The Master "Lets get X Player" for the Vikings Next Year

[CbusVikesFan]

Brandon Spikes - LB - Patriots

The Patriots have had no negotiations with free agent MLB Brandon Spikes this offseason, as expected.

The Patriots aren't even going to make an effort to bring back Spikes, who has consistently ruffled feathers in New England with a lack of professionalism. On the field, he's been a strong run defender and is just 26 years old. Spikes is going to have a solid market come March 11.
Source: Boston Herald

I wouldn't mind this if the money is right of course. We have needed more than decent play from the MLB position and have not gotten it in years, my opinion of course. Who knows what the FO is going to do, but I hope they are in the mix for some of these guys in order to take some pressure off of the draft. In order to narrow down the possibilities of "need", in other words.

[dead_poet]

In related news, Jasper Brinkley is available. For good reason. He's not very good.

[mondry]

In related news, Jasper Brinkley is available. For good reason. He's not very good.

Too funny, I remember some saying not having him back was part of the reason Frazier's D sucked so bad last year.

[Angels Wings]

Would also hope for Jackson if given the chance. Also, Jarius Byrd will be a free agent; hope we at least show interest although I think he will be asking for a lot of money that with the holes on this team, they would be unwilling to spend...

[HardcoreVikesFan]

I doubt the Vikings spend on a Safety in FA. Byrd and Smith play the same position anyway.

Yeah. I don't see Minnesota going after Jarius Byrd. It would be awesome to have on this team, but I think Zimmer would rather have an in the box type safety to pair next to Harrison, rather than a 'rangy' guy at safety next to Harrison.

[saint33]

Safety probably won't be a major position to target this off season. I think theres a chance we sign Taylor mays to compete with sendejo and Sanford, and if a safety were to drop into our laps in the draft, we'll take one.

[dead_poet]

Yeah. I don't see Minnesota going after Jarius Byrd. It would be awesome to have on this team, but I think Zimmer would rather have an in the box type safety to pair next to Harrison, rather than a 'rangy' guy at safety next to Harrison.

Neither do I, though mostly from a financial standpoint. Smith is going to command solid coin in a couple of years and there's no way the Vikings (or any franchise) dedicates that many resources to the safety position.

[Mothman]

Neither do I, though mostly from a financial standpoint. Smith is going to command solid coin in a couple of years and there's no way the Vikings (or any franchise) dedicates that many resources to the safety position.

Agreed. That's why I'd love to see them draft a player like Jimmie Ward (surprise!) or Calvin Pryor to pair with Smith. They may not want to draft a safety that high though (both players project to the second round, with Pryor considered a possibility in the first).

[MrPurplenGold]

I think Red Bryant would be worth a look.

[KSViking]

Agreed. That's why I'd love to see them draft a player like Jimmie Ward (surprise!) or Calvin Pryor to pair with Smith. They may not want to draft a safety that high though (both players project to the second round, with Pryor considered a possibility in the first).

Im hoping for Deone Bucannon in the 3rd

[dead_poet]

The Top-5 quarterbacks the Vikings should pursue in free agency

Guess who's #1?

1. Matt Cassel, Minnesota
Why: Out of the thin free agent market, Cassel is the best veteran option for the Vikings. He knows the personnel and should be able to adapt quicker to a new system under Zimmer and offensive coordinator Norv Turner. However, he should command a higher price tag than the $3.7 million he walked away from as the other quarterback-needy teams are likely willing to crack open the wallet more so than previous years. Many claim Cassel's immobility is his most looming vice, but on 281 dropbacks, Cassel took 16 sacks [6%] - compared to Ponder, who took 27 sacks on 291 dropbacks [9%], per ProFootballFocus.com. Cassel's knack to get rid of the ball trumps whatever ground Ponder gains with his legs.

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/The_ ... ency030514

[dead_poet]

An interesting (and unflattering) take on Michael Johnson:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1965 ... el-johnson

FWIW:

Top 4-3 DEs in run stop percentage: Lamarr Houston 10.3%, Willie Young 9.9, DeMarcus Ware 9.5, Greg Hardy 8.7, Dunlap/Bryant/M. Johnson 8.4

JimLovesPFF on Twitter

[Mothman]

FWIW:
JimLovesPFF on Twitter

Good to know... thanks for the info. I took that previous article with a grain of salt anyway but it was a bit concerning. As I think someone said above, since Johnson has been playing for Zimmer, if the Vikings decide to sign him, I'll trust that Zimmer is confident in Johnson's ability to play his role in the defense effectively.

[NextQuestion]

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports the Vikings are expected to pursue free agent CB Nolan Carroll.
Minnesota's new defensive coordinator George Edwards was the Dolphins' LBs coach last season and knows Carroll. Miami would like to re-sign Carroll, but he wants starter money and is fully expected to test the open market. The Vikings need a No. 2 corner to pair with Xavier Rhodes. Carroll shouldn't be expensive.
Related: Vikings
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press

[dead_poet]

Let's hope this is for special teams. Carroll has no place as a #2 CB.