The Official 2007 Vikings Thread.

[Durango53]

Michael Bennett said Monday his tenure with the Vikings is over. "They told my agent they're going in another direction, so I won't be coming back," Bennett said in a phone interview. "It's disappointing, because you felt you established yourself there and you wanted to be one of those guys who stayed with a team throughout his whole career. But it didn't work out for me." His preferences are Green Bay, which is closer to his hometown of Milwaukee, and Arizona, which is coached by Dennis Green, who drafted Bennett for the Vikings. "I don't know where I could end up; anywhere, really," Bennett said. "But those would be two great places.

[Durango53]

The Vikings haven't tipped their hand on several key issues to be resolved before free agency starts. They're not believed to have held substantive discussions with either of their key free agents, receiver Koren Robinson and cornerback Brian Williams, and it is unclear whether they will use their franchise or transition tags on either player.

I see Brian gone. He has earned a huge pay check. They need to get Koren though and if need be put the franchise tag on him.

[Durango53]

A motions hearing for Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper, charged with a misdemeanor for lewd behavior at a team boat party last October, is scheduled for March 20. A motion to dismiss the case will be filed and to have an evidentiary hearing. A Hennepin County judge, Kevin Burke, has been assigned for an April 18 trial if a motion to dismiss is not granted. Culpepper's attorney, Earl Gray, said Monday that if need be, "I can assure you we will go to trial."

[>TC<]

They have a matching clause in their contract with Koren, so technically they don't need to classify him. Williams is more likely to get one or the other, especially if they try to trade Smoot.

TC

[>TC<]

Southern California running back LenDale White isn't expected to be available when the Vikings pick No. 17 in April's NFL draft, according to expert Scott Wright. The Gophers' Laurence Maroney remains the projected pick for the Vikings on most mock drafts, including Wright's.

But if the Vikings don't select Maroney, they could choose UCLA's Maurice Drew in the second or third round. Don't be surprised if the Vikings take Iowa linebacker Chad Greenway if he's available at No. 17.


TC

[Timberwolf]

Vikings better select Laurence if he is available period. He can solve our running back puzzle for years to come. Either way, they can't go wrong with White or Laurence. If they bypass him even when he is available, I won't be a happy camper.

[>TC<]

Vikings Project Information Shutdown
Scout.com - Scout.com
February 19, 2006 at 11:08am ET

The Vikings made it clear this week that fans would not be receiving analysis of personnel and information about the team's "football business" from official team sources. It's part of a revamping of staff and philosophy since the dismissal of Mike Tice.

Three weeks after Fran Foley signed a three-year contract to become the Vikings' vice president of player personnel, the former San Diego Chargers and Jacksonville Jaguars executive was introduced to the Twin Cities media.

The no-nonsense Foley, 44, quickly made it clear that Vikings fans can expect to find out information on a need-to-know basis. And they better not want to know too much.

"My position will be that we're not going to talk about our football business in public," he said. "It's just not going to happen. It's not the way that I do business and it won't be the way that we'll do business from this point forward."


TC

[Durango53]

Dang Mark we should shut this tread down then for I want to know all I can and we might give out to much info. :D

[brandonwarne52]

I see Brian gone. He has earned a huge pay check. They need to get Koren though and if need be put the franchise tag on him.

I have heard rumors that Williams might be retained to play SS.....anyone else hear that?

[Durango53]

Also along those lines we have heard that Winfield might be moved to SS. I dont like any of those moves really. Winfield has been a great coner for us the past two years and if it is anyone I would say Smoot. But he was hurt most of last year and he can be a shut down guy also. Tough call.

[Durango53]

With the franchise tag for cornerbacks set at a relatively modest $5.893 million, there is a chance the Vikings could use the designation to keep cornerback Brian Williams off the free-agent market. Williams' agent, Jordan Feagan, didn't want to comment on that possibility, but he did say, "We are planning and expecting to explore free agency."

[Durango53]

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf acknowledged Tuesday that the team is determining its future with quarterback Daunte Culpepper, but Wilf would not predict the likelihood that Culpepper will be traded. "It's something we're working out between the organization and Daunte," Wilf said. "We're evaluating every aspect of the team, and Daunte Culpepper is a very important part."

[Durango53]

As for restricted free agent Nate Burleson, there have been no negotiations. The Vikings are expected to place a first-round qualifying offer. That salary number is expected to be around $1.553 million.

[Durango53]

The Vikings have signed free-agent cornerback Ronyell Whitaker, a two-year veteran who spent last season on Tampa Bay's practice squad. Whitaker, a nephew of boxer Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker, was in four games in 2003 with the Buccaneers, playing under current Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin.

[aaaa]

I love the Vikings!!!!!! Good luck this season!!!

[Durango53]

The Vikings and Daunte Culpepper have been tight-lipped amid trade speculation involving the quarterback. But left tackle Bryant McKinnie, tight end Jermaine Wiggins, defensive tackle Kevin Williams, nose tackle Pat Williams and cornerback Antoine Winfield all said they hope Culpepper remains their teammate and that the team would be worse off without him. "That's crazy," McKinnie said when asked about the speculation of Culpepper being traded. "I don't agree with trading him. Last year, they traded Randy Moss. "We already made one mistake (trading Moss). Don't do it twice. If that's the case, let me go."

[Durango53]

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) - The Minnesota Vikings named cornerback Brian Williams as their transition player on Thursday, which prevents him from becoming an unrestricted free agent.

The NFL's deadline for designating franchise or transition players was Thursday.

Williams replaced an injured Fred Smoot, one of the Vikings' top free-agent signings last year, and started the last eight games. Williams played well enough to keep his spot when Smoot returned, relegating Smoot to the nickelback role.

A fourth-round draft pick out of North Carolina State in 2002, Williams has started 48 of a possible 66 games in his career. He had 11 passes defended and four interceptions last season.

:banana: :banana: Good I like them getting the chance to keep Brian!

[Durango53]

The Vikings have told quarterback Shaun Hill, C Cory Withrow, and CB Ralph Brown that they won't be re-signed.

[Durango53]

Mark any news on Toniu Fonoti, Dustin Fox.
How is Fox doing? Any plans for him you have heard of?

Also Fonoti. Resign? Any talk of it?

[Durango53]

Word is the Vikings are inching closer to a contract agreement with free-agent receiver Koren Robinson that is expected to be for four years with at least $10 million guaranteed.

[Durango53]

NFL teams with the most space under the salary cap include the Arizona Cardinals ($23 million), the Minnesota Vikings ($21 million under), the Green Bay Packers ($19 million under), the Cleveland Browns ($18 million under) and the San Diego Chargers ($17 million under).

[Durango53]

You know a move we could see the Vikings do is a trade of Culpepper and then sign Drew Brees. Give Brad the starting job and let Drew get better. There are a few QB's out there that the Vikings could sign with the big cap room and some RB's as I have said in the past to. Let them draft some young LB's or O-line men early in the draft.

[Durango53]

Here is a freaking great Matt Birk (http://www.profootballtalk.com/MattBirk.htm) intreview!!!

Talks about how Red hurt the team by siding with players and not coachs, Culpepper and how it isnt his fault he had a bad year but the whole teams fault and Randy not being there was just a small part of it. All he has gone through the past year.

[Durango53]

There's a decent chance that Vikings free-agent cornerback Brian Williams will sign with the Packers. So, by putting an NFL transition tag on him, Minnesota could affect Green Bay's salary cap, making the Packers pay more than they otherwise would. It's an old salary cap strategy.

[Durango53]

Receiver Koren Robinson visited with members of the new Vikings coaching staff and is expected to sign a multiyear deal in the near future.

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[Durango53]

Former Vikings great Carl Eller was arrested early Sunday in Golden Valley on suspicion of drunken driving. A state trooper stopped Eller on Interstate Hwy. 394 about 3:30 a.m. after he was clocked driving 97 miles per hour in a 55-mph zone, as well as for making a lane change without signaling and weaving on the road.

[Durango53]

But a less-heralded veteran has created a buzz at the NFL scouting combine, and the Vikings are expected to make a strong push to sign him.

Maurice Morris, Alexander's backup in Seattle, only has 806 rushing yards in four NFL seasons. But Morris is drawing interest from the Arizona Cardinals and the Vikings, as well as the Seahawks, who are actively trying to re-sign him with the prospect of Alexander seeking an exorbitant signing bonus.

Detroit Lions running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery isn't sure of the Vikings' intentions. But Montgomery said a marriage between Morris and Minnesota would appear to be an ideal match.

"For the head coach in Minnesota, Maurice would be a No. 1 candidate because he's been in the West Coast system," said Montgomery, a two-time Pro Bowl running back for the Philadelphia Eagles. "You can plug him right in, and you can go out there tomorrow and start running plays.
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/football/13963348.htm

A good read about someone not to many people are thinking about.

[Durango53]

Ravens RB Jamal Lewis' agent, Mitch Frankel, said Monday that he has no indication the Vikings will go after his client. "They have not expressed any interest," Frankel said. "Usually teams in general call to say, 'We're interested and when free agency starts we'll call.' I have to assume they are not interested at this point."

[Durango53]

The Vikings held discussions with the agent for receiver Koren Robinson last week at the NFL combine in Indianapolis. "We talked; that's about it though," Alvin Keels said, adding he's optimistic something will get done. "We'll continue to talk throughout the week." The Vikings have the right to match any offer Robinson receives from another team.

[Durango53]

Agent Joel Segal, who represents Lance Johnstone, said that there have been no negotiations with the Vikings but that the team has indicated an interest in keeping the defensive end.

The same could be true for kicker Paul Edinger. His agent, Ken Harris, talked with Vikings director of football administration Dave Blando last week to touch base but said no contract figures were discussed.

I feel they must keep Johnstone. A guy that can come in on passing downs and get very few plays a game and still be one of the team leaders in sacks is a must!!!

[>TC<]

The agent for receiver Koren Robinson said he is "pessimistic" he can strike a long-term contract with the Vikings by Friday's deadline.

