Vikings coverage and the NFL http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Eagles have traded down again, this time with the Vikings who came up to get safety Tyrell Johnson, who many were talking in the last week sneaking into the first round. A great addition the Vikings didn't want to see go. Interesting as the Eagles could use a safety and trade a pick that is used on a safety... similar in the first round where Jeff Otah would have been a good pick for them, but they got good value in the trade http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net Ok here is our final 2008 NFL Mock Draft. Glad we got the first pick right and guaranteed not to get all 32 thanks to the Patriots, but never came close anyway http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Vikings are aggressively trying to improve this off season. At least that is how you have to presume all the money they are spending. Add their newest addition... former Chiefs DE Jared Allen who they have acquired for a 1st round and two 3rd round picks this year. The teams also swapped 6th round picks so the Vikings move up there. As if that wasn't a big enough price to pay the Vikings then signed Allen to a 6 year $74 million monster deal with $31 million guaranteed. Holy #@!% !!! That is a ton of money for a player one strike away from a year long suspension... ok that is a lot of money for any player, over a $12 million average! Will have to wait until all the numbers are released to see how much funny money is in there, but $31 million guaranteed represents over $5 million a year. The deal makes him one of the highest paid players in the league and the Vikings hope playing on the turf makes him even faster improving on his excellent sack numbers which led the league last year with 15.5. The Chiefs now are loaded for the draft. It gives them 13 overall picks and 6 in the first 82 meaning they can move up if they want as 13 is a lot of draft picks to bring to camp, but get younger they will. With the two first rounders they should get a player to take Allen's place and help on the offensive line http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net So it's time to release our first 2008 NFL Mock Draft - another will come Friday before the draft. There is lots of intrigue and different scenarios and some trades will factor in of course, but we'll take a look where things are at now. See our 2008 NFL Mock Draft http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net With the draft approaching the Chiefs have decided to shop franchise DE Jared Allen, and there is interest. The Vikings and Bucs are the most interested but the Jaguars could be as well. It's not known what the Chiefs will demand in return, but it will include a first rounder this year and likely a third as well, or better next year. Allen had 15.5 sacks last year and is one of the top ends in the league, but also one strike away from a one year suspension so there is risk in trading away a couple of high picks and of course the huge long term deal he wants for someone that close to being gone. Not that that will stop someone from trading for him. The move would give the Chiefs more options as they could take Vernon Gholston to replace him at #5 and get a tackle with the first round pick they get in return, or get a lineman at #5 - Jake Long if a miracle happened or more likely Branden Albert or Ryan Clady and then target one of the ends or corners later in the first. The extra picks would certainly give them more options for rebuilding the team http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Vikings have added depth at quarterback with the addition of free agent Gus Frerotte who will be in his second tour with the team. Frerotte adds experience behind Tarvaris Jackson and has proven he is a more than adequate starter when needed. It is a great addition for the team and should help Jackson having a veteran to speak with as well http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Vikings have signed former Chiefs backup CB Benny Sapp to a one year deal http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Vikings have signed former Seahawk and Texans safety Michael Boulware. In their Tampa 2 defense he will be playing closer to the line and providing run support, if he were to win the starting job (that may not be a good sign). He is a liability in coverage but it's possible he could find a role in this defense that limits his weakness and plays to his strengths of attacking the line and playing fast. He was a linebacker in college and still plays that way http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Vikings have resigned WR Robert Ferguson to a one year deal worth about $1 million http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Vikings have signed former Dolphins LB Derrick Pope to add depth http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Jets are becoming a free agency team despite what the front office says about building through the draft. They have added former Vikings and Chiefs FB Tony Richardson to help open holes with a offensive line getting new additions too. Thomas Jones should be a little happier this year, now will it show on the field http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Vikings have signed former 49ers RB and kick returner Maurice Hicks to a 3 year deal. Hicks was hoping to find more playing time but will be stuck as the #3 back behind Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net Yes we know the salary cap has risen and the newest free agents are getting paid huge. A couple that stand out to us are Bernard