I think they ought ot look at changing it. I don't think field goals are a good way to decide a game. Perhaps a time limit and the highest score wins, granted the games are long now and you'd still have field goals deciding things in some cases. How about getting rid of field goals ? Then the O.T problem would be solved in my book. Score a T.D and you win, plain and simple. This winning the o.t toss and going 30 yards and kiciking a 45 yarder isn't very exciting if you ask me.
The league is investigating whether Detroit complied with its guidelines on interviewing minority group members for the opening, The Detroit News reported Friday.
Why should a team go through a charade if they know exactly who they want to hire? Steve Mariucci is a good coach with a succesful track record. His hiring is not questionable. His pro record I think is something like 59 wins and 42 losses.
Do they have to go through a diversity plan when picking linebackers and running backs ? It shows the utter nonsense and ridiculousness of affirmitive action. I mean I think that more short Jewish guys should be middle linebackers. Aply the same standards to many professional sports and see what would happen. It's just stupid. Detroit would be nuts not to hire Marriucci. He's one of the best coaches in the league.
Do they have to go through a diversity plan when picking linebackers and running backs ?
what if a candidate had one asian parent and one black parent, ala tiger?
anyway, my favorite white running back is ... ahh ... oh yeah, there's alstott. oh wait, mike's a "fullback". and my favorite black kicker is ... umm ... reggie roby. oh wait, he's retired. do the giants still have that kid who was kickin the crap out of the ball?
jewish linebackers? would we have to define them as orthodox, hassidic, or reformed, or wouldn't it matter?
yes, i do see what the league wants to accomplish. i applaud their enthusiasm, but laugh at their methods.
Now starting at middle linebacker...........in his 2nd year out of NYU, weighing in at 154 and standing 5'7".......#. 57.......Ari Rosenbloooooooooooom....(insert dance music, crowd noise........And starting at left defensive tackle........
** This just in. Due to the obvious lack of diversity in the NHL, the league is instating diversity rules. From now on the league requires each team to be 1/4 Black, 1/8 Asian and 1/4 Hispanic. Play is expected to resume sometime in 2019.
In a related development the NBA announced similar rules for their league. Once the teams have enough Hispanics, White guys and Asians, play can resume as well. Basketball is expected to continue around the year 2010.
The PGA said it wasn't going to do so, not out of it's sepratisit past but because Tiger is going to win every tournament for the next 20 years anyway so it doesn't really matter. Of course as usual Phil Mickelson will choke for the next 20 and finish second every time.
I have read that the Vikes might trade down if 2 of the payers they are looking at drafting are not available. They may drop down to around the #10 spot for an extra round 2 pick.
The Patriots and Vikings are reportedly interested in OT Orlando Brown
who will attempt to comeback from the "flag-beaning". The Patriots will release WR Donald Hayes in coming days while the Giants are reportedly going to do the same with CB Jason Sehorn
. RB Stephen Davis
is reportedly targeting Tampa Bay as a possible destination, following his expected release by Washington. Packers CB Tyrone Williams
reportedly has an option in his contract that can make him a free agent and will likely exercise that option. The Cardinals are reportedly leaning towards letting WR David Boston
hit the open market due to his off-field problems.
The list of Vikings you posted as possible releases. I think it will depend on who the Vikes pick up in FA. The Vikes have a lot of cap room and the only person on D that I think is safe is Hovan. Everyone else may have to compete for a starting spot.
I have seen a lot of post on message boards, on the Vikes trying to get David Boston. It would be great to have a tandem of Moss and Boston, but I do not see this happening. We need more help on D then we do on O. The major part of our cap money is going to go toward draft picks and Defensive FA.
With the posts, is it more the fans wanting the Vikes to get Boston, or the Vikes saying they want him? While I think it would be great to have a caliber of player like him opposite Randy Moss, it wouldn't be good overall. Boston has some baggage with him, and the Vikes do have more pressing needs on the defensive side of the ball. Address those needs, get a WR in the draft. Defense wins ball games, not offense.
