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Minnesota Vikings

Submitted by THX 1138 on
Wolvie

The Vikings still hope to land Denard Walker, who with James was considered their top choice at cornerback. They will start visits with the second tier of free-agent cornerbacks. Atlanta's Kevin Mathis will visit this week, as will Green Bay's Tyrone Williams.

With 25 million in cap space you think they would have signed some players. Seems to me one of two things is going on. One, Red does not want to shell out any money when he wants to sell the team. Two, they are going to wait until the June cuts to get a veteran CB. I do not think we will sign Walker. If you do not get any play makers on Defense, the Vikes Defense will suck again.

Mon, 03/10/2003 - 2:11 PM Permalink
Wolvie

They'll draft a corner or two now. That goes without saying.

I don't think so. They will draft a DT with their first pick unless a stud CB (Newman) is there. Maybe in the late rounds they may draft a CB, but they will not draft a starter.

Mon, 03/10/2003 - 2:13 PM Permalink
Bud

I didn't say where, I said they will.

Mon, 03/10/2003 - 11:24 PM Permalink
Bud

The Star Trib is reporting that the Vikes are talking contract with him.

Tue, 03/11/2003 - 10:21 AM Permalink
Bud

Another DT available.

Tue, 03/11/2003 - 10:24 AM Permalink
Wolvie

I work with a guy who is a huge Denver fan, he also plays FF with us (Derek). He told me that Walker is a good corner, just not a shutdown corner. But he agreed with me when I said if we sign him he would still be the best CB on our team. I hope the Vikes sign him, he would be a good pick up.

Tue, 03/11/2003 - 3:21 PM Permalink
Wolvie

And that is what I think the Vikes are after, solid players. And they want a bunch of solid players.

Tue, 03/11/2003 - 4:21 PM Permalink
Bud

VIKINGS REPORT: Talks with Walker break down
BY BILL WILLIAMSON
Pioneer Press

Denard Walker, the top available cornerback in a dwindling market, decided Monday he wants to be a Viking. However, the chances of that happening took a turn for the worse Monday evening when talks between his agent and the team broke down.

The sides are far apart on financial terms. There are no more talks planned, although both sides left open the possibility of further negotiations.

"I don't know if it's dead, but I'm a little disappointed,'' said Walker's agent, John Hamilton. "Although I'm still hopeful, I'm not optimistic.''

Vikings vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski declined to comment.

Walker, who was cut by the Denver Broncos in a salary-cap move last month, completed a trip to Jacksonville on Monday, his last visit. He also has been to Cincinnati and St. Louis. Tennessee also is interested. Walker's visit to the Vikings late last week stood out.

Many in the organization consider signing Walker to be crucial because the cornerback market is so thin. Tory James, another Vikings target at cornerback, signed Sunday with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Vikings scheduled more visits Monday. Green Bay's Tyrone Williams and New Orleans' Ken Irvin visit today, and San Diego's Alex Molden and Atlanta's Kevin Mathis come in Wednesday. The Vikings also are considering bringing in Green Bay's Tod McBride next week.

The Vikings will bring in New York Giants right tackle Mike Rosenthal for a visit Wednesday. The team still hopes to sign tackle Orlando Brown, but he might take more time to decide on his future.

Briefly: Jimmy Sexton, the agent for tight end Jim Kleinsasser, said there is little chance Kleinsasser, designated the Vikings' franchise player, will sign an extension by Friday.

•Quarterback Shane Matthews, who visited Winter Park over the weekend, will visit Tampa Bay today and might be close to signing there. The Vikings still are interested in signing Neil O'Donnell or Gus Frerotte to be their backup quarterback.

• The Vikings continue to talk to the agents of defensive end Lance Johnstone and running back Moe Williams. Both players are drawing interest elsewhere.

• The agent for restricted free-agent center Cory Withrow said he is talking to a handful of teams.

• There are indications the Chicago Bears plan to match the five-year, $7 million offer sheet kicker Paul Edinger signed with the Vikings. The Bears have until Friday night to match it.

Tue, 03/11/2003 - 4:47 PM Permalink
machias








OH SHIT!



"oh shit?" nah, more like: "same shit, different shovel." or how about, "shit or get off the pot."

i'm having vikes' free agent deja vu ... aaaaaall over again.


Tue, 03/11/2003 - 5:14 PM Permalink
Wolvie

It is beginning to look just like I thought. Red will not pony up the money to sign the guys we need. Unless we have a huge draft, I look for the Vikes to have the same D they had last year. Until I see something different, I have no hope for this team next year. Looks like Red is setting up to sell.

Can anyone give me anything to look forward to with this team? I mean come on, we are 25 mil under the cap and we have spent how much to inprove the team?????

