More Free Agency Watch

Well KFAN.com on their free agency watch indicates that if the proposed L.J. Shelton to Buffalo, Travis Henry to Arizona trade falls through, that the Vikings could startup with a pursuit of Travis Henry, again. It also reports the possibility of the Vikings trading One or both of Micheal Bennett and Onterrio Smith before the draft. With Bennett being a strong possibility for Oakland. KFAN states that Gus Frerotte will return if not given a chance to start elsewhere. But as was reported last week in a couple media outlets Jay Fiedler would be a backup QB possibility, if Frerotte leaves. Charley Walters reported a while ago, that don't be surprised to see the Vikings sign starting Broncos G and Minnesota Gopher All-American Ben Hamilton in the free agency period.

Tuesday's Star Tribune gives a list of Off-Season priorities for the Vikings.

1. Safety-They list hard-hitting Broncos Back-up Kenoy Kennedy as a possibilty. I would also look into the possibility of a trade for Jaguars S Donovan Darius. Though reports have his price, pretty high for a thirty year old strong safety.

2. Wide Receiver-They indicate this position is likely to get filled through the draft.

3. Kicker-I would expect a offer for Jay Feely to be made sometime during the free agency period, if Paul Edinger gets cut in Chicago, he would be another possibility, as they signed him to an offer sheet in 2002.

4. Linebacker- Antonio Pierce is at the top of this list. If people remember the Vikings signed Pierce to an offer sheet last year, only to see the Redskins match it, and then the Vikings watched Pierce blowup.

5. Cornerback-The two names they mention are Fred Smoot, who will cost change, as he rejected a 10 Million dollar signing bonus from the Redskins, and Ty Law, who is still in a wheel chair from his foot injury. If either of these guys are healthy and signed. The Vikings could have the best pair of corners in football.

PFW Whispers/ESPN Insider

Today state that the reason that Mike Williams wasn't going to work out at the combine, was due to the fact that Tampa Bay promised to take him at 5. It also cited a Viking team source as saying that the Vikings were "Completely floored" by Mike Williams, since his workout last year, and that "They" would fall over themselves to get him. How his 40 times yesterday affected this I don't know, but I do know that he didn't run any faster last year at his workouts in Tampa.

ESPN insider Rumor Central is reporting that the Vikings are intrested not only in Lavernus Coles, along with the Jets, Ravens, and Bucs, but in his fellow Washinston WR Rod Gardner, who they speculate will be traded for a mid-round draft choice.

Free Agency and Draft Notes

Both the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Saint Paul Pioneer Press, reported the Vikings intrest in singing the Former New England Pro-Bowler, depending on the health of his foot, and his contract demands.

The Pioneer Press also reported an intrest the Vikings had in trading for Washingston WR Lavernaus Coles.

With free agency starting Wed, look for constant updates here. As the Vikings according to Rob Brezenki's calcuations, and the Moss trade going through could be up to 38 Million dollars under the salary cap.

Mike Williams ran a 4.59, and 4.61 at the combine, today, according to www.espn.com, so this probably slides him down to the middle of the First Round, where he might be more of an option at 18 than 7. What would the Vikings do with the 7th pick, try to trade down. If they stay they could consider Georgia S Thomas Davis, West Virgina CB Pac-Mac Jones, who will probably be gone, Miami DB Antrell Rolle, workout warrior LB Shawne Merriman of Maryland, Texas LB Derrick Johnson, still take Williams, or possibly look at Troy Williamson the South Carolina receiver is looking to go up the charts after running a 4.38 forty at the combine

The Star Tribune in tommorrow's edition reports on how impressed the Vikings are with the two Auburn RB's Ronnie Brown who at 233 LBS, ran a 4.48 forty, and Cadillac Williams who at 212 LBS, ran a 4.4 40.

Sounds like Somone I know...

This article from kfan.com http://vikings.kfan.com/sports/nflguide/local/story.aspx?content_id=6E5CEFB7-975D-490D-965C-8712CA31EF16

FANS REACT
While a handful of Vikings fans voiced their approval of the trade in phone calls and e-mails to the team Wednesday, the front desk at the club's Eden Prairie office was inundated with fans angrily protesting the move.

A public relations employee said he even fielded one call with a man crying on the other end.

“Not one fan I heard from liked the idea (of trading Moss),” the employee said.