I agree with TMK. I think the "O" is good to go pretty much. The line had a pretty good year. I think Culpepper and Moss are maturing more. Bates came on late in the year once in a groove. Michael Bennet I think will have a great year. I don't see too many needs on the "O". The "D" however has been overlooked far too long and neglected for alot of years. They were improved late last year but they need some more and better bodies. It'll be interesting to see how O'Leary does. I hope through FA and the draft that we finally put a more solid "D" on the field. Perhaps after seeing the last few winners of the Super Bowl they'll realize that D really does win championships.
What the VIkes need is one huge impact player. An Erlacher/Kearse type of guy that requires teams to double up on a guy allowing others to make an impact. We don't have a player like that right now. I'd trade some picks and give some moolah to get a guy like that.
Let's hope so Wolvie. I can't take another year of having a lead and watch the D give it back when it's needed the most. Or watching mediocre offenses having record setting days. I say don't touch the "O" put everything we have in the D.
Actually, I wouldn't trade picks for one guy. I don't think there is an impact guy out there. Maybe at where we are in the draft, but unlikely. If so, then yeah, get him. Otherwise, I'd rather get a lot of quality guys. As an offense, you can devise a gameplan around one person. The Vikes need upgrades at too many positions. Two years ago the Patriots went out and got a bunch of no-name guys to help their football team, and it took them to the Super Bowl.
On draft day, if Kennedy, Suggs and Newman are gone when the Vikes are to make thier pick at numbe 7, look for the Vikings to trade down to spots 10-14 and get an extra round 2 pick.
I would love for them to get Newman, but I really really doubt they will unless they trade up. I wonder if anyone would want to trade up to the seven spot for anyone.
The Vikings have only made a few off-season signings but this is likely but the tip of the iceberg. John Avery was signed as a third down back/kick returner. Avery was a former first round pick of the Dolphins that bounced around the league and had a stint in the XFL before lighting it up this past year in the CFL. His speed should bring an immediate upgrade to the return team. This will likely eventually result in either Nick Davis or Cedric James (maybe both) being cut at some point. Lewis Kelly was re-signed and was told that he would be competing at guard next year. This is but another indication that Coach Tice is not satisfied with the guard play from last year and is looking for an upgrade. The Vikings apparently have their eye on Packer defensive end Vonnie Holliday, who may be a free agent by the end of the month. Carey Scott, a reserve defensive back, was also recently signed. Punter Leo Araguz was reported by the Pioneer Press as having worked out with the Vikings, but it would be somewhat of a surprise if he supplanted Kyle Richardson.
Additional moves can be expected in the very near future. Derrick Alexander will likely be cut very soon. Other cuts can be expected as well. Players that are not expected back include Darius Holland, Lemanski Hall, and Patrick Chukwurah. Ronnie Bradford has retired and won't be back either. One free agent that won't be gone is Jim Kleinsasser, with whom negotiations continue.
Other moves may come as the result of trades. It is no secret that Todd Bouman wants to compete for a starting job and is being shopped around. The Arctic Blast incident in which Bouman has been implicated in one manner or another may cloud any trade talks for the immediate future. If Bouman goes, a veteran backup will no doubt be signed. Cory Withrow is in the same boat as Bouman in that he also wants to move on to compete for a starting job.
With Minnesota having so many slots that can be filled by free agency, especially on the defensive side of the ball, free agency could open with a bang for the Vikings.
Others of note include an exceptional group of linebackers such as Keith Brooking, Anthony Simmons, Mike Peterson and Shawn Barber. Also eligible for free agency is Hugh Douglas, who would be a huge addition.
I don't think the author of the article is on top of all the sales rumors regarding Red McCombs and his comments on how the Vikings won't be big players in free agency. I hate it when these clueless columnists excite me with rumors that are pipedreams. Brooking is the next best thing to Urlacher. Hugh Douglas?! Get outta town! He's going to want a king's ransom for a contract. I like the addition of Avery. We need a threat on kick returns. They are bringing in Neil O'Donnell . He's a great back-up. The question is, does anyone want Bouman in a trade? He's not a big name guy by any means.
