2016 Vikings Free Agency Thread (News, Rumors, Transactions)

[fiestavike]

I love free agency. It is such an exciting time every year. With free agency one week away (unbelievable to me), I figured I would list the players who I would like to see the team sign. I encourage others to do the same. It would be interesting to see who others view as desirable players.


My FA Wish-list:
- Vernon Davis (TE) - I wanted to start out with an unrealistic player to sign. I have ALWAYS been a huge Vernon Davis fan. I feel he would have success in this team's offensive system.

- Mitchell Schwartz (OT) - This guy has always had my respect. He is a good player. Unfortunately, he will command a large salary on the open market.

- Geoff Schwartz (OG) - I never understood why we let this guy go in the first place. He was clearly the better guard when the team had Fusco and Charlie Johnson starting. He would bring competition to the guard position if nothing else. Bonus: Sign both Schwartz brothers - live by the great Yogurt's quote: "May the Schwartz be with you!"

- Jeff Allen (OG) - Underrated guard who has good upside and athleticism.

- Derrick Shelby (DE) - Depth purposes at defensive end.

- Kevin Williams (DT) - Bring him back to sign a contract to retire as a Viking!!!

- Vinny Ray (OLB) - A one-year deal for competition purposes at OLB.

- DeMeco Ryans (MLB) - Depth signing behind Eric Kendricks.

- Charles James II (CB) - The star of Hard Knocks. However, this guy can play. I would love the team to sign him for competition purposes.

- TaShaun Gipson, Mark Barron, Tyvon Branch, George Iloka (SS) - I included all of these guys together. I understand this team is not going to break the bank this offseason. However, I strongly believe that the team should AT LEAST spend 'big' on a SS. Any one of these players would immediately benefit the defense. Moreover, I personally believe each of these players are very good players. The most expensive of the group will be Gipson. Iloka will be pricey too. Don't sleep on TyVon Branch - this dude used to be a top-notch SS in Oakland. I have always been a Mark Barron fan - he definitely can lay the wood.

There is my free agency wish-list - what is your's?

I would interested in seeing what Zimmer would do with Mark Barron.

[mansquatch]

I think spending on SS is a worthy proposition. Safety is probably the hardest position to draft on Defense. If there is a guy out there that is solid and will compliment #22, then it is worth the cost IMO.

I also feel spending SOME $$$ on OL might be worth it, especially at Guard, however I don't think the high dollar guys bring incremental value vs. their higher cost.

[Sandpounder27]

What's everyone thoughts on Alex Mack? He just opted out of his contract and hits free agency.

[HardcoreVikesFan]

Vikings One of Many Teams Interested in Adam Jones

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... dam-jones/

Source: PFT 3/2/16

[halfgiz]

Vikings One of Many Teams Interested in Adam Jones

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... dam-jones/

Source: PFT 3/2/16

I really don't want Pacman Jones...not sure he is the kind of player we want.. Only Zimmer would know that.
But he was part of that Bengal playoff melt down. I would rather see George Iloka.

[PurpleMustReign]

I really don't want Pacman Jones...not sure he is the kind of player we want.. Only Zimmer would know that.
But he was part of that Bengal playoff melt down. I would rather see George Iloka.

I agree 1,000%... plus, he is older isn't he?

[dead_poet]

I agree 1,000%... plus, he is older isn't he?

He's 32 (will be 33 in September).

[dead_poet]

Matt Asiata - RB - Vikings

The Vikings want to re-sign free agent Matt Asiata.

Asiata was mostly limited to special teams last year, playing 209 snaps. He wouldn’t return as more than a short-yardage/pass-block specialist.
Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune

[halfgiz]

Mike Harris hopes for contract by Monday.

http://www.twincities.com/2016/03/03/vi ... ract-soon/

[Texas Vike]

Looks like Iloka wants to be a Viking:

The safety position opposite Smith is a gaping black hole on an otherwise stout defense. A starting tandem of Smith and Iloka would take a good secondary and make it, at least on paper, an elite one, and arguably the best secondary in the NFL. With a division full of talented quarterbacks, a deep and talented secondary at all positions is essential, and Iloka would be a coup for Mike Zimmer and company. And let's not forget Iloka was coached by Zimmer for three years, and it was Zimmer that made him a starter one year after he was a fifth round pick. When you add in the fact that players love the guy and want to play for him, which Iloka pretty much said in the interview, the Vikings being a team on the rise, and enough salary cap room to do a deal, the Vikings and Iloka seem like a natural fit.

More at link

http://www.dailynorseman.com/2016/3/2/1 ... in-vikings

[HardcoreVikesFan]

Terrence Newman - Cornerback - Vikings

Veteran Cornerback Terrence Newman would like to re-sign with the team. The interest is mutual.

Source: Pioneer Press

[fiestavike]

Looks like Iloka wants to be a Viking:
More at link

http://www.dailynorseman.com/2016/3/2/1 ... in-vikings

Pretty sure Iloka just mentioned that he'd love to play for previous coaches Zimmer, Jackson in the same breath he said he'd love to return to Cincinnati. Wouldn't read into it too much.

[Texas Vike]

Pretty sure Iloka just mentioned that he'd love to play for previous coaches Zimmer, Jackson in the same breath he said he'd love to return to Cincinnati. Wouldn't read into it too much.

I didn't write the article, so I'm not reading anything into Iloka's radio interview, the author of this article is. A decent read if anyone is interested.

[dead_poet]

#Vikings offer free-agent guard Mike Harris two-year, $3.5 million contract.

http://www.twincities.com/2016/03/03/vi ... ract-soon/

[PurpleMustReign]

http://www.twincities.com/2016/03/03/vi ... ract-soon/

I bet he was hoping for more.

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