The team also received over 200 e-mails to its Web site in less than 24 hours, the vast majority criticizing the trade. That number, however, was far less than the thousands of angry notes that poured in when Moss spent a night in jail after knocking down a Minneapolis traffic agent with his car in 2002.

Several e-mailers said they wouldn't renew their season tickets if the trade came to fruition.

Fans continued to express their disappointment Thursday.

“I feel like they should have been able to get a defensive superstar for an offensive superstar,” said Rich Coller, 24, of Minneapolis. “I knew they weren't going to get equal value, but trading for someone who's been an underachiever is not the best thing.”

“The last thing the Vikings need is another, quote, 'athletic linebacker,'” agreed Brandon Thompson, 25, a law student from Woodbury. “That was the second thing I thought. The first thing I thought is unprintable.”

On the whole, fans seemed less concerned with Moss' character than the team's performance.

“I don't think he's that bad a person,” said Dana Widstrom, a 51-year-old architect from Edina. “Sure, he's young and immature, but that's how society treats young athletes.”

Mike Willams/Mike Tice Meeting

Sources have indicated a meeting took place between Mike Williams-Former USC WR, and Mike Tice in Indianpolis this week between the two. Mike Willams also claims to run a 4.45, if he can do that, I don't know if he will be avalible at 7, which would probably cause the Vikings to trade down.

Defenses for Moss Trade

Well to be fair, let's look at some possible reasons to make this trade, before me next post is false logic behind the Moss Trade.

1. Moss' Health will not hold up over the long run. Well this is the 1st time in his seven year career, he has missed games, because of his injury. But since the time he has been drafted, he has had a bothersome ankle, which really acted up in the Playoffs. Also, he had back problems towards the end of this season, and also last season if one remembers he got taken out of the game at Detroit. So if the Vikings, think he might start to break down within the next year or two, where he becomes a constant question mark think Steve Mcnair, then this trade could have been justified.

2. Moss' Work Ethic- No one will accuse Moss of working as hard as Cris Carter or Jerry Rice to stay in shape. At 28, his skills will probably start going downhill in the next two to three years. He probably wouldn't be able to stay dominant as long as a Marvin Harrison might, just due to the fact of his conditioning, and he's not a great route-runner. Think for a comparsion Isaac Bruce, who doesn't draw the attention now at 32, he did at 28. His stats were mostly from coverage drawn to Torry Holt.

3. Lockerroom-I have no doubts Randy Moss is a first-class jerk, even PA and Dubay have admitted as much. Those guys are a lot closer to his antics than he is. I believe a lot of people in the Lockerrom-are probably tired of presence. Although, I would have to be convinced for this to be a factor it was taking away from others on the field-performance.

These are possible rationals for the trade. My next post will be addressing Myths of the Randy Moss trade.

Mike Williams Fetish

Pro Football Weekly reports this morning on Mike Tice's Mike Williams fetish, if Williams runs any sort of decent time, and is avaible, I would be surprised if he is not the Number 7 Pick of the Vikings.

Why the Herschel Walker trade made more sense at the Time.

You heard me right, I am saying that the Herschel Walker trade which will go down as probably the worst in the History of the NFL, which propelled the Dallas Cowboys to three Championships, and the Vikings to zero playoff wins for nine years, was actually a smarter trade at the time.

Why this trade was smarter was because, they felt they had a legitmate chance to win the Super Bowl, what were the reasons.

One: 1987-Vikings had gone only 8-7 remember 0-3 with Scrubs then lambasted two very good teams on the road in New Orleans, and San Fransisco, onlt to lose in the last minute at Washington to a team that ended drubbing the Broncos in the Super Bowl

1988-Vikings went 11-5 defeating the Bears twice, yet someone losing to the Packers twice, remember this is 1988. Then lost in the Conference Semis to San Fransisco, a team they only lost to by three earlier in the year, due to a miraclous Steve Young scramble. Who won the Super Bowl

1989-This team had a good quartback in Wade Wilson, a Pro-Bowl Receiver in A.C., Two Pro-Bowlers in the secondary in Joey Browner, and Carl Lee. They had a fierce pass-rush led by Chris Doleman, and Keith Millard to go along with Hank Thomas, They also had former Pro-Bowl linebackers in Mike Merriweather and Scott Studwell. This team was loaded on Defense. They had a very good o-line too with Randall Mcdaniel, and Gary Zimmerman both pro-bowlers. They had a solid tight-end in Steve Jordan. This was possibly the most talented team in Vikings History. So at 3-2 they traded for Herschel Walker, thinking he would be the final link to get them to Super Bowl, it made sense on paper. If the Vikings had won the Super Bowl, then no one would complain about this trade today. But they ended up only 10-6 thanks to two one-points losses, and a overtime loss in Cleveland, Van Waiters bring up nightmares anyone. Then they managed to go drubbed in San Fransisco again. But as the Jerry Burns era would go, this was a team that could not win close games. I really believe with better coaching, one of those late 80's teams would have gone to the Super Bowl, and won.