Teams would take a chance I think. You look at where quarterbacks are coming from. Heck, even look at the past super bowls. Brad Johnson and Rich Gannon, guys who developed and eventually were given chances. Tom Brady, Kurt Warner. He's done okay in the time he's been in games. The thing that will hurt is the legal trouble now. The Vikes may have gotten something for him before, if even a mid to late round draft pick. They may still, but I just don't know.
Mike Tice Tice Trying To Corner The Market By Viking Update Staff Date: Mar 1, 2003
The Vikings are putting the full-court press on free agents around the league, especially cornerbacks, as they look to improve their lowly rated pass defense of the last few years.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around Winter Park. On the first official shopping day, the Vikings have put a number of presents under the tree, but it remains to be seen how many of them end up with a tag mark "To: Vikings."
The Vikings were busy Friday securing visits with a handful of recently available free agents -- most of them cornerbacks - and most of them at the top tier of their class. After another sub-par year in the defensive backfield, the yearning for a shutdown corner and maybe an additional nickel is no surprise.
Here is the list of recruits lined up to visit Winter Park next week:
Cornerback Dre' Bly. Considered the top cornerback available after Baltimore slapped the franchise tag on Chris McAlister. Bly will visit Tuesday.
Cornerback Denard Walker. Walker, late of Denver, will visit Friday.
Cornerback Tory James. James, who was mainly a nickel back in an extremely talented defensive backfield in Oakland, is looking for an opportunity to start and would likely get that chance if he signed in Minnesota.
Cornerback Corey Fuller. Fuller was just released by Cleveland, one of two former Vikings (Dwayne Rudd being the other) signed by Cleveland and then jettisoned this year. Fuller is not coming for a visit because the Vikings know what he can do, but they are negotiating with him.
Cornerback Dexter McCleon. The Vikings are trying to arrange a talk with the former St. Louis defensive back.
Punter Toby Gowin. The Vikings are looking for a punter/kickoff specialist to fill both roles so they can retain Gary Anderson. When Mike Tice didn't re-sign Anderson right away last year and dealt with the troubled leg of Doug O'Brien, the head coach called it his worst mistake of his rookie year.
The Vikings are set on improving their pass defense this off-season, and Tice & Co. appear set to draft a defensive tackle with at least one of their first two draft picks in April. But after the first two cornerbacks rated in the draft - Terence Newman and Marcus Trufant - the talent level appears to drop off. And Tice has said it is harder to judge the talent of a college cornerback than a college defensive lineman.
All that is the reason the Vikings are so intent on getting their cornerback through free agency. Their activity Friday is proof of that.
SATURDAY NOTES
With Jim Kleinsasser not going anywhere at least this year, the Vikings wouldn't necessarily have to sign No. 3 tight end Hunter Goodwin, but they'd like to. Goodwin is getting interest from Houston, Oakland and the New York Giants.
The other free agents the Vikings have said they would like to sign are defensive end Lance Johnstone and running back Moe Williams, but no progress was reported in those negotiations.
The attorney for Kelci Stringer filed a memorandum in her $100 million wrongful death lawsuit against the Vikings claiming that the team promoted the use of supplements containing the herb ephedra. The Vikings' attorneys argued that while the supplement was used by a number of players before being banned by the league, the team never promoted its use.
Houston claimed linebacker Patrick Chukwurah after the Vikings cut him on Thursday.
Also scheduled for a visit is former Green Bay defensive tackle Billy Lyons.
If the Vikings don't sign tackle Orlando Brown, another option was thought to be Dallas tackle Flozell Adams. That won't happen anymore, as Adams and the Cowboys agreed to a five-year, $25 million deal.
Another cornerback bantered about in Minnesota was Green Bay's Tyrone Williams. He was officially released Friday.
Al Harris, a talented nickel back, late of Philadelphia, was traded to the Packers for a second-round pick. The Eagles also sent a fourth-round pick Green Bay's way in the trade. Harris played high school football with former Viking Tyrone Carter.
Actually I'm kind of glad he did. I think Detroit paid too much for him. Means they can't get as many other good players. And I don't think Bly can match up as well with Moss.
i'll hold my water until training camp, but tice looks to be doing a pretty good job in FA so far. the alexander experiment failed ... time to move on there, mike.
boumann for picks when griese & kordell are running around? not gonna happen.
don't know what the scoop on billy lyon leaving GB is. solid 2nd guy w/versatility. he PO'd mike sherman according to what i'm getting out of the local media. MN would do well to sign him.