Agent Alvin Keels said discussions with Rob Brzezinski, the Vikings' vice president of football operations, haven't been fruitful with the start of free agency fast approaching.

"We have our differences on what the market value is on Koren as a player," Keels said." It's not something that can't be worked out.

"But if I were a betting man, I wouldn't put my money on it being worked out by Friday."


"Of course, there are incentives for both parties to get a deal done before free agency because you never know what you're going to get once you open up Pandora's box," Keels said. "However, we're confident that Koren will be coveted if he hits the market."


Two teams with obvious interest in Robinson are the Packers and the Panthers. Green Bay general manager Ted Thompson selected Robinson ninth overall in the 2001 draft for the Seahawks. Robinson is from North Carolina and was coached by the Panthers' staff at the Pro Bowl last month.

The market for Robinson is difficult to gauge. He can't command a contract like Wayne, who got a $13.5 million signing bonus. But he could draw a deal between what Miami's Chris Chambers (five years, $30 million, including $12 million in bonuses) and Oakland's Jerry Porter (five years, $20 million, including $8 million guaranteed) received.


TC

[Durango53]

Attorneys for Minnesota Vikings players Daunte Culpepper and Moe Williams accused a prosecutor Wednesday of selectively charging black men and ignoring possible crimes by two white men in the boat party sex case. A motion, served on prosecutor Steven Tallen, asks for dismissal of charges against the two players because of racial discrimination. Tallen denied race played any role in the decision to charge. Culpepper and Williams are among the four players who face trial on misdemeanor charges of indecent conduct and lewdness on two cruise boats last October on Lake Minnetonka. About 90 people, including many Vikings players, were guests.

[Durango53]

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf claims he will pay quarterback Daunte Culpepper his $6 million bonus due in two weeks, but new coach Brad Childress keeps pointing out Culpepper must rehabilitate from knee surgery. The Vikings' biggest needs, running backs and offensive line, coincide with big free agent names—runners Edgerrin James of the Colts, Shaun Alexander of the Seahawks and Jamal Lewis of the Ravens, and offensive linemen LeCharles Bentley of the Saints and Jon Runyan of the Eagles.

[Durango53]

Good read with Childress:thumbsup:

Follow the leader
After 28 seasons as an assistant, Brad Childress finally is a head coach, a complex transition for a man bent on change at Winter Park
BY SEAN JENSEN
Pioneer Press

The pounding of jackhammers and the whirring of other power tools serve as background at Winter Park as new Vikings coach Brad Childress speaks.

Childress hasn't complained or demanded an office down the hall. His comment: "It's about change."

Childress has had nearly two months to work on altering the Vikings to meet his specifications. He sat down with Pioneer Press Vikings beat writer Sean Jensen to discuss his transition and his team Wednesday morning.

Q.

After 28 seasons as an assistant coach, you've been a head coach now for a brief time. What has been the most enjoyable part of being a head coach?

A.

Just putting people together. The pride in reaching out to people that you've worked with and that you know, and just kind of building a team. I'm not specifically talking about a team of players. I'm talking about a team that you're going to work with and relate with, and teach with.

Q.

What has been the most challenging part of being a head coach?

A.

Just all the multi-tasking. All you have to do is look at my desk. Work on game plans, then sign some pictures, return phone calls, from officiating, to the combine, to you (the media). Just learning how to juggle all those balls.

When you're a coordinator, you're doing the football thing, and that's your whole focus.

Q.

Has your family been able to adjust to the Twin Cities?

A.

They're not here yet. They'll be out in April. We're trying to sell a house, and buy a house.

Q.

How has your relationship been with the other corners of the Triangle of Authority (Rob Brzezinski, vice president of football operations, and Fran Foley, vice president of player personnel)?

A.

Very good. Information flows freely, which I think is important. And we're talking to each other 15 times a day, the sharing of what's going on, where, and different people are talking to different people. So you always know exactly what's there. It's constant.

Q.

In explaining why you accepted this job without interviewing elsewhere, you said this is the plum job. Were you referring to the depth and quality of the roster?

A.

I think they had certain positions in place that at times are hard to come by. Looking at all the rosters, and looking at where they were, it was a multitude of things. Where they were in the cap. Where they were with the actual personnel that they had on the roster. Where those guys were at in their career, and in their contracts, and all those kinds of things.

Now, as an assistant you didn't do any of that stuff. You didn't care if he was a bonus baby, making this much money.

And obviously the decision was commingled with, "What were the owners like? What were those people like?"

Q.

What positions stood out to you?

A.

You have to immediately cast your gaze into the lines. But for the most part, the nuts and bolts are there, and I would include a guy like Matt Birk.

Q.

Is the offensive line an area you would like to address?

A.

We're always looking to address it. I mean, you have to see if you can do it and do it wisely. I would not say there is a position on this team that we're not looking to; if there is a value there, upgrade.

Q.

Now that you've had a chance to evaluate your personnel more, how confident are you in the core players you have under contract to run the West Coast offense?

A.

I think there is a core of players here, and the job is to build around those guys and get those guys better. Just because they're core players doesn't mean they don't have areas that they can improve.

Q.

What about your base defense?

A.

Obviously there have to be spots that have to be accounted for, just because there's nobody on the depth chart right now. You want to upgrade, and you want to add to it. There's no such thing as too many good players.

Q.

What position do you feel you don't have enough players at?

A.

There's not enough linebacker numbers right now. You're going to have to add, if you want to go to training camp and line up. Same thing with the defensive line and the back end. Right now we're minus a safety because Corey (Chavous) hasn't signed.

Q.

Is Chavous someone you'd like to bring back?

A.

I had a chance to deal with him at the Pro Bowl (in 2004), and I think he's a very bright-eyed, intelligent guy. Obviously, football is important to him, or he wouldn't spend time analyzing it (during the offseason).

Q.

Fred Smoot had a difficult first year with the Vikings, on and off the field. How does he fit into your 2006 plans?

A.

Fred Smoot is a good player, and I had a chance to compete against him for a while … when he was with the Redskins. So you kind of know all about him, from the standpoint of what his skill level is, how he plays the game and being able to stand right there on the sideline and watch him react to different situations. You have an idea how he deals with pressure and deep balls and getting beat. And how does he respond?

But he fits right with whole rest of the secondary and really the rest of the team. The good teams that I've been involved with have competition for positions, and you have to try and create that. And good players create that.

We were able to have a good visit (with Smoot), and he came in here and actually was out on the field, walking through with our defensive staff. He's a bright-eyed guy. Mike (Tomlin) has known him for a while.

Q.

So Smoot is a player who fits into what you're doing with this defense?

A.

Yes, he's a good player, and he'll fit in because he'll be coached to fit in.

Q.

What about tight end Jim Kleinsasser?

A.

I like his level of toughness. He's obviously proven that he can play on the line of scrimmage. There are all kinds of throws in this offense for tight ends. Most of them are between eight and 12 yards, so he surely has the ability to work zones. So I think he'll end up elevating his game, and I think this would be a tight-end-friendly offense.

Q.

Brian Williams' agent reiterated over the weekend that his client has nothing against the new coaching staff but that he still wants to move on and start fresh elsewhere. Do you still consider him a part of the Vikings future?

A.

I do. People obviously have a right to take a swing at him. But I'll stand by what I said the other day: He's a good player, and you don't want to let a good player go. I'm aware of his feelings, and now he's aware of mine.

Q.

Koren Robinson's agent said he is "pessimistic" that he can agree to a contract with the Vikings. Does that concern you given your interest in keeping him?

A.

Let me read you this quote on pessimists. "A pessimist is correct oftener than an optimist. But an optimist has more fun, and neither can stop the march of events." (science fiction author Robert Heinlein).

You know, that's just his feeling, and a lot of times when those guys are talking, they're posturing.

Q.

What did you learn last year in Philadelphia when Terrell Owens' frustrations about his contract impacted the Eagles?

A.

You just learn how important the team is. It really is a team sport, and everybody has got be pulling the oar the same way. To have one out-of-sync guy, particularly on the offensive side of the ball — on defense a guy can make an error and someone else covers up for him and makes a play. On offense, if everybody is not in it, mentally and physically, you've got issues. So it's just the team, the team, the team.

Q.

Is there anything from that experience that helps you with quarterback Daunte Culpepper this offseason?

A.

I'd just say they're two completely different situations.

Q.

In an interview with a national radio show last month, you said that the offseason program starts on March 20 and that you expected Daunte to be a part of that. Is that going to be the case?

A.

I expect everybody to be a part of it. I think Rob's done a good job of contracts and tying some of those guys to incentives within our offseason conditioning program. So that's a key point, and it's usually a key point when there's a new coaching staff involved.

Q.

Has Daunte committed to attending that at this point?

A.

Yeah. Yeah.

Q.

How incumbent is it for your quarterbacks, both Daunte and Brad Johnson, to be here as early as possible?

A.

It will be. I think it's important any time, at the end of a year, particularly a trying year, that you get away from football. And you kind of refresh yourself and rejuvenate yourself, whether it be with your family or getting somewhere warm. I think those things are important. But then, at a point in time, it's important for those guys to get in here and spend time with all the parties that be.

Q.

A day after your press conference last Friday, owner Zygi Wilf insisted that Daunte is part of your future plans and that he will pay his $6 million bonus. You hedged slightly last Friday on Daunte's future. Can you now say definitively that Culpepper will not be released or traded this offseason?

A.

I think that one can get answered the same way I answered it before. It's so fluid. The old "always" and "never," those are long times.
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/football/13995088.htm

[Durango53]

One NFL team confirmed that the Vikings have begun shopping Daunte Culpepper again, ascertaining whether another team would be willing to deal for him. At this point, it looks as if the Baltimore Ravens won't. The Vikings and Ravens have spoken, but now Baltimore does not seem to have any interest in dealing for Culpepper. Others, however, might. One of the major reasons the Vikings even will consider dealing Culpepper is his relationship with Minnesota coach Brad Childress. The two have butted heads, and their relationship is off to a strained start that would need some repairing. If Culpepper can prove to other teams he is healthy, then the chances of a trade will increase. But there should be some resolution to the story by March 17, the date that the quarterback's $6 million roster bonus is due.