::: Purple Glasses off:::

::: Shakes Head in Disappointment:::

Tue, 03/11/2003 - 6:18 PM Permalink
Bud

They have something in mind. Their most significant signing is Billy Lyon.

Tue, 03/11/2003 - 7:02 PM Permalink
Bud

Makes me laugh, because nobody has even heard of him! LOL

Tue, 03/11/2003 - 7:03 PM Permalink
Wolvie

That is my point. What are they going to do to improve the D? It will require to spend money. Right now I do not see them doing this.

Tue, 03/11/2003 - 7:05 PM Permalink
Bud

It feels frustrating right now but it's still early. We have the draft and free agency until next season.

Tue, 03/11/2003 - 9:59 PM Permalink
Bud

What Direction Are Vikings Going?
By Viking Update Staff
Date: Mar 12, 2003

VU has been behind the Vikings laying back while other teams break the bank in the opening salvo of free agency. But, with fans and media suddenly turning on the Vikes, today's talks with CB Denard Walker could send a clear message to the organization's intent for 2003.
The Vikings won't be on the draft clock for more than a month and a half, but they're finding themselves on the clock with the media and the fans - about a 24-hour clock.

Monday, VU was told that the agent for CB Denard Walker had been told to talk exclusively with the Vikings about a deal before moving on. Tuesday morning, conflicting stories came out that the Vikes first offer was so offensive that Walker was willing to start up talks with the Rams and Jaguars - his two most recent suitors.

However, VU confirmed that Walker reiterated his position to work out a deal with the Vikings. He hoped that, by the time you read this, we would be referring to him as the newest Viking. Instead, talks are set to resume this morning and, if a deal isn't worked out while the sun shines (or the snow flies in Minnesota), odds are it won't happen.

There has been a recent backlash against the Vikings in the last couple of days. One questions the team's willingness to go after one of the prize free agents that invariably gets season-ticket holders excited. Another questions Red McCombs willingness to spend more on the team. Having cut big checks for Randy Moss and Bryant McKinnie in recent weeks, there has been suspicion that McCombs wants out before he sets up another owner for success. If that's the case, VU would ask that McCombs find a buyer soon.

Some of the criticism is unfounded. The Vikings targeted four cornerbacks in free agency. From what VU has been told, they were in this order: Dre Bly, Walker, Tory James and Dexter McCleon. The Vikings were never in a bidding war with Detroit over Bly. The fact that the Lions are so moronic to spend $5 million a year on a non-cap friendly deal for Bly is their problem. That's why they're the Lions and they're picking in front of an expansion team in the draft. McCleon preferred to play for Dick Vermeil, the Leo Buscaglia of the NFL (hugs all around).

James has become the sticking point in the minds of Vikes fans. Why would ANYONE want to sign with the Bengals. It's no coincidence that they have had a draft pick in the top four every year since 1998. They suck. Period. But, with yet another new coach - defensive minded Marvin Lewis - the lure of $6 million this season in his bank account regardless of production was hard to turn away from. The Vikings wanted James, but not at that front-end risk.

Don't think VU is apologizing for the Vikings actions. We're not. We're still trying to find out if McCombs is hamstringing his underlings to low-ball contract offers. Walker has become the line in the sand. He's not asking for Bly money, he's asking for Tory James money. He deserves James money. If he is allowed to slip away, the Vikings will send the message to the rest of the free agent class of 2003. If you compare yourself with the Billy Lyons of the class, you're more than welcome. If you want to put your professional reputation behind a big contract, forget it.

Talks with Walker resume today. Perhaps the knowledge that the local media and Vikings fans - the true life blood of the organization - are getting salty may be enough to get the team to budge on free agents. The Vikings 3-0 finish to 2002 has a lot of people looking at them as one of the sleeper teams to jump up in 2003. If the Vikings remain inactive in addressing their basic deficiencies on defenses, those same people will remember the Bengalian 8-21 record the Vikings posted prior to their current three-game win streak.

Walker could well end up as the watershed player in the Vikings ascent to the top. The club publicly targeted four players to shore up the cornerback position. Three are gone and the fourth has gone out of his way to give the Vikings every chance to sign him. If they do, it's an indication of good things to come. If they don't, it may be time to put McCombs on the clock - be an NFL owner or just get out and cash in a nice profit for five years you'll always remember.