Berrian and Alan Faneca, but for different reason. Berrian is not a top 5 certainly or even top 10 player at his position, he had one good year and average one the year before. Yes he is an up and coming receiver with great deep speed, but $42 million for 6 years and $16 million guaranteed? Sure the top player at the position gets paid more than he should in free agency, but Berrian wasn't the top player... what about Randy Moss. No one really counted him as they thought he was going back to the Patriots. Now how can Moss accept anything less than this... he certainly deserves to be paid much more than Berrian but the Patriots won't be paying that much. The Vikings really raised the bar on receivers here. On the other side Faneca raises the bar for offensive lineman but he certainly is in the top 3 at his position in the league and deserved to be paid more than all the guys last year, especially ones who haven't even earned a free trip to Hawaii. Faneca got more, but too much more... hint to Moss. Parity exists off the field as well. By the same token these players should be getting more than all the draft picks coming into the league. After all remember the #1 pick in the draft this year will be pushing for $35 million guaranteed. Taking that into consideration what is Moss, Faneca or even Berrian worth in comparison? It is easy to see there are some real issues that need to be fixed, but don't hold your breath. Moss... he figures to see $20-$22 million guaranteed tops, but the real questions is who will pay it... New England, Green Bay... probably not, Dallas don't count on it... after the year he had who thought he would have this much trouble finding a contract http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Vikings put in some overtime to get Bears WR Bernard Berrian signed, but they got a 6 year deal done finally. The Vikings other top target was Justin Smith who the 49ers didn't let get on a play for a visit and signed him, so the Vikings were not about to let Berrian get on a plane for Oakland who has been throwing around huge cash. The move brings them an upgrade but Berrian must to a better job catching the ball than he did last year. No word on the dollar amount yet, but it will be a lot, and too much http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Bills have signed former Vikings DT Spencer Johnson to add to the line with newly acquired Marcus Stroud. Earlier in the week they dumped Larry Tripplett as they revamp the d'line http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net Bears WR Bernard Berrian visited with the Vikings Friday but didn't reach an agreement (probably because he isn't worth what he wants) and is scheduled to go to Oakland today, where the Raiders seem comfortable paying much more tan someone is worth. If Tommy Kelley gets $50 million and Gibril Wilson almost $40, Berrian may just love Oakland http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The 49ers got their main target in free agency, former Bengals DE Justin Smith. He was scheduled to fly to Minnesota Saturday but the 49ers didn't let him get away, agreeing on a 6 year $45 million deal with $20 million guaranteed http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Vikings have signed former Eagles FB Thomas Tapeh http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Jaguars continue to add receivers, the biggest questions is if they are getting better? The Troy Williams trade with the Vikings is done for a 6th rounder, and former Raiders WR Jerry Porter is signed now as well. He got 6 years and $30 million. For all his talent he has had more than a few issues in recent years in Oakland, will he turn out to be a quiet productive player now? The Jags receivers are like the Broncos defensive line, every year it's something but never better http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Vikings have agreed to a contract with former Bengals safety Madieu Williams. It is a 6 year $33 million deal that put him near the top for safeties in the league. A good but very expensive signing for the Vikings and definitely a loss for the Bengals who knew this was coming. The Vikings are being very aggressive this year as they look to improve fast http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net ESPN is reporting Bengals DE Justin Smith will first visit the 49ers and then Minnesota... don't count on him leaving San Francisco though. He is clearly the 49ers top target and it's very unlikely they will not get him. The Vikings are looking to make a big splash and have others targeted for their cash as well http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Bucs are keeping busy trying to set up more visits... Cowboys CB Jacques Reeves, Vikings RB Mewelde Moore, 49ers DT Marques Douglas, and linebackers Demorrio Williams and Niko Koutouvides http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Vikings are not stopping with Justin Smith, they are also bringing in former Bears receiver Bernard Berrian today. Early guess is they land Berrian quickly and loose Justin Smith to the 49ers http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Bengals hoped to keep DE Justin Smith, well maybe wished was more like it... the Vikings and 49ers are both after him and which ever team he visits first will make a big push, but odds are he is signed by mid afternoon http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The 49ers are off to the free agent races again signing three players in the opening hours of free agency, although this year for much less money. Former Panthers RB DeShaun Foster was a done deal a couple of days