Bears:
LB Roosevelt Colvin will visit the Lions on Monday -- our sources tell us that the Bears will not make Colvin an offer; some in the Bears front office believe that recently cut OT James "Big Cat" Williams will sign with the Packers; the team re-signed TE John Davis and FB Stanley Pritchett; G.M. Jerry Angelo has admitted that the Bears are interested in QBs Jake Plummer and Kordell Stewart, and that the Bears have talked trade with the Broncos as to QB Brian Griese; our sources says that the team thinks the price is too high for Broncos QB Brian Griese; QB Kordell Stewart will visit next week; the team paid a $1 million roster bonus to DE Phillip Daniels on Friday, pushing his 2003 cap number to $5,1 million; Dolphins TE Desmond Clark was signed on Saturday.
Lions:
Colts LB Mike Peterson did not visit the Lions on Friday, contrary to published reports; Bears LB Roosevelt Colvin will visit on Monday; CB Dre' Bly has signed a five-year deal.
Packers:
The deal with DT Cletidus Hunt is done, and the Pack will be able to recover some bonus money if Hunt commits another violation of the "smokey-smokey" policy; the team has had "mild discussions" with the agent for WR/KR Jermaine Lewis; CB Mike McKenzie's cap number dropped from $2.98 million to $1.67 million when his $1.75 million roster bonus was transferred to a guaranteed payment; DE Vonnie Holliday has fired his agents, who in our view gave him piss-poor advice last year (he apparently agrees); CB Bryant Westbrook will return for a second season.
Vikings:
Though he wasn't tendered, the Vikes are interested in bringing back CB Tyrone Carter; the Vikes will try to sign at least two corners from the group of Raiders CB Tory James, Browns CB Corey Fuller; Broncos CB Denard Walker, Rams CB Dexter McCleon; OT Orlando Brown arrives Sunday night; the Vikes want DE Lance Johnstone to play 25-30 plays per game (for them, not another team); TE Hunter Goodwin will visit the Raiders; the Vikes have been in contact with Packers CB Tyrone Williams; visits have been arranged with P/K Toby Gowin and Packers DL Billy Lyon; a contract already has been offered to Fuller; if DE Lance Johnstone leaves, the Vikes will look hard at 49ers DE Chiki Okeafor; coach Mike Tice will talk over the weekend again with Titans QB Neil O'Donnell; TE Hunter Goodwin is drawing interest from the Raiders, Texans, and possibly the Jets.
The Vikings lost out on cornerback Dre' Bly, who never gave the team the opportunity to talk contract. Bly visited the Lions yesterday, and the NFC North rival signed him to a five-year $24.5 million contract before the Vikings had a chance to meet the player many thought was the best available cornerback on the free-agent market.
The Vikings have to be shrewd with their money. Heck, you think about it, a football team needs 22 guys for offense and defense. That doesn't even include the other guys needed for special teams and depth. I would rather see them spend shrewdly on players who upgrade the team overall than overspend on players to address a need position.
"The longer we wait, the harder it gets,"
Well, not to get too personal, but that definitely isn't MY credo :o(
Joe
it goes soft, huh clue master?!!!!! sorry to hear that, I guess.
I think they ought ot look at changing it. I don't think field goals are a good way to decide a game. Perhaps a time limit and the highest score wins, granted the games are long now and you'd still have field goals deciding things in some cases. How about getting rid of field goals ? Then the O.T problem would be solved in my book. Score a T.D and you win, plain and simple. This winning the o.t toss and going 30 yards and kiciking a 45 yarder isn't very exciting if you ask me.
The league is investigating whether Detroit complied with its guidelines on interviewing minority group members for the opening, The Detroit News reported Friday.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/news/2003/0214/1508765.html
Why should a team go through a charade if they know exactly who they want to hire? Steve Mariucci is a good coach with a succesful track record. His hiring is not questionable. His pro record I think is something like 59 wins and 42 losses.