WEDNESDAY NOTES

  • VU has been told that both the Rams and Jaguars are interested in talking deal with Walker. If a contract isn't worked out with the Vikings by today, we've been assured that the Rams and Jags are ready to fill the void...quickly.
  • Moe Williams will visit with the Bills today. Despite talk to the contrary, the Vikings are letting Williams hear offers from other teams. While he wants to stay a Viking and VU has been told his agent will relay an offer to see if the Vikings want to match, odds are right now that if Moe gets a solid offer from another team, the Vikings will let him go. You can judge from his impact on the team last year whether that is a mistake.
  • Tice was on the road again Tuesday, attending the University of Georgia's Pro Day. The interesting thing for fans to put in their mental Rolodex is that no Georgia players will be gone by the No. 7 pick, but one player in particular - DT Johnathon Sullivan - would be available if the Vikings trade down from their current draft slot.
  • NFC North rivals Chicago and Green Bay were both hurt Tuesday. The Bears lost LB Rosevelt Colvin to the Patriots, while the Redskins continue their insane habit of burning money. The Packers announced Tuesday that they wouldn't match the four-year, $6 million offer to RFA safety Matt Bowen. As a result, the Pack will get the Redskins sixth round draft pick as compensation.
  • Anyone who objectively takes a look at the early stage of free agency can see who has been the most active. The Bengals and Lions are arguably the worst-run organizations in the league. The Redskins have an owner who is trying very hard to overcompensate for something (we think you know what we mean). The same guy who spent $15 million in signing bonuses for Deion Sanders and Bruce Smith, spent $9 million last year on head coaches -- $5 million to have Steve Spurrier coach the 'Skins and $4 million to have Marty Schottenheimer NOT coach the team. As for the Chiefs - the only other free-spenders at this point - with Oakland, Denver and San Diego making signings, they're just trying to keep up. The have-nots are trying to become players. Here's hoping that, as sanity takes over, the Vikings will quit being cautious and start being aggressive. Cautiously aggressive is as oxymoronic as jumbo shrimp.
  • Wed, 03/12/2003 - 3:46 AM Permalink
    Bud

    Vikings Sign Denard Walker
    By Viking Update Staff
    Date: Mar 12, 2003

    With a deadline of today to get a deal done, the Vikings and CB Denard Walker have agreed to a contract.
    Within the last half hour, the Vikings have announced the signing of cornerback Denard Walker. No details are out yet on the length of the deal. A press conference is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. today.

    VU will get comments and reaction from the press conference and will have all the details on this story for tomorrow's update.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 2:03 PM Permalink
    Wolvie

    Well at least that is a step in the right direction. Let's see what happens from here.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 2:22 PM Permalink
    Luv2Fly

    Wolvie,

    Does that mean you're putting the purple glasses back on for now ? :)

    I think it's a good move. It still leaves us plenty of money for other players. What's your folks opinion on what should be next on their shopping list ?

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 2:59 PM Permalink
    Bud

    Jason Sehorn and Hugh Douglas.

    I'm free to dream! ; )

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 3:21 PM Permalink
    Bud

    The Bears matched the offer to Edinger. But I don't place a big sum on a kicker. So I could really care less right now. My concern is that defense.

    We over paid Mitch Berger and he totally tanked for us.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 3:23 PM Permalink
    Wolvie

    Does that mean you're putting the purple glasses back on for now ? :)

    Not yet! LOL!

    As to what to add next. I would check out Sehorn as a safety. I would also look at bringing Sammy Knight or Lassiter in. If I had to choose between the three, I would take Lasiter. I still think we need another CB and a DT/DE. If we can get those three, then I would look at an OT and WR. The defense must be looked at first.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 3:33 PM Permalink
    Luv2Fly

    I agree with you both that the D needs to be the first one on the organ transplant list. My vote, 1 or 2 soild D linesman. Gotta have someone that can put some pressure on the QB. Without pressure I don't care how good the secondary is, give em all day and they'll get the ball in there. I wouldn't mind seeing Seahorn though.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 3:38 PM Permalink
    Bud

    Wolvie, stick around a sec. Found ya some GIFs to use here.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 3:38 PM Permalink
    Bud

    You can right click on them. Save as and rename them as you want.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 3:44 PM Permalink
    Bud

    They can address the line, linebacker, and safety corps in the draft too. Free agency isn't the only way.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 4:01 PM Permalink
    Bud

    The Vikes are still talking with Washington about a trade for Smoot.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 4:17 PM Permalink
    Wolvie

    Thanks Bud!!!!!! Now to see if I can remember how to put it in....

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 4:18 PM Permalink
    Wolvie

    SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 4:19 PM Permalink
    ThoseMedallingKids

    I think the Vikings should wait until draft day to do a trade. We never know who we may get. For all we know, Terrance Newman may fall to us at our spot. Let's take our time and see what we can get. Try to get the best value.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 4:21 PM Permalink
    Wolvie

    Smoot and Walker at CB would be great. It will greatly improve our secondary. I still want to see a better safety either aquired through FA or the draft. I also agree with L2F, we need 1 or 2 more D linemen.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 4:23 PM Permalink
    Wolvie

    TMK,

    I would take a veteran like Smoot over an unproven Newman anyday. CB usally take 2 to 3 years before they are at their best and have a good handle on the game. We need help now for a playoff run.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 4:25 PM Permalink
    ThoseMedallingKids

    Newman could be better than Smoot. Possibly now, possibly in a year or two. A real shutdown corner like Newman could be is rare. I'd take my chance on Newman. Plus we'd get him for longer than Smoot likely.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 4:33 PM Permalink
    Wolvie

    That's a good point TMK. I do not know much about Newman, other then he is the best CB in the draft. Is he really a shutdown CB, for example say like Sanders?