ago get a 2 year deal to back up Frank Gore. Quick negotiating also landed them QB J.T. O'Sullivan who is familiar with Mike Martz offense and Vikings linebacker Dontarrious Thomas, a quick and agile player to pair with Patrick WIllis inside in their 3-4 http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Vikings have released QB Kelly Holcomb who wasn't able to do much in Minnesota despite having a leg up on the offense http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Detroit Lions have signed former Vikings safety Dwight Smith to a 2 year $5 million deal according to the Detroit Free Press. Smith will reunite with coach Rod Marinelli and defensive coordinator Joe Barry who were all in Tampa together http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Vikings were after a big receiver last year and could do the same this year. Bernard Berrian and Bryant Johnson could provide some speed. On defense look for them to make a push for Bengals DE Justin Smith. He has a non stop motor and could do well in the Vikings defense. Safety is another priority and Gibril Wilson is at the top of the list http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net Rumors have it the Vikings have a deal in place to send WR Troy Williamson to Jacksonville for a late round pick. They are "rumors" because team can't make trades until Friday, but deals are being made in Indy during the combine. Williamson has been a huge bust and will reunite with Mike Tice who was the Vikings coach when they wasted the #7 pick in the draft on him. The Jaguars mess with 1st round receivers will grow, but they have little risk as his base salary is low so it may be worth a shot on him, just don't hold your breath http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net Safety Dwight Smith was a big free agent addition two years ago in Minnesota, but just never fit, today that ended with his release http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net Ah yes tax time is near and the pain of seeing how much money we fork over to cause deep pain in our stomachs. Then of course there is all the good that comes from it, such as members of congress spending the day listening to the he said she said of Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee (don't forget Andy Pettitte too) and now a new wonderful word "Nannygate", ugh what has this world come to? Add to that Arlen Specter grilling NFL commissioner Roger Goodell over the spygate issue, threatening congressional hearings and the league's antitrust exemption. Do these blowhard's not have anything better to do with their days??? Do we not have any serious issues to be tackled in this great country that we have time to bicker and seek headlines with this crap? Hey guys call me when you fix the economy, health care, homelessness in this rich country and a list longer than.... then we can get around to which retired baseball players did what. Other than Barry Bonds the rest of this is ridiculous and makes me not want to pay attention to the sports we all love so much. This country has become addicted to soap opera's and reality crap where everyone wants their 15 minutes. It's not like this is all brand new, the Steelers of the 70s admittedly used steroids and they certainly were not alone but no one is calling to take back their Super Bowl wins. Lester Hayes is probably my favorite corner of all time, but he reported used something to help him get a better grip. Can we all just move on and focus on trying to fix things rather than going over the top about the past. Either way Roger was dominant, the Patriots were superior and as much as it pains us Bonds was a Hall of Famer before they all crossed the line http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net A huge shocker in the offensive rookie of the year voting... Vikings RB Adrian Peterson won! Oh wait we kind of knew that midseason. The next big shock comes when the 49ers LB Patrick Willis wins the defensive rookie of the year. The Lions Calvin Johnson was widely assumed to have won the award on draft day, but never count out the running backs who touch the ball more. Peterson was explosive and has the Vikings excited about the future. Now if they can just find a QB to go with him. Browns left tackle Joe Thomas received 3.5 votes of the 50 with the rest going to Peterson http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net This year cemented the need for a new QB in Chicago. Kyle Orton is a good backup, Rex just needs a change of scenary and the Bears need someone new to run the most important position on the field. That certainly isn't the only concern this off season, but it has to be the starting point. Not sure this leads to Donovan McNabb who would not be cheap to get away from the Eagles and the Bears have to many holes to fill to create more. Not to mention there would be some others interested if the Eagles did put him on the market http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The NFL suffered a tragedy with the loss of Redskins safety Sean Taylor who was shot in his home during a suspected buglary, he was 24 years old. We extend our sympathy to Sean's family, friends and teammates http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net Vikings DE Kenechi Udeze is $7,500 lighter in the pocket after his blow to the head last week of Packers QB Brett Favre. Packers DT Corey Williams similarly lost the same amount for a shot to Vikings QB and former Wisconsin Badger Brooks Bollinger http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net Chiefs RB Larry Johnson again was unable to get rolling but QB Damon Huard