[Durango53]

The Vikings placed the lowest possible qualifying offer on restricted free agent Nate Burleson on Thursday, giving the receiver a tender that is worth $712,000 and would result in the team getting a draft pick equal to the round in which Burleson was selected (third) if he goes elsewhere.

[Durango53]

Vikings head coach Brad Childress announced this morning the dates for mini-camps for the 2006 season.

Vikings veterans will report for a three-day camp on April 7th, 8th and 9th. The team, including 2006 draft choices, will gather for the annual mini-camp on May 12th, 13th and 14th, according to information the team released Thursday morning.

The NFL draft will occur on April 29th and 30th.

[Durango53]

Latest word is that the Vikings would pursue the Indianapolis Colts' Edgerrin James, and not the Seattle Seahawks' Shaun Alexander, if they decide to sign a top free-agent running back.

[Durango53]

Drew Brees, a free agent from the San Diego Chargers, could be the next Vikings quarterback. One reason it might happen is that Fran Foley, the new vice president of player personnel for the Vikings, had a great relationship with Brees when both were with the Chargers. The Vikings are going to be looking for a new and young quarterback. Brad Johnson, 37, will be the starting quarterback this year, unless the Vikings sign somebody like Brees. And even if somebody like Brees is signed, Johnson will get a chance to beat him out on the basis of the great season he had last year.

[Durango53]

It wouldn't be surprising if the Vikings go after New England Patriots free-agent kicker Adam Vinatieri, but that probably would cost them at least $2 million. Vinatieri, 33, played at South Dakota State and would seem nearly infallible kicking in the consistent conditions of the Metrodome.

[Durango53]

It wouldn't shock a lot of people if Daunte Culpepper is released before the Vikings are forced to pay his $6 million bonus this month. The Vikings are continuing to try to make a trade involving him. So far, nobody has offered much for Culpepper, who is a question mark because of the knee surgery he had last year, even though everything points to him being healthy enough to play this season.

[Durango53]

Forget the possibility of the Vikings signing free-agent quarterback Drew Brees of the San Diego Chargers. Word within NFL circles is that Brees' surgically repaired shoulder was more damaged than many people know. Quarterbacks who might intrigue the Vikings would seem to be Aaron Brooks of the New Orleans Saints and Brian Griese of the Tampa Bay Bucs.

:barf: I am sick now........

[Durango53]

Culpepper, who is rehabbing his surgically repaired right knee in Orlando, caused another stir Wednesday when he told several media outlets he has asked the Vikings to trade or release him.

I am sick of his little ass act here.

[Durango53]

It will be interesting to see whether the Vikings make a deal for quarterback A.J. Feeley, who played for Brad Childress in Philadelphia and now is with the San Diego Chargers, for whom Vikings vice president for player personnel Fran Foley worked before coming to Minnesota.

[>TC<]

Daunte Culpepper wants out of Minnesota.

Culpepper’s shaky relationship with the Vikings deteriorated further on Wednesday when the quarterback said he wants to be released if the team fails to trade him.

“If a trade does not happen then I am asking the Vikings to terminate my contract as soon as possible,” Culpepper said in an e-mail to reporters.
Story continues below ↓ advertisement

Culpepper said he had asked the Vikings if he could speak to interested teams on his own behalf. He said Minnesota denied his request.

He said he appreciated that the team’s new owner, Zygi Wilf, was willing to pay him a $6 million bonus due later this month.

“However, because of the fundamental differences I have with management regarding the approach to my personal and professional life, I think it is the best business decision for both parties to go our separate ways,” Culpepper said.

He softened his message slightly by saying that if the team didn’t honor his request, “then I intend to fulfill my contractual obligations to the Minnesota Vikings.”

In a brief phone interview with The Associated Press, Culpepper said he had been angered by a recent e-mail he received from the team. He didn’t elaborate on the contents of the e-mail.


TC

[>TC<]

Reports on the NFL network are claiming that an agrrement is in place for Daunte Culpepper to be traded. The official announcement will take place tomorrow.




TC

[Durango53]

With who!!!!:eek: :eek: :eek:

[>TC<]

No one is saying


TC

[rockin500]

don banks was saying that there would be a deal within the next coupla days as they are fed up with him.

[>TC<]

They can't announce this until tomorrow night at 10 CST, I believe.


TC

[Durango53]

A Minneapolis TV station reported Thursday night that the Dolphins are the likely destination for Daunte Culpepper. However, a source indicated that Oakland might be making the strong push for Culpepper. A high-ranking Dolphins source denied that Miami had worked out a deal for Culpepper, although he admitted that there had been extensive talks initiated by the Vikings.

[Durango53]

The Oakland Raiders, where Daunte Culpepper would reunite with Randy Moss, and the Miami Dolphins are considered the favorites to land the former Pro Bowl quarterback. Hours after learning of Culpepper's e-mail to reporters, the Vikings started shopping the quarterback to other teams, an NFL source said. The New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals also could have interest in Culpepper. A league source said teams would not part with a first-round pick and that a conditional pick was expected. Although the Vikings have more than $31 million in salary cap space, they would gain an additional $2.3 million by parting with Culpepper.

[Durango53]

Despite a report last night linking the Ravens as a possible trade partner for Daunte Culpepper, it has been confirmed that the Ravens are not in the running for the Minnesota quarterback.

[Durango53]

If the Vikings accommodate Daunte Culpepper, the door opens for two former Redskins starters, Gus Frerotte or Patrick Ramsey, to join the team and compete for a job with a third, Brad Johnson.

I would not mind to see Ramsey. He needs a change for old Steve messed him up and then when Gibbs came back it was all new to him again.

[Durango53]

When he shows up at Winter Park later this month, Fred Smoot's teammates might not recognize him. After learning that his injured shoulder from last season didn't need to be surgically repaired, Smoot said he has been aggressively working out in Mississippi and getting into the best shape of his life. The result: eleven pounds of muscle added to his 186-pound frame. "I'm feeling real good right now," Smoot said. "I never really lifted weights in my life, and I've been lifting four days a week." Asked if he still has his speed, Smoot said, "I might even be faster." Upon his return to the Twin Cities, Smoot is looking forward to a fresh start. "I think they never got to see me as a player," Smoot said of Vikings fans. "I don't think people there really know Fred Smoot."

You better do something...

[>TC<]

The Vikings reached a three year deal with Koren Robinson last night, right before he would have become a FA.

The also removed the transition designation from Brian Williams, making him an unrestricted FA.


TC

[Durango53]

Good news about Koren!!!!!!

I wonder why they moved the transition tag on Williams. At least it would have drove up the price on him for other teams.

[>TC<]

A lot of people sounded surprised on that one. I don't know what their thinking was.


TC

[Durango53]

The Vikings need at least two new starters, and they have been linked extensively to San Diego outside linebacker Ben Leber. The agent for LaVar Arrington, Carl Poston, said the Vikings were one of 12-14 teams who have called to express interest but did not set up a visit.

[Durango53]

A Minneapolis TV station reported Thursday night that the Dolphins are the likely destination for Daunte Culpepper. However, a source indicated that Oakland might be making the strong push for Culpepper. A high-ranking Dolphins source denied that Miami had worked out a deal for Culpepper, although he admitted that there had been extensive talks initiated by the Vikings.

[Durango53]

The Minnesota Vikings lured kicker Ryan Longwell away from their division rival, signing the former Green Bay Packer to a contract Saturday.

The Vikings also had running back Chester Taylor and linebacker Ben Leber in town for visits.

Longwell has been the Packers' primary kicker since 2000, when he totaled a career-best 131 points and went 33-for-38 on his field goals - including 20 makes from 40 yards and longer. In 2005, the nine-year veteran posted career lows in several categories, making only 74 percent of his field goals (20-for-27) and finished with 90 points. He went 6-for-10 between 30 and 39 yards and 3-for-5 between 40 and 49 yards.

In Minnesota, Longwell is best known for twice giving Green Bay victories on game-ending field goals during the 2004 season.

Paul Edinger had modest success, including three game-winning field goals, as the Vikings' kicker last season. But he is a free agent and now likely won't be retained.

[brandonwarne52]

Koren Robinson's new contract with the Vikings has a team option after the first year.

Minnesota took all risk out of the equation considering K-Rob's troubled past. He is essentially in another contract year.

Rotoworld.com

[Durango53]

They signed running back Chester Taylor, kicker Ryan Longwell and linebacker Ben Leber after retaining receiver Koren Robinson and safety Willie Offord - and continued to talk to other teams about trading disenfranchised quarterback Daunte Culpepper.

[Durango53]

he Minnesota Vikings signed All-Pro Steve Hutchinson to the richest offer sheet for a guard in NFL history Sunday, the latest move in their aggressive approach to free agency.

The Vikings offered Hutchinson a seven-year deal worth $49 million, with $16 million in guaranteed money, a person close to the negotiations told The Associated Press. The source spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal hasn't been completed.

[Durango53]

Daunte Culpepper is waiting for Brees, and the Dolphins to make their decision before he continues his efforts to leave Minnesota. According to several sources, Culpepper told the Tennessee Titans he did not wish to be traded there at this time but left open the possibility later. It was no coincidence that the Titans on Saturday dropped out of the running to trade with Minnesota. The Oakland Raiders and Dolphins are the only teams talking to Minnesota.

[Durango53]

Miami and Minnesota have shown interest in former Green Bay linebacker Na'il Diggs.

[Durango53]

It appeared Sunday night that a trade of quarterback Daunte Culpepper was still on hold until Chargers free-agent quarterback Drew Brees determines where he wants to play first.

[Durango53]

The Vikings entertained Packers quarterback Craig Nall and made plans to visit with fullback William Henderson later in the week.

