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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.GBFavreFan wrote: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.
GBFavreFan wrote: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.
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.Purplemania wrote:I'd retain him for back up duties only. Time to find another legit safety to start next to Smith
As a Viking he'd have to get used to getting called for pass interference though...ViciousBritishVike wrote: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.
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.ViciousBritishVike wrote: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.
I thought Robert Blanton didn't embarrass himself in limited snaps. Might be a guy to watch during camp.Eli wrote: 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 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.dead_poet wrote:I thought Robert Blanton didn't embarrass himself in limited snaps. Might be a guy to watch during camp.
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.Eli wrote: 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 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.ViciousBritishVike wrote: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!
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.
Mothman wrote: 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:
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.ViciousBritishVike wrote: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.
Believe me, he was called for enough of those as a Packer.Thaumaturgist wrote:As a Viking he'd have to get used to getting called for pass interference though...