took over and got the job done making sure they didn't fall to 0-3 on the year. The Chiefs beat the Vikings 13-10 with a nice 16 yards TD to rookie WR Dwyane Bowe in the 4th quarter. Kelly Holcomb got the start for the Vikings but he and the receivers couldn't do enough despite rookie Adrian Peteron's 102 yards rushing and 48 receiving http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Lions and Vikings went to overtime to see who would be 2-0 at the end of the day. Lions QB Jon Kitna returned to the game after suffering a concussion to led them to the win. He supposedly passed the tests but I thought the NFL was going to be more careful with concussions this year? Neither team showed they wanted to win or deserve it as there were 10 turnovers in the game and the final one by Vikings QB Brooks Bollinger was the dagger as he fumbled a snap at midfield in OT. Vikings starting QB Tarvaris Jackson threw 4 INTs before getting the hook and the Lions ran the ball for a whopping 56 yards on the day... yes Mike Martz runs the offense http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Patriots have resigned LB Chad Brown as was likely planned when they released him in their final cuts. Now his salary is not fully guaranteed for the year. To make space they released LB David Herron who they signed from the Vikings under curious circumstances according to some. They also signed center Dan Connolly to their practice squad and worked out QB David Greene, P Dirk Johnson and RB Wali Lundy on Tuesday according to the Boston Globe http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Vikings were rather happy with the start Adrian Peterson had, what a wonderful TD he had making a juggling catch before cruising for the score. A good thing since Chester Taylor hurt his hip in the game. Also how about DT Kelvin Williams with an interception and then taking it back for the score http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net So throw basic logic out. The Baltimore Ravens have signed QB Kyle Boller to a one year extension worth up to $3 million according to the Baltimore Sun. Most everyone believed the Ravens would sign Byron Leftwich next week and use the year to gauge him and develop the replacement for Steve McNair. Boller being in his final year was not expected to be offered a contract after the season, but now that is out. This will leave Leftwich searching a little more. Atlanta is possible as is Minnesota, but we don't think either will go after him unless there are major major issues this weekend http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Minnesota Vikings have reached a three year contract extension with DT Pat Williams. Fox Sports is reporting it to include $9.5 million guaranteed and $22 million of the 3 years. Williams is a dominant force inside and he along with Kevin Williams provide the team with a great foundation to their defense and especially the run defense http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net So we all knew the Vikings needed help at quarterback and most guessed correctly where it would come from. Monday they traded a 6th round pick in 2009 according to ESPN to the Eagles for Kelly Holcomb. The Vikings will go with last year's second round pick Tarvaris Jackson as their starter but lacked veteran depth behind him. They also cut Drew Henson who maybe should have stayed with the Yankees... didn't work out to well coming back to football http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net Here is a great article by Fox Sports' John Czarnecki about how the NFL rookie are being paid way too much. "It doesn't make sense that LaRon Landry is the highest paid safety in the game," Cowboys executive Stephen Jones told me. "And that Joe Thomas (Cleveland's top pick) has a better deal than Tom Brady. For example, Chiefs running back Larry Johnson signed yesterday for less guaranteed money than what Johnson and Thomas collected, and only a moron would say those rookies deserve more than one of the NFL's best running backs... we're right there with you John, good work http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Packers recently released WR Robert Ferguson who has had trouble staying healthy in his time in Green Bay. Today he found a new home, not too far from his old one, in Minnesota with the Vikings. Ferguson can add some quality depth for the Vikings and knows the offense, now if he can just stay healthy http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Vikings have signed first round pick RB Adrian Peterson to a 5 year deal worth up to $40.5 million and $17 million guaranteed according to ESPN. With the youngster Tarvaris Jackson at QB this year a lot of pressure will be on Peterson to help his offense, but with in 8 and 9 in the box it may not be that easy http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Vikings adding some solid depth on day two of the draft. Texas DE Brian Robison will be a special teams standout, WR Aundrae Allison will make an impact and LB Rufus Alexander was a great value in the 6th round http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net In round two the Vikings selected WR Sydney Rice. The Vikings added a weapon in WR Sydney Rice they get a playmaker. He had a chance at the bottom of round one. Not great speed but plays quick and has great hands. They needed a solid choice at receiver and Rice fits that bill. http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net RB Adrian Peterson was sliding a bit but the Vikings stopped that at #7. The Vikings need weapons on offense and selecting Adrian Peterson gives them a great