[Durango53]

Jacksonville Jaguars signed free-agent cornerback Brian Williams on Saturday

[Durango53]

Some slick worded contract here could land Hutchinson

Start fitting Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson for a Minnesota Vikings. The $50 million offer sheet that Hutchinson signed Sunday with the Vikings includes a provision dictating that he be the highest paid offensive lineman on his team this season -- or the entire $50 million contract becomes fully guaranteed, according to someone who has seen the offer sheet. Well, Seattle offensive tackle Walter Jones averages $7.5 million per year, while Hutchinson's contract pays him an average of $7 million per year. So if Seattle matched Hutchinson's offer sheet, it not only would have to figure out how to squeeze in this year's $13-million-plus salary-cap figure, but it also would have to guarantee a whopping $50 million to Hutchinson, making it the richest cash contract in NFL history by a cool $15 million.

[Durango53]

The Minnesota Vikings brought in Green Bay Packers No. 3 quarterback Craig Nall for a visit Monday. Packers free agent fullback William Henderson is scheduled to visit the Vikings today. If both Nall and Henderson were to sign with the Vikings, Minnesota would have six ex-Packers on its roster. They would join Longwell, O'Sullivan, safety Darren Sharper and wide receiver Kelvin Kight.

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf isn't skimping on food for free agents the team has been trying to sign. Last weekend, the Vikings catered pork chops and other top-priced items from J.D. Hoyt's in downtown Minneapolis for recruiting visits to Winter Park. The team also provided limousines as part of the process.

[Durango53]

Could the Vikings be looking at Drew Bress?

[rockin500]

ESPN said the trade is done pending physical.

i find it hard to believe that miami gave up a 2 for him. I know they want a QB pretty badly, but man, his knee is a wreck and thats not an easy injury to come back. not when its that shredded. I doubt his mobility will ever be the same.

[>TC<]

Reports are the this is a done deal.

There are a host of reasons that this trade was made:

The Vikings didn't appreciate the contract demands, especially coming off a major injury and just as the Vikings are transitioning to a new regime and coach.

The Vikings were furious when he refused to meet with new coach, Brad Childress, even though Culpepper was in town for two days. He found time to come to Winter Park and demand more money but couldn't walk down the hall to meet with the coach.

The team was also unhappy with Culpepper's decision to rehab in Florida, rather than MN, under the team training staff. They also felt he could have used that time to work with the coaches and learn the new offense.

There were also serious concerns about Daunte coming off this injury. The team has doubts that Culpepper could ever be an effective drop-back, pocket passer. Even if he comes back with his knee relatively healthy, the team was worried he'd lose his one big edge, mobility.

Obviously, this is a sell low deal, but like the Moss deal, we could be talking addition by subtraction


TC

[Durango53]

Vikings G "Twoiu" Toniu Fonoti is close to signing a one-year deal with the Raiders.
This is one guy I wish the Vikings would have resigned.

[Durango53]

Some people think the Vikings might be able to take the No. 51 pick from Miami, their own No. 17 and No. 48 overall picks, plus trade a player or two (perhaps Jim Kleinsasser and/or Nate Burleson), to New Orleans for the Saints' No. 2 overall pick. With the No. 2 pick, the Vikings probably would have their choice of quarterbacks: Matt Leinart of Southern California, Vince Young of Texas or Jay Cutler of Vanderbilt. Each of them would command a signing bonus of at least $20 million.
WOW no way I do this!!!! No way in hell!!! I wouldnt lose all second round picks. I would go for a 17, 48 and player.

But for backups heck there is Frerotte who they might be able to resign or hell take a shot at Ramsey. I am sure they could get him cheap.

[Durango53]

Fashion News: Steve LaCroix, Vikings vice president of sales and marketing, confirmed that the team is redesigning its uniform but would neither reveal details nor comment on a report that the design includes purple pants to be worn at home with purple jerseys. "We are working with the NFL and Reebok on some exciting changes for the 2006 season," LaCroix said. "The process is continuing and we hope to have an unveiling to our fans later in the offseason." Although the Vikings generally have had the same uniform design throughout their 46-year history, several tweaks have been made over time. The most recent was adding a Norseman to the sleeves in the late 1990s, LaCroix said.

[Durango53]

Vikings receiver Nate Burleson, an O'Dea High School graduate, will visit the Seahawks on Thursday and Friday, his agent told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. The Seahawks would lose a third-round draft pick if they sign Burleson, a restricted free agent. The Vikings could match any offer for Burleson.

[Durango53]

The Steve Hutchinson drama completed its third day, with the Seahawks mum on their plans for the star left guard and the offer from the Minnesota Vikings that could make it difficult to keep him in Seattle. The Seahawks on Tuesday were still studying the Vikings' offer to Hutchinson. Seattle has until Sunday to decide whether to match Minnesota's seven-year, $49 million offer sheet that includes $16 million in guaranteed money. If they don't, Hutchinson, who has signed the offer sheet, will wear purple in 2006. The Seahawks are in position to match the offer, with at least $24 million in salary-cap space to sign players during the current free-agency period.

[Durango53]

Keep an eye on the Vikings. New coach Brad Childress will never admit it, but do you think he's excited to enter his first season as a head coach with Brad Johnson, 38, as his starter? The Vikings have the 17th pick in the first round. They also have a pair of second-round choices. It would take a Love Boat load of picks for them to have a chance to make a big leap in the first round to get one of the top three quarterbacks.

Washington is believed to be seeking a fourth-round pick for its backup QB

I think a running back is still more important at this time than a QB.

[Durango53]

The Miami Dolphins have formally announced the acquisition of quarterback Daunte Culpepper for a second round pick in the 2006 draft.



Given the team's stance on Tuesday, which included a brief statement regarding the fact that the deal hinges on Culpepper passing a physical, the announcement means that the doctors were satisfied with the condition of Culpepper's surgically repaired basket of shredded wheat, and that he's now officially a member of the team. (The press release and the posting on the team's official site say nothing about the physical.)



Coach Nick Saban will speak to the media regarding the move at 2:00 p.m. EST.

[Durango53]

The Vikings were discussing contract parameters Wednesday with free agent fullback William Henderson, who said after a visit that he could make a "huge impact" on the Vikings offense.

[Durango53]

Apparently, the Vikings are not going to try to renegotiate the contract of center Matt Birk, who was injured all last year and will be paid $3.9 million this season.

[>TC<]

We'll soon know about Hutchinson. Stick him between Birk and McKinnie and that would be a strong left side.

Toniu Fonoti flunked the physical for the Raiders, so the contract is void. Don't know what the problem was but the Vikings could still try to works something out. He's probably still over 400 pounds and they were nervous about his health.


TC

[Durango53]

I hear you on that about Fonoti.

I cant see the Seahawks matching the offer to Hutchinson or hope not.

Mark what about the Wizzinator? Is he coming back is he going to be counted on to help run with this new owners and coachs?

I am just wondering because I think it would be a huge step backwards for the Vikings to trade away all there top 3 draft picks for the number 1 or 2 pick overall for a QB and not getting a running back.

[Durango53]

The Vikings had no interest in Drew Brees, and they should have first-hand information because new vice president of player personnel Fran Foley was with the Chargers for the past three years as director of pro scouting and certainly knew the seriousness of Brees' shoulder operation.

[Durango53]

Fullback William Henderson is expected to make a decision on where he'll play next season before the weekend is over. The Minnesota Vikings made an offer to Henderson, but his demands might be too high for them. The Packers are unwilling to pay Henderson significant up-front money to return.

[Durango53]

NFL acted on behalf of the Seattle Seahawks, requesting that Minnesota's offer to All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson go to arbitration. It will be heard by a special master Monday, meaning that Seattle's deadline to match the $49 million, six-year offer will be extended past Sunday's deadline.

the Seahawks and the league challenged a clause in his contract with the Vikings that requires that if he's not the team's highest-paid offensive lineman after the first year, the final six years of his contract must be guaranteed. That would be difficult for the Seahawks, because left tackle Walter Jones is the team's highest-paid lineman.

[Durango53]

New Orleans signed former Minnesota RB Michael Bennett as insurance for Deuce McAllister

[Durango53]

Free-agent guard Toniu Fonoti signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

[brandonwarne52]

I hear you on that about Fonoti.

I cant see the Seahawks matching the offer to Hutchinson or hope not.

Mark what about the Wizzinator? Is he coming back is he going to be counted on to help run with this new owners and coachs?

I am just wondering because I think it would be a huge step backwards for the Vikings to trade away all there top 3 draft picks for the number 1 or 2 pick overall for a QB and not getting a running back.

Yeah, I wish they had brought Fonoti back too.

Anyhow, I don't know about Onterrio. They are 4 deep at tailback with Chester Taylor, Ciatrick Fason, Mewelde Moore, and Adimchinobe Echemandu, so if they didn't get him back and drafted someone late, it wouldn't surprise me.

[>TC<]

The only comments about Smith have been guarded, such as, "He hasn't been officially reinstated yet, so we have no comment."

TC

[Durango53]

Pat Kirwan of NFL Network said Vikings coach Brad Childress hinted about the possibility of moving up in the draft. "He already told me, 'We're looking at that trade chart, we're seeing if we have enough firepower to move up,' " Kirwan quoted Childress as saying on NFL Total Access. "I asked him if it was for a quarterback, and he said, 'We're intrigued with those three quarterbacks,' " referring to Matt Leinart, Vince Young and Jay Cutler.

[>TC<]

Good news for the Vikings. The Special Master ordered that the Seahawks have to guarantee the whole $49 million on Hutchinson's contract with the Vikings or lose him. The restructuring Seattle did on Jone's contract to lower the value does not count as far as the terms of Hutchinson's deal.

They have until 11 PM tonight to decide whether to match.


TC

[Durango53]

That is great!!!! I cant remember who it was but today they was saying this could signing could turn the power of the NFC to the Vikings.

I dont know if I believe that quite yet but I think it is a step in the right direction.

