Both Lines Stay Intact Thus Far
Adam Warwas
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Rick Spielman and the Minnesota Vikings has blown up the depth chart when it comes to wide receiver by releasing Michael Jenkins, letting Devin Aromashodu hit free agency, and trading Percy Harvin to Seattle. They have allowed two of their starting linebackers, Erin Henderson and Jasper Brinkley, explore free agency. They changed the landscape of the secondary by releasing feisty veteran Antoine Winfield.
They are also rumored to be pursuing a new backup quarterback.
One thing that is interesting, however, is that the team has opted to maintain a great deal of continuity on both the offensive line and defensive line. Thus far, anyways.
By retaining right tackle Phil Loadholt , backup Troy Kropog, and backup center Joe Berger the Vikings have kept intact their offensive line, with the lone exception being the currently unsigned backup guard Geoff Schwartz. Spielman declared some time ago that continuity was of value to him on the offensive line and that philosophy shows with how today has gone. A lack of reported interest in any free agent linemen, combined with the fact that Charlie Johnson is still on the roster, shows that the Vikings don’t appear poised to make any sweeping changes in this area.
The defensive line also had potential for movement, especially in light of the shrewd move to release Winfield, as there are a number of high paid players that are on the wrong side of thirty. Jared Allen is in the last year of his contract and Kevin Williams is not playing at the level his current salary would typically warrant. Still, there hasn’t even been a whisper that something could be cooking in this area, and as of right now it looks like the front four will remain unchanged.
Mind you, we aren’t even half of a day into free agency and there is still potential for movement, but it is an interesting note that nothing in this area of the roster seemed to be on the checklist for Day One of free agency.