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 4:38 PM Permalink
    ThoseMedallingKids

    From what I can tell, he was a stud at the combine. And he went up against some really really good receivers this year. Receivers that will be high draft picks this year or next year or two. And nobody really got him good. He's got decent size, very good speed. He may not be on the level of Sanders (if he was, he'd probably be going much higher), but could very well be on the level of a Charles Woodson, Champ Bailey.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 4:43 PM Permalink
    Wolvie

    Thanks for the info TMK, I guess I will have to think about it. It may not be a bad idea to wait and see what happens on draft day. It sure seems like Washington wants to move up, and if we make the trade, we can get a good DT at the 13 slot in the draft.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 4:50 PM Permalink
    ThoseMedallingKids

    I say wait until it's our turn to pick. We could have the chance to draft someone really awesome. Or another team could really want to pick a player at our slot. If that's the case, then we can use that leverage to get a better deal. Have sort of a bidding war. I think in the heat of the moment we could do really well.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 4:52 PM Permalink
    Wolvie

    Now it is time to play what if...

    What if Newman is gone but Trufant is available and Washington wants to trade Smoot and their 13th pick? We then could possibly have Walker Smoot and Trufant at CB, plus still get a good DT in the second round. We would finally have a very solid secondary. To me that would be the best senario for the Vikes. Any thoughts?

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 4:55 PM Permalink
    ThoseMedallingKids

    I think that would be a very good scenario.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 4:58 PM Permalink
    Bud

    I think Trufant is out of the picture if they get Smoot. A DT or linebacker is probably most likely.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 5:05 PM Permalink
    Bud

    Newman's combine showing was so impressive that Cincy is considering him with the first pick. He won't be there at 7.

    CB Terence Newman impressed scouts so much at the combine that he may be an option for the Bengals with the number one pick overall in the draft. Source: ESPN

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 5:08 PM Permalink
    ThoseMedallingKids

    At this point, I want to say that Newman won't be there. But I also don't want the Vikings to trade their pick with the thought that he won't be there. He, or someone else of very good value could slip to them at a lower level.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 5:10 PM Permalink
    Bud

    The Redskins are bringing in free agent receivers like wild fire now. So it's more than likely that they won't need to trade up to get the Miami receiver they coveted. They'll get their receivers in free agency. They are actively pursuing Coles of the Jets as we speak.

    I think the Vikes are looking at an alternative trade scenario to get Smoot now. Something other than a swap.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 5:17 PM Permalink
    bakyat

    Forget the trades. Stick to your pick and choose the best player at #7. DT in first round and corner in second round. Good Dline will automatically improve the performance of the secondary.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 5:20 PM Permalink
    Wolvie

    At this point, I want to say that Newman won't be there. But I also don't want the Vikings to trade their pick with the thought that he won't be there. He, or someone else of very good value could slip to them at a lower level.

    Like Suggs? We can always hope, but I doubt it.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 5:22 PM Permalink
    Wolvie

    Forget the trades. Stick to your pick and choose the best player at #7. DT in first round and corner in second round. Good Dline will automatically improve the performance of the secondary.

    First off, welcome bakyat! Hope to see you post here more. Second, I would entertain trades if we get a good D player in return and I think Smoots fits that bill. If we do not get a good player then yes I say pick at #7. As far as I am concerned it better be a defensive player.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 5:25 PM Permalink
    bakyat

    First off, welcome bakyat!

    Thx!

    As far as I am concerned it better be a defensive player.

    Yes! Hope they dont pull a McKinnie on us again.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 5:28 PM Permalink
    bakyat

    Bears arent letting Edinger go. Will Vikes look for another kicker? From where?

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 5:29 PM Permalink
    Luv2Fly

    Just heard the Vikes are going after a wide reciever instead of defensive players.

    ...........................

    Just kiddin, I wanted to see what you'd do. Relax. Is your heart o.k ? :)

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 5:33 PM Permalink
    Luv2Fly

    Welcome Bakyat.

    Yes let's definately hope they don't pull a McKinnie. Although I think he's going to be worth the wait.

    As far as a kicker I think there's alot of good ones out there.

    I like Gary Anderson and all and I think he's a class act. I just think it's stupid to have 2 roster spots for kickers. That and I get a knot in my stomach everytime the game's on the line and we're outdoors and Gary steps up. I know he hit that long one last season but reliability and or consistency is key.

    Wed, 03/12/2003 - 5:36 PM Permalink