[DPark1]

i dont know about trying to rebuild an o line with a fat slob and an attitude like fonoti has

[>TC<]

Shad, I think we need a bit of editing here. Five threads saying the same thing has to be a mistake.


TC

[>TC<]

First, Seattle lost its arbitration case against a clause in Minnesota's offer sheet for guard Steve Hutchinson, now it looks like the team will lose Hutchinson all together. The Seahawks must match the guarantee provision in the $49 million, seven-year deal offered to Hutchinson by the Vikings if the NFC champions want to keep their transition player. With tons of money locked up in stars Matt Hasselbeck, Walter Jones and Shaun Alexander, it seems unlikely they will be able to match the offer.


TC

[>TC<]

Well, it's past the dealine and I can't find any press release anywhere that says the Seahawks are going to match. They spent a ton of money today on Peterson, the LB from SF, I think it was 7 years, $50+ million so my guess is that Hutchinson is a Viking.


TC

[Durango53]

He is!!!! I love the signing. As us Viking fans have saw you got to have a line. As the line goes the team goes and this is a good start to the brick wall. Now if we can just get a good tackle on the right side.

[Durango53]

Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress says he saw a little of T.O. in Daunte Culpepper. That was enough for him.

"It just became a deal where I didn't feel like it was the team, I felt like it was 'me,"' Childress said Monday about Culpepper. "I went through a big 'me' situation last year with a guy who was all about 'me."'

Culpepper refused to rehab his severely injured right knee in Minnesota, preferring to remain at home in Florida. He also asked for a raise and was hesitant to meet with Childress and the new coaching staff to start examining the team's new offense.

"Quite frankly, I don't think he wanted to be here anymore," the coach said. "I think he's probably better served where he's at. I think that we'll go forward and keep our gaze forward as opposed to looking back."

Speaking at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Childress said he never got a good vibe from Culpepper, the unquestioned leader of the Vikings until last season's struggles on and off the field.

"Everything became about being a $10 million-a-year quarterback," Childress said.

Childress said Monday he is off to a much better start with Johnson.

"I know where his heart is in no uncertain terms because he's told me that," Childress said. "He's looked me in the eye and told me that."

I know I was getting sick of Cupeppers little act. He can be one of the best QB's if he puts the time into it but I think he wanted out because of the love boat thing. Along with the raise he asked for hurt his PR.:eviltongu

[Durango53]

I also think this is the end of Chris Liwienski. I see him cut or packaged in a deal to move up in the draft. More than likly cut. Mike Rosenthal will be out the door. Goldberg did ok at tackle for the Vikings when pushed in that role I would like to see him get a shot there if they dont bring anyone in.

Also Mark has McKinnie said anything about Cupepper? He said a few weeks ago that they should cut him if they let Cupepper go.

[Durango53]

Veteran fullback Tony Richardson appeared to be leaning strongly toward accepting a contract offer from the Vikings, a decision he planned to sleep on Monday night and settle on today. Richardson, 34, is the second fullback to visit during free agency. William Henderson spurned the team's offer and returned to Green Bay, and Richardson also is mulling the interest level of his former team, Kansas City.

Wow the Vikings are really looking for a fullback. Something that is dieing out in the NFL. Kleinsasser I guess isnt going to be looked at as a fullback which I would love so he must be going to get traded, cut or just given the TE to play. :notme:

[>TC<]

I bet McKinnie is chomping at the bit to get the season started. He's a FA after the season and thinks the Hutchinson deal is going to set the price for him re-upping with the Vikings.

Did you see Daunte on ESPN? He made me sick. He said that in meetings with the Vikings, he was acting as his agent and the team never figured out that he wasn't meeting with them as a player. He says that's the reason he wouldn't talk about football with anyone in the organization. Screw you, Culpepper!


TC

[Durango53]

I am with you on the screw you Culpepper. He asks for a raise, he acts as his own agent. He should have acted like a player before he threw all those INT's this season and got hurt. And then they might have took you more as a guy that needed a raise and not a bottle.

[Durango53]

Vikings coach Brad Childress says that he was close to accepting the same job in Green Bay.

[Durango53]

Though it's most likely a moot point, given that the Seahawks lost Monday's hearing regarding whether they can match the offer sheet signed by guard Steve Hutchinson with the Vikings absent a requirement that Seattle guarantee the full amount of the deal, we're told that Hutch is extremely upset with Seattle teammate Walter Jones for agreeing to restructure his own deal in order to make it easier for the Seahawks to try to keep Hutchinson at a time when he wants to move on.

If the Seahawks had prevailed before Special Master Stephen Burbank, and if they likewise had matched the offer sheet, Hutchinson (we hear) would have publicly said nothing -- and he likewise would have given his all, as he always has, to the team.

But we're told that Hutchinson would have had nothing to say to Jones, and Hutchinson would have wanted Jones to say nothing to him.

The broader question is whether any of the other Seattle players will give the cold shoulder to Jones based on his perceived interference in the affairs of Hutchinson for what amounted to the conversion of Jones' $2 million roster bonus into a guarantee and the insertion of a voidable year with a $1 million salary onto the tail end of his deal.

Jones, we hear, is a very temperamental guy, and if other players begin to freeze him out it could be a problem.

Stay tuned. It's possible that, in their zeal to match the offer that they ultimately didn't match, the Seahawks might have created an even bigger mess.
Wow!! Sounds like Hutchinson is a team player that wanted out of Seattle. But I am very happy that the Vikings got him!!!!

[>TC<]

The Vikings will announce later this afternoon that the team has signed fullback Tony Richardson away from the Kansas City Chiefs.

The deal is two years for $2.5 million, with $500,000 in a bonus that will be marked as a roster bonus, not a signing bonus -- meaning the entire $500,000 will count against this year's salary and go off the books in 2007.

Richardson, who played both fullback and halfback for the Chiefs, spent most of the last two seasons blocking for Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson. He was looking for a chance to be a more intregal part of an offense and the Vikings had the right match.


TC

[>TC<]

Best Players Left in Free Agency
There is still some talent and value to be had in free agency.

Quarterback
Kerry Collins
Aaron Brooks
Brian Griese
Anthony Wright
Tommy Maddox
Jamie Martin
Jay Fiedler
Tony Banks

Running Back
Najeh Davenport
Anthony Thomas
Antowain Smith
Jonathan Wells
Sammy Morris
Maurice Morris
Lamar Gordon
Stephen Davis

Fullback
Fred Beasley
Tony Richardson
Mack Strong
Jerald Sowell
Daimon Shelton

Wide Receiver
Keyshawn Johnson
Quincy Morgan
Peerless Price
Kevin Johnson
Troy Brown
Tim Dwight

Tight End
Chris Baker
Mark Campbell

Kicker
Adam Vinatieri
Todd Peterson
Paul Edinger
Mike Vanderjagt

Punter
Jason Baker
Kyle Richardson
Tom Rouen
Tom Tupa
Sean Landeta

Guard
Tutan Reyes
Ron Stone
Stephen Neal
Kendyl Jacox
Victor Riley

Offensive Tackle
Damion McIntosh
Tom Ashworth
Jon Runyan
Brad Hopkins
Barry Stokes
Orlando Brown
Mike Pearson

Center
Mike Flanagan
Jeff Mitchell
Trey Teague
Cory Raymer

Defensive Tackle
Brenston Buckner
Sam Adams
Jason Fisk
Ron Edwards
Grady Jackson
Lional Dalton
Ed Jasper

Defensive End
Lance Johnstone
DeQuincy Scott
Brady Smith
Duane Clemons
Gary Walker (DT)

Inside Linebacker
Ben Taylor
Rocky Calmus
Nick Griesen (WLB)
Earl Holmes
Sam Cowart
Chris Claiborne
Brad Kassell

Outside Linebacker
LaVar Arrington
Na'il Diggs
Jamie Sharper
Tommy Polley
Chad Brown
Jamie Winborn
Peter Boulware
Keith Newman
Barrett Green
Brandon Short
Junior Seau
Kevin Bentley
Warrick Holdman

Cornerback
Charles Woodson
Ahmed Plummer
Eric Warfield
Duane Starks
Ty Law
Andre Dyson
Dexter McCleon
Reggie Howard
Jerry Azumah

Safety
Idrees Bashir
Marcus Coleman
Tebucky Jones
Brent Alexander
Lance Schulters
Tank Williams
Keion Carpenter
Deke Cooper


TC

[Durango53]

The Dolphins have not contacted agent Brian Mackler about his client, Mike McMahon, who will instead visit the Minnesota Vikings today and the Denver Broncos on Thursday.

[>TC<]

Any thoughts on Harrington? His name has been mentioned on radio around here. (It is pure speculation, with no basis in fact)


TC

[Durango53]

I would be all on board for Harrington. Young guy let him hang out a year behind Johnson. What has he had to work with in Detroit. Sure he got some WR but he had no line to protect him and I have read some things about those WR that say there heart isnt into it.

I would like to see joey given a shot.

[Durango53]

In what he indicated were his final comments about the trade of quarterback Daunte Culpepper, Vikings coach Brad Childress confirmed Tuesday that he turned down Culpepper's request for a playbook during the formative stages of their relationship.

Childress also did not deny that he was the author of a March 6 e-mail that prompted Culpepper to request a trade. Culpepper called the e-mail "disturbing" but Childress would not reveal its contents.

During a recent interview on ESPN, Culpepper said his inability to secure a playbook sent a clear message about his standing with the team. Childress, however, said that no one -- not even starter Brad Johnson -- received one during that time period.

"Brad Johnson was asking me for one as well. He got one [Monday]. That's plenty of time."

Huh MAYBE if you wasnt crying about wanting a raise after you should have been paying back money for that season you had things could have been a bit diffenet. If you was there working your knee out. Watching film showing DEDICATION things might have been diffenet.

[Durango53]

Childress said he has a strong in-house candidate to start at middle linebacker but would not identify him. Asked if the player was E.J. Henderson, who started at the position in 2004, Childress said: "Defensively, I think our guys are looking at things a little differently at that linebacker position. They're going to require some different things from those guys than was required in the past. When you think about being conventional, I don't think you're necessarily going to see it that way."