Do they have to go through a diversity plan when picking linebackers and running backs ? It shows the utter nonsense and ridiculousness of affirmitive action. I mean I think that more short Jewish guys should be middle linebackers. Aply the same standards to many professional sports and see what would happen. It's just stupid. Detroit would be nuts not to hire Marriucci. He's one of the best coaches in the league.
I couldn't have said it better Rob.
Do they have to go through a diversity plan when picking linebackers and running backs ?
LOL!
Hey machias!
Now starting at middle linebacker...........in his 2nd year out of NYU, weighing in at 154 and standing 5'7".......#. 57.......Ari Rosenbloooooooooooom....(insert dance music, crowd noise........And starting at left defensive tackle........
Oh NO! I am starting to get football withdrawl! Been playing my Madden football game and just waiting on the draft.
How could you not have Donald Igwebuike as your black kicker?
I forgot about Iggy ! Darn.
In a related development the NBA announced similar rules for their league. Once the teams have enough Hispanics, White guys and Asians, play can resume as well. Basketball is expected to continue around the year 2010.
The PGA said it wasn't going to do so, not out of it's sepratisit past but because Tiger is going to win every tournament for the next 20 years anyway so it doesn't really matter. Of course as usual Phil Mickelson will choke for the next 20 and finish second every time.
LOL! Good stuff L2F!
Pack Scared, Vikes Ready
I have read that the Vikes might trade down if 2 of the payers they are looking at drafting are not available. They may drop down to around the #10 spot for an extra round 2 pick.
... drop down to around the #10 spot for an extra round 2 pick ...
PACKERS: 2003 position by position breakdown
VIKINGS: 2003 Position by position breakdown
To me, it seems it's showing the free agents. Not the cuts. I could be wrong. I thought the Vikings would want to keep someone like Lewis Kelly.
... it's showing the free agents. Not the cuts.
I thought the Vikings would ... keep ... Lewis Kelly
machias,
The list of Vikings you posted as possible releases. I think it will depend on who the Vikes pick up in FA. The Vikes have a lot of cap room and the only person on D that I think is safe is Hovan. Everyone else may have to compete for a starting spot.
I have seen a lot of post on message boards, on the Vikes trying to get David Boston. It would be great to have a tandem of Moss and Boston, but I do not see this happening. We need more help on D then we do on O. The major part of our cap money is going to go toward draft picks and Defensive FA.
With the posts, is it more the fans wanting the Vikes to get Boston, or the Vikes saying they want him? While I think it would be great to have a caliber of player like him opposite Randy Moss, it wouldn't be good overall. Boston has some baggage with him, and the Vikes do have more pressing needs on the defensive side of the ball. Address those needs, get a WR in the draft. Defense wins ball games, not offense.
The messages I read were by fans. Nothing "official" from the Vikes.
I agree with TMK. I think the "O" is good to go pretty much. The line had a pretty good year. I think Culpepper and Moss are maturing more. Bates came on late in the year once in a groove. Michael Bennet I think will have a great year. I don't see too many needs on the "O". The "D" however has been overlooked far too long and neglected for alot of years. They were improved late last year but they need some more and better bodies. It'll be interesting to see how O'Leary does. I hope through FA and the draft that we finally put a more solid "D" on the field. Perhaps after seeing the last few winners of the Super Bowl they'll realize that D really does win championships.
BTW,
What the VIkes need is one huge impact player. An Erlacher/Kearse type of guy that requires teams to double up on a guy allowing others to make an impact. We don't have a player like that right now. I'd trade some picks and give some moolah to get a guy like that.
And I think we will.
Wolvie 2/24/03 11:44am
Let's hope so Wolvie. I can't take another year of having a lead and watch the D give it back when it's needed the most. Or watching mediocre offenses having record setting days. I say don't touch the "O" put everything we have in the D.
Actually, I wouldn't trade picks for one guy. I don't think there is an impact guy out there. Maybe at where we are in the draft, but unlikely. If so, then yeah, get him. Otherwise, I'd rather get a lot of quality guys. As an offense, you can devise a gameplan around one person. The Vikes need upgrades at too many positions. Two years ago the Patriots went out and got a bunch of no-name guys to help their football team, and it took them to the Super Bowl.
