2015 Offseason - Free Agent/Draft Tracker

[DK Sweets]

If the Newman signing means they are giving up on Robinson, I guess it surprises me some.
He's had his rookie season followed by a year out of position and then one in a new system.
I suppose it's not known until they all get on the field in camp....possible draft pick included.
The more legit competition there the better.

I don't think Newman is here to replace Robinson, I think he's here to push the entire group. Competition should bring out the best in all of our CBs, and I think Newman is far from being guaranteed anything, let alone starting. Then again, it's not like I know more than anyone else, that's just how I interpret the move.

[fiestavike]

Brandon Spikes - LB - Free Agent
The Vikings have reached out to free agent ILB Brandon Spikes.

The Vikings have interest in Spikes, but are reportedly unwilling to meet his asking price. An early-down run stopper, Spikes would be a major upgrade at the MIKE spot for Minnesota. The Bills also haven't ruled out re-signing Spikes.
Source: Darren Wolfson on Twitter Mar 28 - 7:11 PM

----------Barr, Spikes, Beasley.----------
----Griffin, Floyd, Joseph, Robison----

That would be awesome.

[dead_poet]

----------Barr, Spikes, Beasley.----------
----Griffin, Floyd, Joseph, Robison----

If only Beasley will be there. That'd be incredibly exciting.

That would be awesome.

[HardcoreVikesFan]

Brandon Spikes - LB - Free Agent
The Vikings have reached out to free agent ILB Brandon Spikes.

The Vikings have interest in Spikes, but are reportedly unwilling to meet his asking price. An early-down run stopper, Spikes would be a major upgrade at the MIKE spot for Minnesota. The Bills also haven't ruled out re-signing Spikes.
Source: Darren Wolfson on Twitter Mar 28 - 7:11 PM

I wonder how much Spikes wants? I agree that Spikes shouldn't be signed for much more than 4 million a year. But, on the other hand if this team is going to pay Greenway almost four million a year at his age and declining skill level, I think it is pretty hypocritical of this team to balk at Spikes' price tag.

[jackal]

I'm guessing he wants Greenway money

[PurpleMustReign]

----------Barr, Spikes, Beasley.----------
----Griffin, Floyd, Joseph, Robison----

That would be awesome.

I wonder what his price is? Maybe it makes sense... I realize he may be expensive, but sometimes you have to spend a little...

BTW, is he related to Takeo Spikes?

[saint33]

I wonder what his price is? Maybe it makes sense... I realize he may be expensive, but sometimes you have to spend a little...

BTW, is he related to Takeo Spikes?

yep, they're cousins

[MrPurplenGold]

I wonder how much Spikes wants? I agree that Spikes shouldn't be signed for much more than 4 million a year. But, on the other hand if this team is going to pay Greenway almost four million a year at his age and declining skill level, I think it is pretty hypocritical of this team to balk at Spikes' price tag.

I'm not sure what the hype about Spikes is. Buffalo is switching to a 3-4 defense, traded away kiko alonso and still hasn't chosen to resign spikes at his current asking price. Dallas doesn't have a MLB but settled for Brinkley over trying to sign Spikes as well as the multitude of other teams that haven't touched Spikes. Chad Greenway had more tackles this year, his worst statistical year than Brandon Spikes had in his best year. Jasper Brinkley had a better year statistically than Spikes and Brinkley's best year was better than Spikes best year. I don't think the Vikings are looking to pay a lot of money for a 2 down MLB or give him any type of long term commitment because Zimmer seems to want a MLB that can stay on the field in passing situations as opposed to one you've got to put on the bench.