Other candidates include newcomer Ben Leber, veteran Napoleon Harris, who played for linebackers coach Fred Pagac in Oakland, and Dontarrious Thomas.

[Durango53]

Childress said the team is keeping contact with the agent for offensive lineman Steve Neal, who visited Winter Park last week.

[Durango53]

The Vikings are set on the left side, with Hutchinson lining up between tackle Bryant McKinnie and center Matt Birk.

Childress said Adam Goldberg is the starter at right guard, and the Vikings plan to leave Marcus Johnson at right tackle after a rookie season during which he played there and at both guard spots.

[Durango53]

Quarterback Mike McMahon signed a two-year contract Thursday with the Minnesota Vikings following his release by Philadelphia and will back up Brad Johnson.

"It's a great opportunity for myself, a chance to learn from Brad and see how he prepares," McMahon said. "I'm very excited."

He played last year with the Eagles under offensive coordinator Brad Childress, now Minnesota's head coach. He also spent four seasons with Detroit, starting three games in 2001 and four games in 2002.

McMahon played in nine games for Philadelphia last season and went 2-5 as a starter after Donovan McNabb was sidelined with a sports hernia. He has a strong but not overly accurate arm. He completed 94 of 207 passes (45 percent) for 1,158 yards, five touchdowns and eight interceptions last year.

Two free agents visited the Vikings on Thursday - strong safety Tank Williams and defensive end DeQuincy Scott. Williams has played the last four seasons with Tennessee, and Scott has spent the last four years with San Diego.
I like the signing of McMahon. :thumbsup: A good backup to have.

I would also like the Vikings to sign Tank also!!!

[Durango53]

The Vikings signed Tank!!

[Durango53]

It is exciting this year with an owner that pays money for some FA instead of picking up the guys off the scrap heap.

[Durango53]

Vikings RT Mike Rosenthal reworked his deal without taking a pay cut.

Vikings C Matt Birk thinks that his newest teammate, G Steve Hutchinson, is worth every penny.


looks like Rose is in for this season but as a backup rightnow. I read yeseterday that Johnson is the starter so Rose is going to have to play his way back in it looks like.

And I agree with Matt.

[Durango53]

Known for his hard hitting, the 6-3, 223-pound Williams finished third on the Titans with 83 tackles in 2005. It took him some time to return to form, and Tennessee did not make much of an attempt to retain him, instead signing safety Chris Hope away from Pittsburgh.

"I'm definitely 100 percent [now] and my focus is just to work hard and build upon the rehab and playing time I had last year," said Williams, who has five career interceptions in 57 games.

Also courted by Miami and Seattle, Williams liked the idea of playing for new Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin. He heard positive reviews of the former Tampa Bay defensive backs coach from Buccaneers linebacker Ryan Nece.

"He had nothing but great things to say about Coach Tomlin," said Williams, whose contract terms were not revealed. "He told me, 'If you get a chance to go to Minnesota, that would be a great place for you to flourish. It really fits your style.' "

Childress expects Williams to be a good fit in the Vikings' cover-2 scheme, although the defense often calls for the safeties to play deep and Williams is most effective as a run stopper.

"We talk about the Tampa 2 [defense]," Childress said. "However, those safeties spend a great deal of time playing down by the line of scrimmage, particularly if you find people that are trying to run the football on you."
:banana: :banana: OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!

I love this signing!!! Tank should bring some hits in a defense that keeps getting better. It will be fun to watch the LB battle work out but I am excited about the D-line and the secondary on this team!!!! And as I said when they hired Tomlin I was excited about this and it seems the players are all very high on him if they are telling other players to get there and play under him.

But it will be fun to watch a safty play with a linebackers brain! Joey Browner flashbacks?!?!!?

[Durango53]

"I'm ecstatic about Hutchinson,'' Birk said. "And we're bringing in fullbacks and running backs. It looks like we're going to pound the ball. As an offensive lineman, that's what you like."

And that should make fans happy also!!!!

[Durango53]

The Seattle Seahawks signed Vikings receiver Nate Burleson to an offer sheet Friday for a seven-year contract worth up to $49 million, including $5.25 million guaranteed.

Burleson caught 30 passes for 328 yards and one touchdown last season while bothered by multiple injuries. It was a disappointing season for Burleson, who had 1,006 yards receiving and nine touchdowns in 2004 and was expected to become the top target with Randy Moss traded to Oakland.

Burleson, who was born and raised in Seattle, is a restricted free agent. That means Minnesota has one week to match the offer. The Vikings declined comment, but it's unlikely they'll match it after re-signing receiver Koren Robinson to a three-year, $12.7 million deal earlier this month. Minnesota also has Travis Taylor, Marcus Robinson and last season's first-round draft pick, Troy Williamson.

The Seahawks fired a return shot at the Vikings, who signed Seattle All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson to a seven-year, $49 million contract, including $16 million guaranteed.

[LesPaul]

The Vikings are likely going to lose Burleson in this deal. The contract which is being seen as payback over the Hutchinson ordeal also has two "poison pills" as did the Vikings offer sheet with Hutchinson.

ESPN.com
To match the deal, though, the Vikings will have to swallow hard. Beyond the size of the total payout and a total of $5.25 million in guarantees, are two devious provisions.

The first would guarantee the entire contract, all $49 million, if Burleson plays five or more games in the state of Minnesota in any season of the contract. The Vikings, of course, play home games in Minneapolis, at the Metrodome there. The second bizarre provision would guarantee the full contract if Burleson is paid more on average per year than all of the Minnesota running backs combined. At least for now, the averages of the Vikings' tailbacks fall well shy of the $7 million average of the Burleson offer sheet.

It should be recalled that, when the Vikings signed Hutchinson to his offer sheet, they wrote into the deal a provision that guaranteed the full contract if the star guard was not the highest paid lineman on the team. The Vikings knew that Seattle could not match the offer, since Pro Bowl left tackle Walter Jones has a contract that averages more than Hutchinson's deal.

It will be interesting to see where the WR depth chart ends up now. What receiver sets are typical of the Childress offense? With both Robinsons and Taylor I think the Vikes still have a solid 3 WR set and there is always Williamson to work into the fold.

I think it is an interesting debate as to how this will or won't effect the offense...

[Durango53]

I dont see Nate leaving hurting the Vikings all that much. He was a non factor the past season and with the step of of the other three that is all good and I expect to see the Vikings draft a WR in the draft.

But it will be inreseting to see if the league keeps letting wording like this happen now one.

[>TC<]

The league is going to get all over this. It wouldn't surprise me if the league has this contract go to a special master, whether the Vikings want to or not.

Word is that Nate was upset over his playing time this year, so he didn't mind sticking it to the Vikes on his way out.


TC

[DPark1]

joey harrington is not an elite qb nor will he ever be--his downfield vision and descision making abilities are average, he lacks mobility, and he gets rattled too easily and has not been able to live up to the expectations heeped on him, rather, only to succumb to the pressure

[DPark1]

i think the contract burleson signed with seattle will hurt seattle more than burleson actually leaving mn will hurt mn because he is going to be paid like a #1 receiver but has not proven he is capable of doing this over the course of a full season..to lament, if the vikes felt he was a steal to fall to them in the third round and had him projected as a possible first rounder (but a slower developing talent, than why didn't they lock him him up for at least one more year in his rookie contract? you know what? i bet they're racking their heads asking that same question right about now)...

[DPark1]

the tank signing is awesome , mike mcmahon reminds me of cannon gannon

[DPark1]

the tank signing is awesome , mike mcmahon reminds me of cannon gannontank replacing chavous is cool, chavous was kind of an overrated overstudy in my opinion-a soft hitter, dont get me wrong he was a good player but would have been a better safety if he'd made the transtion a couple years earlier in his career...im not sure if mcmahon being a gannon clone is such a good thing at this stage of his career but he's definately got potential

[Durango53]

I to think McMahon has the potential but so did Brain boz. :D

Mike had never really got that fair shake. I thought he did ok for the Lions when he was there and that was with NO line infront of him. And then the same story with the Eagles last year. So I like the signing of him and he should be able to be a great backup and heck he is only 27 years old and still has an up side.

Chavous was a good player and he made himself that way with all the games and time he put in. Ya he was a soft hitter but he dont have the size that Tank has more mass he puts in his hits. This is a place I was worried about what the Vikings was going to do but I am happy to see they went up at the Safty spot. And I also feel that Fox will be a guy we will be talking about also. Being on the IR all last year we never got to see him but he should be a guy that should be fun to watch.

I just hope that the Vikings dont blow there load and trade up to get a QB instead of going for one of the solid RB's in the draft and then using the second round in getting a young LB to replace and get stonger the weakest spot on the roster.

[DPark1]

Does anyone seem to notice a plethora of staple players at the skill positions- wrs and rbs? I like some of the FA signings but some didnt make great sense .. i sense a two yr rebuild track to make a run at the superbowl on childress' itinerary...

[Durango53]

Paul Tagliabue said the league will seek to close a loophole that both teams have exposed in the offer-sheet process by including so-called "poison-pill" clauses that effectively would force the Vikings, in Naye Burleson's case, to guarantee his full contract if they decide to match Seattle's offer. "I think these issues that have been raised by the offer sheets by Seattle and Minnesota need to be addressed," Tagliabue told reporters in his opening remarks at the meeting. "I think it's not what was contemplated. It's a similar set of (loopholes) to what we had when the rules first came in place from the Will Wolford contract, and we will be addressing them with the players association. I will be talking to Gene Upshaw next week."

[Durango53]

Paul Tagliabue said the league will seek to close a loophole that both teams have exposed in the offer-sheet process by including so-called "poison-pill" clauses that effectively would force the Vikings, in Naye Burleson's case, to guarantee his full contract if they decide to match Seattle's offer. "I think these issues that have been raised by the offer sheets by Seattle and Minnesota need to be addressed," Tagliabue told reporters in his opening remarks at the meeting. "I think it's not what was contemplated. It's a similar set of (loopholes) to what we had when the rules first came in place from the Will Wolford contract, and we will be addressing them with the players association. I will be talking to Gene Upshaw next week."