one. He is fast and on their turf could be the next Robert Smith for them. It is hard to pass on a quarterback for them, but Peterson is good enough to make you over look it... as long as he stays healthy and Jackson isn't a total bust in year two at QB. http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Minnesota Vikings have signed former Jaguars WR Cortez Hankton. In four years he has 34 receptions but adds value to the special teams in Minnesota http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net Minnesota Vikings CB Cedric Griffin was arrested Sunday morning and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct after a fight at a local nightclub according to the Star Tribune. As the story goes he was asked to leave because of a dress code violation and refused and then fought with the club's security and was carried out where he refused to go and continued to yell at security and police officers which prompted him to be arrested. Not that smart all things considering. That marks dumb move number 6 for the Vikings in the past year (players arrested) but is Griffin's first in the NFL so likely no punishment from the league office but a dressing down from the team is certainly coming. Bet this just made Roger Goodell's weekend http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Miami Dolphins have signed former Vikings offensive lineman Mike Rosenthal to a one year deal. Rosenthal can play tackle or guard and has experience as a starter with both the Vikings and Giants http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net Former Colts safety Mike Doss has signed a one year $1 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings according to the Star Tribune. Doss suffered a torn ACL in October but is hoping to be back to start training camp. That may be a bit early but if he is ready to start the season even as the team's third safety he will add great depth behind Darren Sharper and Dwight Smith http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Minnesota Vikings are visiting with free agent WR Aaron Moorehead and safety Mike Doss, according to the Star Tribune. Both played for the Colts last year. Doss will also visit with the Eagles http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net Colts backup WR Aaron Moorehead will visit with the Minnesota Vikings on Monday according to the Indianapolis Star. Moorehead would be the 6th player to leave this off season. http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net Former Rams WR Kevin Curtis was figured to be one of the first free agents to sign when free agency started, but who knew it he would linger, fire his agent and almost be forgotten before he landed. Today he signed a 6 year $32 million deal with $9.5 million guaranteed with the Philadelphia Eagles according to ESPN. He will replace Donte Stallworth who left for New England. Curtis will pair with Reggie Brown in the starting lineup and their challenge will be to see if one of them can do better than third on the team in receiving. Last year Brown was third last year with 46 behind running back Brian Westbrook's 77 and L.J. Smith's 50... not that impressive http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms with QB Drew Henson who spent last season on their practice squad after being released by Dallas according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Henson was suppose to be a two sport star but has flopped at both, lucky for him he got big money from each up front. After leaving Michigan he chose baseball and was suppose to be the third baseman of the future for the New York Yankees. when that didn't work and he tried football it was Dallas that got him and he was to be the future quarterback of the Cowboys... disappointments with two of the biggest and most storied franchises and now lucky if he can make the roster with the Vikings http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Minnesota Vikings have signed former Titans WR Bobby Wade to a 5 year $15 million contract according to the NFL Network. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports he will step into the starting lineup though Vikings fans had better hope he is the #3 receiver and not a starter. He had 33 catches last year and his best was 42 in 2004, not what you want from a starter. He is a good return man and best used out of the slot. His 5'10 186 pound frame also doesn't fit the prototype for a starter in the West Coast offense. Then again with only Billy McMullen and Troy Williamson under contract at receiver he would look like a starter currently... keep shopping Vikings http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Kansas City Chiefs have signed former Vikings LB Napoleon Harris to a 6 year deal worth $24 million, with $7.5 million guaranteed and $13 million in the first 3 years according to the NFL Network. Think they are reaching a bit there with that signing, especially at that price he will be moving into the starting lineup. He is familiar with the defense the Chiefs run but if he were worth it the Vikings wouldn't have been looking for an upgrade. Harris has the speed needed to be the middle linebacker in the Cover 2, but has never fully put it together on the field http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Cowboys are close to completing a deal with former Vikings QB Brad Johnson. ESPN is reporting the 3 year deal is done and worth $3.5 million in the first year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net Rams free agent WR Kevin Curtis has fired his agent Tom Condon according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Curtis