On draft day, if Kennedy, Suggs and Newman are gone when the Vikes are to make thier pick at numbe 7, look for the Vikings to trade down to spots 10-14 and get an extra round 2 pick.
I would love for them to get Newman, but I really really doubt they will unless they trade up. I wonder if anyone would want to trade up to the seven spot for anyone.
Columnist - R.J. Moses
2/16/03
Changes look to be coming quickly
The Vikings have only made a few off-season signings but this is likely but the tip of the iceberg. John Avery was signed as a third down back/kick returner. Avery was a former first round pick of the Dolphins that bounced around the league and had a stint in the XFL before lighting it up this past year in the CFL. His speed should bring an immediate upgrade to the return team. This will likely eventually result in either Nick Davis or Cedric James (maybe both) being cut at some point. Lewis Kelly was re-signed and was told that he would be competing at guard next year. This is but another indication that Coach Tice is not satisfied with the guard play from last year and is looking for an upgrade. The Vikings apparently have their eye on Packer defensive end Vonnie Holliday, who may be a free agent by the end of the month. Carey Scott, a reserve defensive back, was also recently signed. Punter Leo Araguz was reported by the Pioneer Press as having worked out with the Vikings, but it would be somewhat of a surprise if he supplanted Kyle Richardson.
Additional moves can be expected in the very near future. Derrick Alexander will likely be cut very soon. Other cuts can be expected as well. Players that are not expected back include Darius Holland, Lemanski Hall, and Patrick Chukwurah. Ronnie Bradford has retired and won't be back either. One free agent that won't be gone is Jim Kleinsasser, with whom negotiations continue.
Other moves may come as the result of trades. It is no secret that Todd Bouman wants to compete for a starting job and is being shopped around. The Arctic Blast incident in which Bouman has been implicated in one manner or another may cloud any trade talks for the immediate future. If Bouman goes, a veteran backup will no doubt be signed. Cory Withrow is in the same boat as Bouman in that he also wants to move on to compete for a starting job.
With Minnesota having so many slots that can be filled by free agency, especially on the defensive side of the ball, free agency could open with a bang for the Vikings.
Others of note include an exceptional group of linebackers such as Keith Brooking, Anthony Simmons, Mike Peterson and Shawn Barber. Also eligible for free agency is Hugh Douglas, who would be a huge addition.
I don't think the author of the article is on top of all the sales rumors regarding Red McCombs and his comments on how the Vikings won't be big players in free agency. I hate it when these clueless columnists excite me with rumors that are pipedreams. Brooking is the next best thing to Urlacher. Hugh Douglas?! Get outta town! He's going to want a king's ransom for a contract. I like the addition of Avery. We need a threat on kick returns. They are bringing in Neil O'Donnell . He's a great back-up. The question is, does anyone want Bouman in a trade? He's not a big name guy by any means.
Hey CCR!
A lot of teams are hurting for QB's. I think Bouman could end up somewhere.
Teams would take a chance I think. You look at where quarterbacks are coming from. Heck, even look at the past super bowls. Brad Johnson and Rich Gannon, guys who developed and eventually were given chances. Tom Brady, Kurt Warner. He's done okay in the time he's been in games. The thing that will hurt is the legal trouble now. The Vikes may have gotten something for him before, if even a mid to late round draft pick. They may still, but I just don't know.
It will all depend on if Bouman is accused or convicted of anything.
Hey there, J!
Well I must say it is nice to see this thread starting to get a little more traffic. I have missed posting football stuff!
Did somebody say it's football season already? Woo Hooo!! It's about time
Not quite yet, but at least the draft and FA are coming up.
Mike Tice Tice Trying To Corner The Market
By Viking Update Staff
Date: Mar 1, 2003
The Vikings are putting the full-court press on free agents around the league, especially cornerbacks, as they look to improve their lowly rated pass defense of the last few years.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around Winter Park. On the first official shopping day, the Vikings have put a number of presents under the tree, but it remains to be seen how many of them end up with a tag mark "To: Vikings."