[DPark1]

i think burleson's got tremendous upside--he's a shifty runner that can make people miss in open space, across the middle, and the occasional post route and his yards after catch in last season's preseason was intimidating- -i'd hate to see him go, but that contract is for too much for an unproven talent as far as his consistent production is concerned -- i still think he has a year to a year and a half to serve as an understudy of a great wr as was carter to moss

[Durango53]

He had a great season two years ago when Moss was hurt most of that year and hurt most of last year. The Seahawks are banking on the Nate of two years ago and a home town guy. I like Nate a lot and the Seahawks are just trying to hit the Vikings back as we all know.

I dont think Nate will be back and when the Vikings got Koren back that is when I thought that. It will be a loss by losing Nate but the Vikings are deep enough at WR to cover that loss up.

I am super stoked by Willaimson and toward the end of the year he was really playing great and was making some outstanding catchs add that in with his speed right there could be a great young guy. If he can run some crisp routes he is going to make some QB's look good and make those safties step up some in coverage on those short routes when then he can go over the top.

And also from the mock drafts I have been seeing most have the Vikings taking a mid round WR also.

[Durango53]

The Vikings will appear in the first regular-season game of the league's new Monday Night Football package, taking on Washington at FedEx Field on Sept. 11.

Well crap..... Go freaking figure. They put one person I cant freaking stand in the MNF booth and the only way I am going to watch MNF was if the Vikings was on. I couldnt freaking stand Miller and now they put Kornhole in there and i cant stand that guy. So it looks like a game on mute again just like it was last time they had a :loser: in the booth......

[Durango53]

The Seahawks responded to Hutchinson's contract by signing Vikings receiver Nate Burleson to an offer sheet that included two similar poison pills. Brzezinski acknowledged Burleson's deal "was a shot across our bow," but said he never intended for the Hutchinson issue to start a war between franchises.

In fact, Brzezinski said, a Seahawks official has told him they would not have matched Hutchinson's contract even without the poison pill.

[DPark1]

i actually love the idea of geting a "headsy" wunderlic genious at the qb spot the quintessential sandlot qb experiment was a failure. i'd trade all our picks to move up and grab up leinert

[DPark1]

i like the former gamecock too; i hope he's used in more intermediate to deep crossing routes over the middle where i think he'll eventually flourish...i s'pose it wasn't such a bad thing to give him all those garbage time minutes late in the season to develop albeit he showed some "clutcheability" in some of those closely played conservative "ugly wins"

[DPark1]

that show PTI was hilarious whenever wilbon would punk out kornheiser

[Durango53]

Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher and Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billick cited Daunte Culpepper's serious knee injury as among their concerns when deciding not to make a deal for him.

[Durango53]

Redskins coach Joe Gibbs is already in midseason sandbagging form: "I'm not happy about opening up against a tough opponent like Minnesota."

[DPark1]

that's a tuff team up there in DC i handicapp it 3.5 to 4 pts Washington laying the points; final prediction: WA 17, MN 10

[Yankeesfan27]

Gibbs' old age I think is getting to him alittle bit. His Skins(who are my favorite team btw) are a much better team then Minnesota.

[Durango53]

Vikings coach Brad Childress went into vivid detail about his displeasure with Daunte Culpepper's desire to rehabilitate his knee in Orlando — where the player lives during the off-season — rather than at the team's facility in Minnesota. "He was doing himself a disservice," Childress said. "I told him, 'You can do better for yourself.' " Before trading Culpepper to the Dolphins, Childress sent Vikings trainer Eric Sugarman to Orlando in February so he could monitor the quarterback's progress while also evaluating the facility where he had been rehabilitating his surgically repaired right knee. Sugarman's findings didn't go over well with Childress. "He (was) rehabbing in a HealthSouth place in Orlando," Childress said. "I close my eyes. I'm seeing a Chinese restaurant, a HealthSouth place, a laundromat and a strip mall. And I'm thinking, 'What did they have in there?' They had a StepMaster and some other things." During Sugarman's visit, Culpepper's personal trainer offered to have the quarterback show Sugarman his progress, Childress said. Both trainers and Culpepper headed to a nearby paved lot. "They go into a Wal-Mart parking lot to do his movement," Childress said. "So you can understand where I'm coming from. There's the HealthSouth, the Chinese restaurant, the laundromat, here's the alley, out the backdoor and into the Wal-Mart parking lot. "I'm like, 'What's wrong with this picture?' Are you with me? I'm going, 'Come on now. Is he better served here in the fieldhouse or the Wal-Mart parking lot?' "

:eek: Oh my!!!!! So will he be ready for shopping on the opening day of the season!?!?!?

If I got the money that Culpepper got and if I did what Culpepper did the first thing I would buy would be a place to put a VERY NICE gym just for me with some of the best stuff around to stay in shape and get better if I did want a break from the place I was at.

[Durango53]

ESPN's John Clayton reported that the Vikings will wait until Friday's deadline before announcing their decision on the Burleson offer sheet and that "the general feeling is" they will not match.

[Durango53]

Wilf didn't want to get into specifics regarding the uniform changes, but he said the helmet has been subtly altered. "Same helmet, same horn," he said. "The horn is just accentuated a little to give it a three-dimensional look."

[Durango53]

Vikings WR Troy Williamson is switching his number from 19 to 82.

[Durango53]

VIKES CATCH LEAGUE'S IRE

A league source tells us that the recent ownership meetings in Florida featured a storm of resentment directed at the delegation representing the Minnesota Vikings.

The reason for the discontent was the poison pilled offer sheet that the Vikings presented to former Seahawks guard Steve Hutchinson three weeks ago. The NFL ultimately attempted to challenge the offer on behalf of the Seahawks.

"Everyone was talking about the group of people with more balls and ego than brains," said one source, in reference to the four men who run the organization: owner Zygi Wilf, V.P. of player personnel Fran Foley, V.P. of football operations Rob Brzezinski, and head coach Brad Childress.

"This group is on everyone's sh-t list," added the source. "League office, other teams, owners, personnel people."

The league office also isn't pleased, we're told, with the involvement of former management council employee Dave Blando in the crafting of the offer sheet that prevented the Seahawks from matching. Blando now works as a cap guy for the Vikings, and the thinking is that Blando had a key role in coming up with the term that would have made all of Hutchinson's seven-year, $49 million contract fully guaranteed if the Seahawks had matched.

Wilf bought the Vikings less than a year ago. Childress was hired days after the conclusion of the 2005 season to replace Mike Tice, who was fired minutes after a season-ending win over the Bears. Foley joined the organization not long thereafter from San Diego, where he had served as the director of pro personnel. Brzezinski has been with the team for seven years.
:eek:

[Durango53]

WR Marcus Robinson is absent from the Vikings' offseason strength and conditioning program.

[Durango53]

Reading between the lines as to comments made by Vikings V.P. of football operations Rob Brzezinski regarding the decision not to match the Nate Burleson offer sheet, it sure sounds like the NFL asked the Vikes to let the poison pill pissing match die.

But Brzezinski got in one last dig, calling the offer sheet that the Seahawks presented to Burleson "a total sham."

[Durango53]

"Brad Childress is an asshole," Culpepper said in e-mail message sent to several media outlets late Friday night. "I know I shouldn't care about what the guy says, but I just get sick of listening to him. I've got enough to worry about right now. The last thing I need to worry about is a coach I never played for acting like a little ***** because he was dumb enough to trade me away for a second-round pick."

[Durango53]

The Vikings spent part of Monday discussing a possible trade for Atlanta backup quarterback Matt Schaub, two people with knowledge of the situation said. The talks were casual and did not lead to formal negotiations, the sources said, but the interaction confirms the Vikings' desire to add depth to the position, either through a trade or in this month's draft. Discussions could resume as the April 29-30 draft approaches, but as of Monday no further talks were planned. Any team that acquired Schaub almost certainly would seek to sign him to a long-term contract extension. The Vikings had no such discussions Monday, the sources said. Schaub's agent, David Dunn, did not return phone calls Monday.

[DPark1]

it'd be so cool to get schaub...last year's game though, against ATL, Vick punked the Vikes with his runnin and gunnin and then they were shellshocked for awhile but after they settled down against schaub, they basically held him in check...id' still give up both 2nd round picks and the latter 3rd round pick to get him..

[DPark1]

i think it was kinda shady for the vikes to start that poison pill crap with the seachickens..it just shows how badly they want to place an emphasis on protecting the qb, whether it be bj or a rookie in the wings..but, SHA-DY!

[Durango53]

The Vikings will hold their first mandatory minicamp of the offseason this weekend.

[Durango53]

The Falcons are adamant about getting a first-round pick in exchange for QB Matt Schaub.

[Durango53]

The Vikings begin a weekend minicamp Friday, but quarterback Brad Johnson has been in town working with new coach Brad Childress' offense for three weeks. "I'm very comfortable with the offense," Johnson said. "I ran a version of it in Tampa." With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2001-03, Johnson set a team record by passing for more than 3,000 yards in each season, and in 2002 he led the Bucs to the Super Bowl XXXVII championship. "This is my fifth system in 14 years, and the differences pretty much are just terminology," Johnson said.

[DPark1]

go brad, go!

[Durango53]

Next week, the Vikings are entertaining three top quarterback prospects at Winter Park, according to Scout.com. Vince Young of Texas, Charlie Whitehurst of Clemson and Jay Cutler of Vanderbilt are expected to visit with club officials.

[Durango53]

University of Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney will visit with the Vikings this week.