was unhappy with the lack of progress in negotiations. He has visited the Vikings, Lions and will visit with Giants next http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net Just like Jeremiah Trotter found out a few years ago, sometimes it's a bad decision to take the money and run, to borrow a classic line. He took the big contract from the Vikings and suffered for two years in Minnesota, now he has resigned with the Redskins who drafted him 2001. According to ESPN the deal is for 5 years and $25 million http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Vikings signed former Giants tight end Visanthe Shiancoe and Panthers LB Vinny Ciurciu. According to EPSN Shiancoe got $18.5 million over 5 years http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net Rams WR Kevin Curtis was expected to go to Detroit quickly in free agency, but ESPN reported he scheduled a trip to Minnesota first, now the San Diego Chargers have entered the picture as well http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Bucs are getting off to a fast start in free agency, Vikings LB Napolean Harris and Cowboys center Al Johnson are coming for a visit Friday along with the trade for Jake Plummer things are moving quick http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net Offensive lineman is the first player to sign in free agency leaving the Vikings for a one year deal with the Buffalo Bills according to ESPN. It is a $720,000 contract with a $40,000 signing bonus. Not quite the big splash you expect but it is a start to what will be a busy weekend for sure. Whittle can play anywhere on the line making him an excellent backup swing player and is more than capable of starting when needed. He has started 42 of the 125 games he has played in http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net Giants tight end Visanthe Shiancoe is visiting Minnesota Friday according to ESPN http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Minnesota Vikings have released OT Mike Rosenthal, CB Fred Smoot and TE Jermaine Wiggins http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net Tomorrow morning isn't Christmas but may seem like it in some NFL cities as free agency begins . There will be some quick signing and the sticker price will shock and awe http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Minnesota Vikings need to add some help at receiver this off season and while speculation has them interested in Ashley Lelie from Atlanta this looks like a connect the dots since new WR coach George Stewart was in Atlanta last year. Lelie is a great tease, highly talented but never able to put it together... that is not what the Vikings need. Don't look for Kevin Curtis either, Drew Bennett is the most likely wide receiver target in free agency for the Vikings http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Minnesota Vikings have released 14 year veteran QB Brad Johnson. The Vikings like 2nd year QB Tarvaris Jackson but will need to bring in a veteran to back him up. Strange as that was what Johnson came back to Minnesota to do. He wasn't after the starting spot, rather he knew he'd be the backup, at the time to Daunte Culpepper and was happy with that. He started his career with the Vikings in 1992 http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net Look for Chiefs DT Ryan Sims to be dumped soon. In case you didn't know the former first round pick was still with the team. In 5 years he has amassed a whopping 69 tackles and 4 whole sacks. Sound like a bust to you? Think the Vikings are happy they didn't get him now? They did better waiting until the following year and drafting Kevin Williams, I guess the saying works, be careful what you wish for http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net What is it with the rumors of the Vikings trading for Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald. People are looking for too many obvious situations to start rumors. Fitzgerald is from the Minneapolis area and was a Vikings ball boy when he was younger but the Cardinals are not going to trade him. New head coach Ken Whisenhunt is licking his chops to work with the talented playmakers on the team. Of course it's yet to be seen if can actually do again with the talent, Denny Green had no luck as many before him http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The Minnesota Vikings have hired Leslie Frazier as their new defensive coordinator. Frazier was the secondary coach for the Colts for two years after being fired as the Bengals defensive coordinator in 2004 http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net The loss of defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin will be a tough one for the Minnesota Vikings. Brad Childress was hoping he'd stay for a few years and be able to have the defense complete before becoming a head coach. The team still need a big pass rushing end to compliment the two big tackles and a middle linebacker that can get deep in zone coverage. http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12 PFInsider.net With the fact that Vikings will still be rebuilding this year Brad Childress will have to decide if he wants to start QB Tarvaris Jackson and get him the experience he is lacking, while absorbing numerous growing pains. Jackson has the ability and would flash good things, but headaches and ulcer would be more common. The team has many needs to upgrade and it may be time to take the lumps now, another bad year and it would be hard to turn to a young inexperienced QB in this win now league http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=12