[fiestavike]

I'm not sure what the hype about Spikes is. Buffalo is switching to a 3-4 defense, traded away kiko alonso and still hasn't chosen to resign spikes at his current asking price. Dallas doesn't have a MLB but settled for Brinkley over trying to sign Spikes as well as the multitude of other teams that haven't touched Spikes. Chad Greenway had more tackles this year, his worst statistical year than Brandon Spikes had in his best year. Jasper Brinkley had a better year statistically than Spikes and Brinkley's best year was better than Spikes best year. I don't think the Vikings are looking to pay a lot of money for a 2 down MLB or give him any type of long term commitment because Zimmer seems to want a MLB that can stay on the field in passing situations as opposed to one you've got to put on the bench.

there are no 2 down LBers.

This may account for some of the stats you cited.

[Norv Zimmer]

I have seen multiple mock drafts having the Vikings taking Danny Shelton at 11. I don't think DT is a position of great need but the guy is huge 350 pds and seems to dominate the middle of the line, causing sacks and stopping runs. I guess I would be fine with it, but I also think we could use that pick for other positions of need.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjSO21zK5EQ

[Pondering Her Percy]

Oklahoma WR Dorial Green-Beckham is scheduled to visit the Vikings, according to Darren Wolfson.
There are many different layers of "troubled," and just like "character concerns" the term sits on a spectrum. Many teams likely feel DGB fits in both categories, but Mike Zimmer took on "red flag" players while with the Vikings. It is difficult to project where Green-Beckham is drafted, but expect him to not make it out of the second-round.
Source: Darren Wolfson on Twitter

Well it looks like we're still looking at drafting an early WR possibly which is good

[Pondering Her Percy]

Washington CB Marcus Peters will visit the Vikings prior to the draft, according to Darren Wolfson.
We think the Vikings first round pick at No. 11 will come down to a linebacker or cornerback, and Peters has been listed as the top corner by some evaluators. Teams likely want to be comfortable with Peters' personality, as his relationship with coaches led to his dismissal from Washington.
Source: Darren Wolfson on Twitter

[dead_poet]

I have seen multiple mock drafts having the Vikings taking Danny Shelton at 11. I don't think DT is a position of great need but the guy is huge 350 pds and seems to dominate the middle of the line, causing sacks and stopping runs. I guess I would be fine with it, but I also think we could use that pick for other positions of need.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjSO21zK5EQ

Interesting. I've yet to see him mocked to the Vikings. I'd consider him unlikely as Joseph is signed through 2018. But I wouldn't mind Pat Williams "light." Shelton is a #### bully that at times is unblockable in the middle, or at the very least pretty immovable. He seems to always be pushing guys back. He should have a very productive NFL career wherever he ends up.

[fiestavike]

Interesting. I've yet to see him mocked to the Vikings. I'd consider him unlikely as Joseph is signed through 2018. But I wouldn't mind Pat Williams "light." Shelton is a #### bully that at times is unblockable in the middle, or at the very least pretty immovable. He seems to always be pushing guys back. He should have a very productive NFL career wherever he ends up.

do you think there is any chance a guy like Sharif Floyd could play DE, at least on early downs?

It seems like a stretch, but clearly neither Shelton of Joseph would be suited for the role.

I also wonder when Joseph's contract becomes expendable. Seems to be the norm for the vikings to schedule deals so they can be terminated after 2-3 years with little cap damage. If they aren't overwhelmed by his performance I wonder if he could be released as early as next year. I think if they believe Shelton is a force and an upgrade, no reason they couldn't take him.

[Mothman]

do you think there is any chance a guy like Sharif Floyd could play DE, at least on early downs?

If I'm not mistaken, he played some DE in college. Craig might know...

I also wonder when Joseph's contract becomes expendable. Seems to be the norm for the vikings to schedule deals so they can be terminated after 2-3 years with little cap damage. If they aren't overwhelmed by his performance I wonder if he could be released as early as next year. I think if they believe Shelton is a force and an upgrade, no reason they couldn't take him.

Joseph's contract info is available here: http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/minnesota-vi ... al-joseph/

I doubt Shelton will make it to the 11th spot so this is probably all moot. He's the top "big body" DT in this draft and consequently, considering his talent, probably a top 10 pick. My guess is he'll go to the Bears if he's still on the board at #7. They could use him.