Houseclearing in Minnesota

[BACH]

http://www.startribune.com/510/story/1000744.html

Vikings: Planning stage for free agency begins
By Kevin Seifert and Judd Zulgad, Star Tribune
Last update: February 13, 2007 – 11:25 PM

Vikings: Planning stage for free agency begins

The Vikings will spend the next three weeks involved in the NFL's pre-free agency period, making determinations on their existing roster and solidifying the remainder of their offseason plans. The following is a look at several points of interest that should be resolved by the time free-agent market opens March 2.
Player departures

Each year, NFL teams jettison a handful of players under contract. Although no decisions have been communicated, the Vikings seem likely to release quarterback Brad Johnson and cornerback Fred Smoot by the end of this month. Both players have roster bonuses due in March, and Smoot also would have a $2.7 million base salary if he remains with the team.

The futures of tight ends Jermaine Wiggins and Jim Kleinsasser also are being evaluated. Kleinsasser, who caught seven passes in 2006, is scheduled to make $2.9 million in base salary during the 2007 season.

Meanwhile, ESPN has speculated that safety Dwight Smith and offensive lineman Mike Rosenthal also are candidates for release.

Unrestricted free agents

The Vikings have not held substantive discussions with any of their top three free agents -- linebacker Napoleon Harris, receiver Travis Taylor and receiver Bethel Johnson. All three appeared poised to test the market. A handful of second-tier free agents, including defensive tackle Ross Kolodziej and safety Tank Williams, could be candidates to return.

Restricted free agents

The Vikings will tender a contract to offensive lineman Anthony Herrera, according to agent Cliff Speck, and thus will retain his rights for 2007. There have been no known discussions with the Vikings' top restricted free agent, defensive end Darrion Scott.

I wouldn't mind if our new coaching staff looked at Wiggins, Kleinsasser, Smoot and Rosenthal for depth.

 

[Totally_Red]

Don't they know they're trading Fred Smoot and a draft pick for Larry Fitzgerald?

 

[RON_IN_OC]

How has Dwight Smith done in Minny? I know he was good with TB. Would he fill a need with the Cards?

Also, could Tayor or Johnson be the "stretch the field" #3 or #4 receiver the Cards desperately need?

 

[Captain Matt]

Wiggins.... Wiggins.... Wiggins....

Despite 1000 different reports of Pope being big @ 6'8", I've not heard too many "experts" say much about Pope. Big, slow, and average blocker are some of the terms I've heard. I know many folks will have evdence to the contrary, but in years of watching Viking games (with my in-laws) and with last season's performance of Pope, it seems that Wiggins is a big-time "play-maker" upgrade over Pope. The stats won't reflect 2 "Q-esque" TD runs (this year) that were called back for holding. Nor will they reflect the sorry-ass offense of the Vikes (as compared to what he'd get a la Lienart). So to all the nay-sayers.... I totally understand loyalty to Pope and doubts about Wiggins, but please watch a game or two before stomping all over me.

 

[40yearfan]

Wiggins.... Wiggins.... Wiggins....

Despite 1000 different reports of Pope being big @ 6'8", I've not heard too many "experts" say much about Pope. Big, slow, and average blocker are some of the terms I've heard. I know many folks will have evdence to the contrary, but in years of watching Viking games (with my in-laws) and with last season's performance of Pope, it seems that Wiggins is a big-time "play-maker" upgrade over Pope. The stats won't reflect 2 "Q-esque" TD runs (this year) that were called back for holding. Nor will they reflect the sorry-ass offense of the Vikes (as compared to what he'd get a la Lienart). So to all the nay-sayers.... I totally understand loyalty to Pope and doubts about Wiggins, but please watch a game or two before stomping all over me.

Is that Mrs. aWiggins?:timconway:

 

[daves]

Also, could Tayor or Johnson be the "stretch the field" #3 or #4 receiver the Cards desperately need?

Having watched Travis Taylor for a few years in Baltimore, i assure you that he has neither the speed nor the hands to "stretch the field". He's averaged a meager 11.9 yards per catch over the last three years, and Bryant Johnson has hands of glue in comparison to ol' "Stone Hands" Taylor. Trust me, he is the farthest thing from what the Cardinals need!

...dave

 

[RON_IN_OC]

Having watched Travis Taylor for a few years in Baltimore, i assure you that he has neither the speed nor the hands to "stretch the field". He's averaged a meager 11.9 yards per catch over the last three years, and Bryant Johnson has hands of glue in comparison to ol' "Stone Hands" Taylor. Trust me, he is the farthest thing from what the Cardinals need!

...dave

What about Bethel Johnson...the other receiver I was referring too? Any insight on him?

 

[BigDavis75]

What about Bethel Johnson...the other receiver I was referring too? Any insight on him?

He is a burner with suspect hands. He is also a decent KR. I'm pretty sure he was a fairly high round draft pick but he has never really put it together, he also played for the Pats before the Vikes.

 

[kerouac9]

Travis Taylor = Bryant Johnson. Only older and slower. I thought that Johnson was going to be like Taylor coming out, and I haven't been all that disappointed.

I like Jermaine Wiggins. All he does is make plays, and he's a willing blocker.