Los Angeles Rams

41. JC Tretter, C, Cleveland Browns

42. Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Atlanta Falcons

43. Evan Engram, TE, New York Giants-Signed-Jacksonville Jaguars

44. Laken Tomlinson, G, San Francisco 49ers-Signed-New York Jets

45. Will Fuller, WR, Miami Dolphins

46. Eric Fisher, OT, Indianapolis Colts 

47. Connor Williams, G, Dallas Cowboys-Signed-Miami Dolphins

48. Bilal Nichols, DL, Chicago Bears-Signed-Las Vegas Raiders

49. Rasul Douglas, CB, Green Bay Packers

50. Bryce Callahan, CB, Denver Broncos

28 of NFL.com’s Top 50 Free Agents remain unsigned. 

Vikings Dive Into Free Agency

The Legal Tampering window of 2022 NFL Free Agency opened yesterday. On the first day, the Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms with Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Harrison Phillips. It’s a three-year deal for $19.5 million. 

Initially, this signing looked like a continuation of the free agency build-up of the team’s interior defensive line. Michael Pierce was the big free agent signing of 2020. Dalvin Tomlinson was the big free agent signing of 2021. Now, the Vikings kick of 2022 with the signing of Harrison Phillips. That’s a lot of free agent beef up front. It wasn’t to be. Not long after the Phillips news came word that Pierce was being released. The Vikings tried to retain Pierce on a moderate pay cut but he wasn’t willing. Then they tried to trade him. Nothing materialized. So, he was released. In the end, it’s a defensive tackle swap of Phillips for Pierce. Due to his opt-out in 2020 for health concerns and injuries in 2021, Pierce played in only eight games during his two years on the Vikings roster. While an interior combination and rotation of Pierce, Tomlinson, and Phillips was appealing, it probably tied up too many resources at one position for a cap-strapped team. The Vikings get younger and perhaps more versatile in the defensive tackle swap. 

Despite coming out of Stanford, Phillips was one of my favorites in the 2018 NFL Draft. When healthy, he was more role player than starter for most of his four years in Buffalo. He didn’t become a full-time starter until the playoff run last season. Despite the lack of starts, he’s a high-end run-stuffer. He’s an emerging player and his best NFL days are in front of him. Despite those Stanford roots, Phillips is a high-character individual on and off the field. He was named the Bills Walter Payton Man of the Year each of the last two seasons. His charitable work off the field and effort on the field made him an easy fan favorite in Buffalo. 

The Vikings are transitioning to a 3-4 base defense this offseason. While today’s NFL offenses force defenses out of their base more often than not, it’s natural to focus on Minnesota’s new front. As things stand now, the Vikings interior defensive line group looks something like this.

Dalvin Tomlinson

Harrison Phillips

Armon Watts

James Lynch

Jaylen Twyman

That’s an intriguing group. I already like what I’ve seen in the league from Dalvin Tomlinson, Harrison Phillips, and Armon Watts. James Lynch started to flash as a pass rusher late last season. Due to an opt-out in college and missing his rookie season, Jaylen Twyman hasn’t played football since 2019. The last time he did play was a 10.5-sack season at Pitt. He was an intriguing player coming out of college. He’s an intriguing player still. 

The signing of Harrison Phillips isn’t official until he officially signs as soon as tomorrow.