[Durango53]

In addition to wide receiver Troy Williamson, who has traded in the 19 he wore last season for his old college 82, a handful of other Viking players are sporting new numbers. Cornerback Fred Smoot has switched from 27 to the 21 that formerly belonged to safety Corey Chavous, who signed with St. Louis as a free agent. Tight end Richard Owens has switched to 33, with fullback Tony Richardson getting his former 49. Free-agent guard Steve Hutchinson is wearing the same 76 he did in Seattle, with guard Chris Liwienski switching to 67. Hutchinson said he had to work out a deal with Liwienski but declined to say whether any money changed hands.

[Durango53]

Matt Birk complained of feeling a bit rusty Friday after the opening day of the Vikings' three-day veteran minicamp. Considering all the physical problems the Pro Bowl center has endured the past two seasons, that's something he can handle. In his first football activity since undergoing hip labrum surgery in September, Birk said it felt good just to be out on the practice field running around again. "I never once thought about past injuries," he said. "I just was out there competing and playing ball."

[Durango53]

Quarterbacks Brad Johnson and Mike McMahon have been around the NFL long enough to know job security can be fleeting. For now, Johnson, McMahon and third quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan are controlling what they can. And even if the Vikings draft a quarterback or trade for one, McMahon said the current cast will be ready. "He still has to come in here and compete," McMahon said. "Brad is out there competing, and I'm competing, and J.T. is competing. "You never know," he said. "You can't worry about what they're going to do. You can only worry about yourself."

[Durango53]

Vikings coach Brad Childress said the team will bring more than 30 draft- eligible players to Winter Park during the next three weeks for visits. The list includes Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler, but Childress said he didn't see Texas quarterback Vince Young on the list.

[Durango53]

Sunday, a top Vikings official denied that the team has made an offer for Matt Schaub, apparently drawing a distinction between general discussions and a formal offer. "We have made no offer to trade for the player," said Rob Brzezinski, vice president of football operations. Brzezinski would not elaborate. Several teams have pursued Schaub this offseason, but the Falcons want a first-round pick in return. The Vikings appear set to start Brad Johnson in 2006 and draft their quarterback of the future later this month.

[Durango53]

Says Vikings S Darren Sharper after the first minicamp under coach Brad Childress: "I'm more sore than I've ever been at this time in April."

[Durango53]

Vikings coach Brad Childress says that they're bringing in QB Jay Cutler but not QB Vince Young.

[Durango53]

Vikings QB Brad Johnson was excused from Sunday's minicamp practice for a "personal matter."

The Vikings have no plans to renegotiate QB Brad Johnson's $1.2 million salary.

In contrast, the Vikes won't try to reduce C Matt Birk's $4 million pay.

The Vikings might be inclined to give RB Onterrio Smith another chance, if he is reinstated after completing his Whizzinator-related one-year suspension.

Vikings TE Richard Owens has moved to fullback, and S Dustin Fox is now a cornerback.

Vikings DE Kenechi Udeze is well ahead of schedule in his recovery from microfracture surgery in his knee.

The Vikings have offered a second-round pick for Falcons QB Matt Schaub, but the Falcons want a first-rounder.

The Minnesota coaching staff expects the six linebackers on the roster to learn all three positions


Nice to see Birk is going to keep his roster money. He showed his worth by not being on that line last year.

Udeze I hope has a full season of health so we can see what he can do.

Nice to see Fox's name in the news. He should do fine at CB for the Nickle back.

[Durango53]

The Vikings played host to one of this year's leading quarterback prospects Tuesday when Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler visited Winter Park, and another is on deck. Texas' Vince Young, considered one of the top three quarterbacks in the April 29-30 NFL draft, along with Cutler and Southern California's Matt Leinart, will be in town to meet with the Vikings on Monday, according to his agent, Major Adams. The Vikings, looking for a quarterback of the future behind starter Brad Johnson, are slated to pick 17th, but Adams said Young's scheduled one-day visit isn't based on signals that the team is seriously considering moving up in the first round.

The Vikings are scheduled to meet with another quarterback prospect today when Clemson's Charlie Whitehurst visits Winter Park. Whitehurst, the son of former Green Bay quarterback David Whitehurst, is projected as a second- or third-round pick.

[Durango53]

CB Fred Smoot, who once upon a time struggled with one or two reps in the 225-pound bench press, has bulked up from 178 to 200 pounds.

WR Koren Robinson is the new No. 1 wideout in Minnesota.


And I hope that weight that Smoot put on was due to the incress of bench press.


I dont know if I would call any WR on the Vikings team a number one guy. They are all solid and fill roles. But let one of them step up and show everyone who is the number one guy.

[Durango53]

Mike Tomlin might be in the initial stages of explaining the Cover-2 defense to his players, but the Vikings new defensive coordinator already has made one thing clear in the first two days of minicamp: He has no off switch.

Rarely standing still, Tomlin hustles between the position groups, sweat soaking through the back of his shirt as he barks out words of encouragement and instruction that reverberate throughout the indoor practice facility at Winter Park.

One minute Tomlin is working with defensive backs, the next he's imploring linebackers to "transfer your body weight simultaneous with your plant foot," and the next he's calling out signals from the quarterback spot while running a drill.

"You hear him out here, he's just constantly going," cornerback Dustin Fox said. "The guy doesn't stop. That is great for us because when we get tired we have someone to look to to keep us going."

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf learned this Friday afternoon after the team's first workout. Sitting in on a defensive meeting, Wilf listened as Tomlin went through what could have been a mundane X's and O's session. Tomlin made sure it wasn't.

"I was ready to play after that," Wilf said.

Brad Childress' confidence in Tomlin's coaching ability has been apparent. The team's new head coach and former Philadelphia offensive coordinator has spent much of his time working with the offense as it begins making the transition to the West Coast scheme.

This has left Tomlin largely in charge of beginning to mold a high-energy defense that will, in his words, "create a frenzy."

"He definitely knows what he's talking about," veteran cornerback Antoine Winfield said. "He's teaching us a lot, and I'm very excited to be working with him."

http://www.startribune.com/510/story/359975.html

Wow this sounds like a guy that has his crap together! Sad part about this I fear is that the Vikings are only going to have him for a couple of years and he could be a head coach somewhere soon.

[Durango53]

The Raiders signed veteran defensive end Lance Johnstone to a two-year contract Wednesday. Johnstone, 32, spent the past five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, but he reportedly spurned their offer in favor of rejoining the team that drafted him in 1996. Johnstone is expected to team with reigning NFL sack leader Derrick Burgess on obvious passing downs. Burgess recorded 16 sacks last season.

DAMM!!!! :bonehead :bonehead :bonehead :bonehead :angry: :gripe:

[Durango53]

SABAN NOT HAPPY WITH CULPEPPER'S CHOICE OF WORDS

There's talk in league circles that Dolphins coach Nick Saban wasn't pleased with certain portions of the recent comments from quarterback Daunte Culpepper at a Monday press conference. Supposedly (or, as they say in Jersey, supposably), Culpepper's equivocation regarding his availability for the start of the 2006 season has caused a little consternation for the Nicktator, who believes that it will now be more costly to sign a veteran backup at the position.

The irony here is that Saban apparently is loosening up his "one voice" approach by allowing other members of the organization to address the media. Based on Culpepper's recent performance, Saban might just put the kibosh to his adventures in glasnost.

Wow Culpepper cant get out of his own way. Already pissing off his new coach. :doublefin

[Durango53]

It still looks as if the Vikings will try to trade their No. 17 overall pick in the April 29 NFL draft to Atlanta for backup quarterback Matt Schaub.
:bonehead

[Durango53]

A little birdie said former Vikings tight ends coach John Tice, brother of former Vikings coach Mike Tice, interviewed for a position with the Vikings recently.

The Vikings plan to poke around the knee of Florida State CB Antonio Cromartie.

Minnesota V.P. of player personnel Fran Foley will assess the employees of the personnel department and the scouting staff after the draft.


What position was John interviewing for???

[PopTop]

Got to love the St. Paul Saints :clap: Any team owned by Bill Murray and Mike Veeck is A-OK, alrighty-fine by me...

Darren Rovell / ESPN.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=2411809)
The St. Paul Saints are at it again.

The independent minor league baseball team, partly owned by comedian Bill Murray and Mike Veeck (the son of the great baseball promoter Bill Veeck), has dreamed up yet another attention-grabbing promotion.

Team executives say the rubber boats, each three inches by five inches, they'll be giving away on May 27 to the first 2,500 fans at Midway Stadium is to honor the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the television show, "The Love Boat."

But they have another vessel in mind, too, a "Love Boat" that has nothing at all to do with Capt. Stubing, Gopher and Cruise Director Julie.

Here's a hint: The boat's colors are purple and yellow.

Yes, it's meant to be a replica of one of the ships rented by members of the local NFL team back on Oct. 6. For that little cruise, four Minnesota Vikings were charged with indecent conduct and lewdness related to alleged sexual activities that took place on the charters.

The charges against former Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper were dropped recently, but the trial for running back Moe Williams is scheduled to begin on Tuesday. Two other Vikings -- cornerback Fred Smoot and tackle Bryant McKinnie -- are scheduled to stand trial in May. The players face fines of up to $1,000 and as much as 90 days in jail.

"This promotion just fell into our laps," said Tom Whaley, the Saints' vice president. "Because we're independent, we don't have to answer to anybody."

But it won't surprise Whaley if a few people might be upset about it. The Saints, as a point of reference, heard from the Vikings after their Randy Moss Hood Ornament Night in August 2003. The ornament was handed out to remind fans of an incident in which Moss bumped a traffic control officer with his car while he attempted to make a turn.

"We were told to call the Vikings and apologize," Whaley said. "But when we did, they wanted us to send them two of the ornaments."

In this case, Vikings spokesman Tom West said the team would have no comment on the "Love Boat" promotion.

The Saints aren't about to shy away from the connection to the Vikings' incident. Just in case fans don't "get" it, they can check out the name of the ship on the giveaway models: "The Minnetonka Queen."

That isn't the real name of either of the two ships the Vikings rented from a charter boat service called Al & Alma's. But it references the widely publicized location of the cruise, which took place on Lake Minnetonka.

"We think people empathize with the owners of the boat service," Whaley said. "They don't kno