Now- I believe with a healthy Randy Moss next year, and the additions to could have made being thirty million under the Salary Cap, they would have gone into next year as the Second Best team in the NFC. Without Moss, the third-best team in their own division.

Is this a stretch? No.

As I laid out earlier, the Vikings are about an average offense without Moss. They don't run the Ball very well, teams will be more bold in blitzing Daunte now that they don't have Moss to contend with, they are about average now at receiver. They won't have Moss' double coverage opening things up. Daunte is on his own now, and we will wait to see the results.

Their Defense even if it improves to just medicore, which is about all I expect at best. Can't win games with this type of Offense. So combine to medicore units, you have a medicore football team. Combine the Vikings offense with Moss, you have a Top offense, and hopefully a medicore Defense, and in the NFC that's about all you need, to be better than everyone but Philly.

Bottom Line: The Walker trade was done for a team, they thought had a chance to go to the Super Bowl, this trade only ensures medicority.

Who to Pick at Number 7

Adam" Pac-Man" Jones- A potential shut-down corner, who claims he will run a 4.2 in workouts, a dangerous punt return threat.

Mike Williams-They have liked him since last year, he's big and physical. He doesn't have Moss' speed, more like Terrell Owens. But who knows how fast he is, or how much rust will he show.

Antrelle Rolle- Not considered the athlete Pac-Man is, but still should develop into a solid corner.

Shawne Merriman-People think this workout warrior, will fly up the draft boards, but probably best suited as a 3-4 Linebacker.

Derrick Johnson-Great talent, runs himself out of plays, not unlike some linebackers they have.

Thomas Davis- Although this seems high for him. He is a safety in the mode of Polulamu, and Roy Williams.

What to Do Now

John Clayton, just posted a column, which basically points out the similarities between E.J. Henderson and Dontarrious Thomas with Napoleon Harris, bad bad news. They're now about 38 Million under the cap. But who will they sign at Wide Receiver or Draft

Do you sign a Plaxico Burress, maybe he could be a good fit because of his size, Lavarneus Coles who is pretty similar to Nate Burleson, Mushin Muhmmad who's 32 years old, or Derrick Mason who's 31 and 5-10, 190.

You could look at a Mike Williams, who the Vikings have been high since last year in the Draft. Braylon Edwards would be a possibility if he is there, he does have more speed than David Terrell.

At 18 they could look at someone like Troy Williamson, who has an impressive size/speed combo, Roddy White who is raw, and Reggie Brown who didn't produce in College like some have hoped.

Isaac Bruce who is on the downside of his career, is a possible cut, so how do this help. Koren Robinson could maybe be had in a trade.

My thoughts...
I would lean towards looking at Mike Williams at 7, if he has speed in the 4.5 range. He is a big, physical threat, that is just three years removed from high school. He's 7 years younger than Moss, and if the works out are good, I look at him.

Otherwise If Troy Williamson is avalible at 18, I take him. I am not that nuts about a 6 Million dollar contract for any of these receivers. That's my thoughts at the Receiver position.

Randy Moss Trade

I don't like this deal at all. The Vikings now become a medicore offense, with a below average defense, possibly looking at 6 wins, instead of a 10 win team.

Why?

1. Chances are who they got in the draft, will not help them too much next year.
2. Napoleon Harris is a player who didn't play all that good as last season went on.

Although?
1. They do have two high picks, and a ton of cap room, the question is who they go after.

As I posted earlier, with Randy Moss healthy the offense was near unstoppable this year, with him injured, they were medicore. I'm going to re-evaluate when I see how this all goes down, with draft picks, and free-agent signings.

My intial grade- For the Vikings is a D- I don't see them as more than a 8 win team with the current roster next year. I will even say the Detriot Lions are a better football team as of tonight than the Minnesota Vikings, and with Rex Grossman coming back the Bears are close.

My grade for the Raiders is an A, although they still have big-times holes to compete in the AFC West. More on this later.

