Husain Abdullah

[Eli]

Do the Vikings retain any rights to Husain Abdullah if he comes back from his religious sabbatical or whatever he called it? He was probably the best safety on the roster before Harrison Smith was drafted.

[Rus]

Jarmarca has gotten "better", but it'd be nice if they could upgrade.

I think they're going to need more help in their linebacking corps, though. Henderson and Brinkley are both free agents, and one of them is gone. Unless they think Cole can step up in a big way.

[Eli]

I'm not aware of a religious sabbatical. As I recall he retired because of concussions and didn't want to risk any more. Leslie was going to try to talk him into coming back at some point early in 2012 but it didn't happen. Abdullah was very solid for us, but these days I won't knock a player for not wanting to play because of concussion-related reasons.

I'm just going by news stories such as these. Sounds like he left open the possibility of coming back to football after a year.

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Husa ... lace062212

http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_20 ... r-football

[PurpleMustReign]

He signed with Kansas City, according to Adam Schefter. I like him a lot, I wish him good luck.

[Mothman]

I'm not aware of a religious sabbatical. As I recall he retired because of concussions and didn't want to risk any more. Leslie was going to try to talk him into coming back at some point early in 2012 but it didn't happen. Abdullah was very solid for us, but these days I won't knock a player for not wanting to play because of concussion-related reasons.

He didn't retire. He took 2012 off to make a pilgrimage to Mecca.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities ... SLPU44heVg

[ViciousBritishVike]

I'd retain him for back up duties only. Time to find another legit safety to start next to Smith

Charles Woodson may get us by for a couple of seasons but he's not an every down player at this stage of his career, though it would be great as always, to see an ex-Packer have success in the purple.

As for Jamarca, I thought he made huge strides last season, particularly with his quickness to the football. I look forward to his progress continuing.

[Thaumaturgist]

Charles Woodson may get us by for a couple of seasons but he's not an every down player at this stage of his career, though it would be great as always, to see an ex-Packer have success in the purple.

As a Viking he'd have to get used to getting called for pass interference though...

[Eli]

As for Jamarca, I thought he made huge strides last season, particularly with his quickness to the football. I look forward to his progress continuing.

Don't forget that Jamarca Sanford is an unrestricted free agent, so there are no guarantees that he'll be with the Vikings next season. I hope they can re-sign him. Even if they can find a new starter at safety next to Harrison Smith, they could use the depth. And if they don't find a starter, I shudder to think about an entire season of Mistral Raymond starting, with nobody of note as backups.

[dead_poet]

Don't forget that Jamarca Sanford is an unrestricted free agent, so there are no guarantees that he'll be with the Vikings next season. I hope they can re-sign him. Even if they can find a new starter at safety next to Harrison Smith, they could use the depth. And if they don't find a starter, I shudder to think about an entire season of Mistral Raymond starting, with nobody of note as backups.

I thought Robert Blanton didn't embarrass himself in limited snaps. Might be a guy to watch during camp.

[Eli]

I thought Robert Blanton didn't embarrass himself in limited snaps. Might be a guy to watch during camp.

I have high hopes for Blanton, but can't say I noticed his play at all this year. Everyone knew coming in that he'd be a bit of a project moving from corner to safety, and his early injury problems hampered that development. Really hope it works out, but it could be another couple of seasons before we know.

[ViciousBritishVike]

Don't forget that Jamarca Sanford is an unrestricted free agent, so there are no guarantees that he'll be with the Vikings next season. I hope they can re-sign him. Even if they can find a new starter at safety next to Harrison Smith, they could use the depth. And if they don't find a starter, I shudder to think about an entire season of Mistral Raymond starting, with nobody of note as backups.

Good reminder and likewise, hopefully Sanford does ink a new deal. I can't see the Vikes letting him go after spending time and effort on his progression! As you said, without addressing the situation in either FA or the draft, we are at minimal depth at the position and although Raymond is a wonderful story with the ordeals he's experienced, I have to agree with you.. not half the player Jamarca is.

[Mothman]

Good reminder and likewise, hopefully Sanford does ink a new deal. I can't see the Vikes letting him go after spending time and effort on his progression!

I think they'll try to re-sign him but since he will be an unrestricted free agent, whether he stays or goes won't be entirely up to the Vikes. I'm guessing they will make him a fair offer and he'll return as a Viking. They seem to like him. He's a hard worker and last season, he showed a knack for coming up with fumbles, something the Vikes need to do more on defense.

Here's Star Tribune writer Dan Wiederer's take:

Jamarca Sanford
One of the surprise contributors of 2012 should see his hard work and high energy rewarded. After losing his starting job as a safety in training camp, Sanford returned to that role in Week 4 after Mistral Raymond dislocated his ankle. And the 27-year-old Sanford started the rest of the way – though he did finish the season sharing time with Raymond. He’s still a bit small (5-foot-10, 200 pounds) and sometimes deficient in pass coverage. But Sanford compensates for his handicaps with his work ethic.

The likely move: The Vikings’ long-term plan seems to be for Raymond to emerge full-time as the second starting safety alongside Harrison Smith. But Sanford’s value as dependable depth should not be taken for granted. While he may never ascend to be a major playmaker, he’s exactly the kind of player the Vikings coaching staff and front office wants to build around. He’s unselfish, he’s low maintenance, he’s passionate and he’s willing to invest to get better. Add into the equation that he’s always been a terrific special teams player and there has to be a spot open for Sanford to come back. In fact, safety and running back are probably the two positions the Vikings could afford to leave untouched as they transition from 2012 into 2013.

[ViciousBritishVike]

I think they'll try to re-sign him but since he will be an unrestricted free agent, whether he stays or goes won't be entirely up to the Vikes. I'm guessing they will make him a fair offer and he'll return as a Viking. They seem to like him. He's a hard worker and last season, he showed a knack for coming up with fumbles, something the Vikes need to do more on defense.

Here's Star Tribune writer Dan Wiederer's take:

Interesting piece and although the unrestricted label does technically give him options, I can't see him abusing the resources we've spent on him and jumping ship. He seems pretty settled and has a bright career ahead of him. Rather than fishing for a new Safety to accompany Harrison, I'm hoping he will be up to the task for seasons to come. I've always preferred sticking with in house guys, though I'm not against bringing Charles Woodson in, in order to utilise his wealth of experience and allow him to rotate in for a number of snaps.

Unfortunately though, he's such a performer, I can't imagine he'll want to sign elsewhere only to park himself on the bench for the most part.

[glg]

Interesting piece and although the unrestricted label does technically give him options, I can't see him abusing the resources we've spent on him and jumping ship.

Any loyalty he may have will last exactly until someone offers him a much better deal. ie, if the Vikes offer him a contract as the split-time starter/backup that he was last year and some other team decides he can be a full time starter and makes him a bigger offer.

[Aaronitout]

As a Viking he'd have to get used to getting called for pass interference though...

Believe me, he was called for enough of those as a Packer.