The Vikings were busy Friday securing visits with a handful of recently available free agents -- most of them cornerbacks - and most of them at the top tier of their class. After another sub-par year in the defensive backfield, the yearning for a shutdown corner and maybe an additional nickel is no surprise.
Here is the list of recruits lined up to visit Winter Park next week:
The Vikings are set on improving their pass defense this off-season, and Tice & Co. appear set to draft a defensive tackle with at least one of their first two draft picks in April. But after the first two cornerbacks rated in the draft - Terence Newman and Marcus Trufant - the talent level appears to drop off. And Tice has said it is harder to judge the talent of a college cornerback than a college defensive lineman.
All that is the reason the Vikings are so intent on getting their cornerback through free agency. Their activity Friday is proof of that.
SATURDAY NOTES
Well scratch Bly, he signed with Detroit.
Actually I'm kind of glad he did. I think Detroit paid too much for him. Means they can't get as many other good players. And I don't think Bly can match up as well with Moss.
NFC NORTH
Bears:
LB Roosevelt Colvin will visit the Lions on Monday -- our sources tell us that the Bears will not make Colvin an offer; some in the Bears front office believe that recently cut OT James "Big Cat" Williams will sign with the Packers; the team re-signed TE John Davis and FB Stanley Pritchett; G.M. Jerry Angelo has admitted that the Bears are interested in QBs Jake Plummer and Kordell Stewart, and that the Bears have talked trade with the Broncos as to QB Brian Griese; our sources says that the team thinks the price is too high for Broncos QB Brian Griese; QB Kordell Stewart will visit next week; the team paid a $1 million roster bonus to DE Phillip Daniels on Friday, pushing his 2003 cap number to $5,1 million; Dolphins TE Desmond Clark was signed on Saturday.
Lions:
Colts LB Mike Peterson did not visit the Lions on Friday, contrary to published reports; Bears LB Roosevelt Colvin will visit on Monday; CB Dre' Bly has signed a five-year deal.
Packers:
The deal with DT Cletidus Hunt is done, and the Pack will be able to recover some bonus money if Hunt commits another violation of the "smokey-smokey" policy; the team has had "mild discussions" with the agent for WR/KR Jermaine Lewis; CB Mike McKenzie's cap number dropped from $2.98 million to $1.67 million when his $1.75 million roster bonus was transferred to a guaranteed payment; DE Vonnie Holliday has fired his agents, who in our view gave him piss-poor advice last year (he apparently agrees); CB Bryant Westbrook will return for a second season.
Vikings:
Though he wasn't tendered, the Vikes are interested in bringing back CB Tyrone Carter; the Vikes will try to sign at least two corners from the group of Raiders CB Tory James, Browns CB Corey Fuller; Broncos CB Denard Walker, Rams CB Dexter McCleon; OT Orlando Brown arrives Sunday night; the Vikes want DE Lance Johnstone to play 25-30 plays per game (for them, not another team); TE Hunter Goodwin will visit the Raiders; the Vikes have been in contact with Packers CB Tyrone Williams; visits have been arranged with P/K Toby Gowin and Packers DL Billy Lyon; a contract already has been offered to Fuller; if DE Lance Johnstone leaves, the Vikes will look hard at 49ers DE Chiki Okeafor; coach Mike Tice will talk over the weekend again with Titans QB Neil O'Donnell; TE Hunter Goodwin is drawing interest from the Raiders, Texans, and possibly the Jets.
Thanks for the info machias!
The Vikings lost out on cornerback Dre' Bly, who never gave the team the opportunity to talk contract. Bly visited the Lions yesterday, and the NFC North rival signed him to a five-year $24.5 million contract before the Vikings had a chance to meet the player many thought was the best available cornerback on the free-agent market.
24.5 million? TMK was right! Way to much money.
The Vikings have to be shrewd with their money. Heck, you think about it, a football team needs 22 guys for offense and defense. That doesn't even include the other guys needed for special teams and depth. I would rather see them spend shrewdly on players who upgrade the team overall than overspend on players to address a need position.
wolvie,
Thanks for the info machias!
... Dre' Bly ... the Lions ... signed him to a five-year $24.5 million contract before the Vikings had a chance to meet the player ....