Fowler Press Conference

A few things of note.

One no one will be running the time essentially till around April 1, if Fowler gets league approval March 20-23 thus limiting abilities in the Free Agent Market, which they need spend ar0und 20 Million to get to the cap minimium. Could they re-work deals to pay players more now, to fill the void, like they did with Antonie Winfield's contract last year?

John Mistler, who's post-football career, consists of Radio Commentary for the Arizona Cardinals, is going to be given any job he wants, because of his freindship with Reggie Fowler. Now, Mistler could be the next Ron Wolf, or Scott Pioli but who knows what he would contribute.

Is the team worth 625 Million in the Metrodome, maybe. Once the new Television contract comes out the Forbes value will go up from the 604 Million estimate. If a new stadium gets built the team's worth will be at a Billion. I figure Fowler can't move the team till 2012, although I think a stadium deal will get done, within 3 years with the Vikings.

Will this sale get approved. I would guess yes, it sounds like Fowler has partners with deep-backing, and a company with high-profit margins.

What I would ask for Randy Moss

Will these trades happen? No, but this is what I would need to get in return to trade Randy Moss.


Jets- I would ask for John Abraham, Santana Moss, and a 1st round draft pick. Although I would consider swapping Jonathan Vilma for John Abraham in this scenario.

Why the Jets would do this? The development of Bryan Thomas, to go with Shaun Ellis. Santana Moss would have a diminshed role in the offense, and impending Free Agency, after 2005. Vilma would give the Vikings a playmaker of value in place of Abraham to improve their Defense. The 1st because you are taking players with contracts running out.

Raiders- Charles Woodson, and the 7th overall pick. Woodson is an impending free-agent, that would need to be signed long term. He would give the Vikings the best pair of corners in the NFL, he has probably worn out his welcome in Oakland, as to why it is rumored he might not be back there. The 7th pick, because you would be picking up a player who also could leave town soon.

Ravens- Edgerton Hartwell, and either Ed Reed, Chris McAllister, or Gary Baxter. Hartwell a potential pro-bowl middle linebacker is a must, although he is a free agent. McAllister has a huge contract, Balitmore is having second doubts about. Baxter is a free agent. Reed is probably a pipe-dream, but would you rather have a pro-bowl safety or pro-bowl receiver. I would also ask for a first, unless Reed is included.

Dolphins- 1st in 2005, Patrick Surtain, Chris Chambers, and 1st in 2006. Surtain is probably on his way out of Miami, they wouldn't have much need for Chambers, with David Boston coming back, the 1st this year is a must. I think the first next year would be needed for me to pull the trigger.

Washingston- Lavar Arrington, Fred Smoot, and 1st this year. The Redskins had the number 2 defense without Arrington this year. Smoot is headed out of Washington, and the 1st makes you pull the trigger.

Minnesota Sports world out of control

Saturday-Flip gets fired
Monday-Vikings Sold
Twins sign Santana to extension
NHL likely to cancel season.
All this while Randy Moss trade talks continues.

Fowler News Conference at 2:30 PM

Will give full report tonight..

More Confirmation of Fowler Sale

By Len Pasquarelli of ESPN, who says league sources have informed him major details are in place. He is reports the formation of Minnesota Vikings Football LLC in Delaware on Feb. 4. WCCO is reporting a 2PM news conference Monday to annouce the deal. KMSP-9 and The Pioneer Press also are stating the probablity of a sale being announced later today. KFAN has also learned of the sale taking place. This is huge news of which I will delve more into tommorrow.

This isn't related to the Vikings but Freddie Mitchell is shooting his mouth off some more

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/peter_king/02/13/mmqb/index.html

The Moss debate on Sunday Sports Wrap between Joe Schmitt didn't offer any really new insight. Sean Jensen of the Pioneer Press debated Bob Sansevere of the Pioneer Press. Both stated that you needed to get value for Moss. Jensen seemed more against the idea of trading Moss than either Schmitt or Sansevere. The strange thing about Sansevere is his love for Mike Tice. Remember Sansevere was known for trying to run Denny Green out of town for years. Sansevere was so offended though sunday night, that Randy Moss said Mike Tice might not be the Coach to lead the Vikings in an interview with Andrea Kremer. Never mind everything Moss said was true. Should Moss say Coaching hasn't been a problem when they have closed the last two years 3-7? Included in these 14 losees are 8 losses to sub-five hundred teams. Including five of these teams who picked in the top 4 of the draft.

After the sale talk dies down this week, I will give potential Moss trade scenarios that I would have to look at from the various suitors mentioned.

Fowler sale confirmed

Several media outlets including KARE , KSTP, and the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Fowler has been confirmed to be in the Twin Cities by the Star Tribune. Expect an annoucement late Monday.

Reggie Fowler sale announced this week .

This is the report from Charley Walters in the Pioneer Press today, and also Jay Weiner in the Star Tribune. Walters states the annoucement could occur as soon as Monday. The cost around 625 million dollars. Walters also reports the Fowler group could try to privately develop a stadium, as scenario the NFL does not want to see, due to its precedent. Tonight on Joe Schmitt' Sports Wrap they will have a debate as to whether to trade Randy Moss?

Vikings Sale

Vikings Sale close well it is according to KSTP. Glen Taylor believes a deal will be struck between Red McCombs and Reggie Fowler for around 625 Million, this week according to the Feb. 12 Star Tribune. KSTP believes the parameters of the deal are in place. The only question would then be whether the NFL would approve the Fowler ownership group at their March meetings. Remember the reason the Timberwolves are still in Minnesota is because the NBA owners rejected a deal by Boxing promoter Bob Arum to buy and move the team to New Orleans in 1994. It should also be noted that the NFL rejected Tom Clancy's ownership of the Vikings in 1998, due to insufficent wealth because of a divorce settlement. In the Star Tribune Taylor seems to indicate he sees Fowler possibly being seen as not having enough wealth, and him eventually owning the team. This could very well make big news in the next 7 days.

Quick Hitters

Ten Vikings Thoughts

1. If Red wants to sell the team, it will happen before the draft, since Glen Taylor will give him 600 Million. But if Red wants to keep making over 30 million a year profit, and hold the state Hostage for a new stadium, He could keep the team around 10 years, and make nearly a Billion dollars.

2. The Vikings want two-firsts, or a first and a established player for Randy Moss. Does this make the Vikings better, No. If they think they're a better team with Phillip Buchanon and Mike Williams at the start of next year, or Adalius Thomas, and Brandon Browner, or John Abraham and Roddy White. You are in dream land.

3. Daunte Daunte Daunte- Who else needs to wear a Diamond Pepper around his neck, or loans his new SUV to people that he had to believe weren't exactly Pious.

4. Biggest Vikings Off-Season Needs- MLB, OLB, S, CB, K, NT.

5. Potential Free Agent Targets- Edgerton Hartwell-ILB-Ravens, Jeremiah Trotter-MLB-Eagles, Rob Morris-MLB-Colts, David Thornton-OLB-Colts, Julian Peterson-OLB-49ERS, Keith Adams-OLB-Eagles, Kenoy Kennedy-S-Broncos, Izell Reese-S-Bills, Gary Baxter-CB-Ravens, Fred Smoot-DB-Ravens, Pat Williams-NT-Bills, Jay Feely-K-Falcons, Joe Salave'a-DT-Redskins.

6. Their own Free Agents Re-Singing Priority 1. Gus Frerotte- I would actually be the most worried if he was lost. 2 Chris Claiborne- Can be a good linebacker at times, only Vikings LB I can say that about. 3. David Dixon- He had a pretty good year, but they might want to give more reps to Goldberg, and Dorsey. 4. Jermaine Wiggins- He is, what he is. He doesn't block too well, but is a good receiver. 5. Keith Newman-If he is willing to be a back-up, keep him.

7. As far as resticted free agents go 1. Wille Offord- He gave the best safety play we had all year, in the two games he started in the playoffs. 2. Kelly Campbell-A deep threat, a potential kick return man, though doens't do much elsewhere. 3. Brian Russell- He's a back-up at best, and could maybe do somethings on special teams.

8. Draft Names- Brandon Browner-DB-Oregon State, Thomas Davis-S/OLB-Georgia, Brodney Pool-S Oklahoma, Carlos Rogers-DB-Auburn, Bryant McFadden-DB-Flordia State, Antrelle Rolle-DB-Miami, Daryl Blackstock-LB-Virgina, Shawne Merriman-LB-Maryland, Derrick Johnson-LB-Texas.

9. I would consider taking Ohio State K Mike Nugent in the second round, and would take him in the third.

10. I would hope if the Vikings are sold Rob Brezenki, would stay around, with his cap management, and deep ownership pockets, I think the Vikings could really do some good things.