Analysis

OFFSEASON PREVIEW: The Second Level

February 12, 2012, by 2 comments
Greenway

[NOTE FROM ADAM:  This is another installation of my position-by-position breakdown of the Vikings offseason.  You can click the links to view previous installments:  The Passers, The Runners, The Wide Outs, The Tight Ends, The Offensive Line, The Defensive Tackles, and The Defensive Ends.]

Last offseason, the Vikings faced a crossroads with former first round pick Chad Greenway, and they decided to invest heavily in the outside linebacker by placing the franchise tag on him and then giving him a huge contract extension.

This year, the Vikings face similar decisions with the other two linebackers slots, and the position could be headed for major transition this offseason.

Let’s take a closer look.

Continue Reading →

Robison Hits Incentives, Becomes Expensive

February 10, 2012, by 1 comment

A few posts down, I previewed the Vikings current status at the defensive end position, including a section about contracts.

I was purposely non-descript about Brian Robison’s cap hit in 2012 and 2013 because I knew that his signing bonus and incentives would come into play, but I wasn’t sure how.

As it turns out, that answer came quickly.

Tom Pelissero reports that Robison triggered incentives in his contract with his performance in 2011.

As a result, his salary for 2012 will jump from $726,000 to $1.712 million, which still isn’t too bad for a serviceable starting defensive lineman.

In 2013, however, Robison’s salary of $864,000 will skyrocket all the way to $4.4 million.

Prior to the 2011 lockout, the Vikings signed Robison to a three year deal worth a maximum of $14.1 million and it included a $6.5 million signing bonus.  In reaching certain incentives, Robison is close to realizing the full amount of that contract.

OFFSEASON PREVIEW: The Pass Rushers

February 10, 2012, by 6 comments
Minnesota Vikings v New York Jets

[NOTE FROM ADAM:  This is another installation of my position-by-position breakdown of the Vikings offseason.  You can click the links to view previous installments:  The Passers, The Runners, The Wide Outs, The Tight Ends, The Offensive Line, and The Defensive Tackles.]

Perhaps the most exciting thing about the Minnesota Vikings in 2011 was their ability to get to opposing quarterbacks.  The team was tied with the Eagles for the most sacks with an even 50, and Jared Allen came within mere inches of breaking the all time sack record.

There is no doubt that the Vikings defense needs some serious work, but the defensive end position is fairly solidified.  Still, there are options the Vikings have, and evaluations to take place.

Let’s take a closer look.

Continue Reading →

The Number Is In: $115.3 Million

February 9, 2012, by 6 comments

One of the greatest mysteries surrounding this offseason is how things will shake out one year following the new Collective Bargaining Agreement being put into place.

Kevin Seifert over at ESPN has just about figured it all out… or at least seems close.

The NFL salary cap is not expected to grow much from where it was last year, which was $120 million, and the highest number I have seen is $125 million.

According to Seifert, the Vikings currently have a cap total of $115.3 million, which doesn’t give them a whole lot of spending cash considering they are expected to have a large class of rookies in need of a contract.

The top tier free agents of 2012, such as Vincent Jackson or Carl Nicks, will not get the kind of money they are looking for from Minnesota unless the team figures out a way to clear up significant cap space.  This could happen via releasing expensive veterans and/or restructuring contracts.

Either way, if the Vikings are going to make moves like that, we should start hearing about them pretty soon.  Keep an eye on Steve Hutchinson and Kevin Williams.

Viking Update Is On A Roll

February 9, 2012, by 1 comment

At a time when Vikings news is incredibly slow, I have been impressed with Viking Update and their ability to come up with some interesting articles that I want to point you all towards:

  •  John Holler reminisces about Rick Spielman’s inability to contain his glee when he struck a Draft Day trade with the Vikings (he was Miami’s G.M. at the time) to move up one spot and nab offensive lineman Vernon Carey.  Even years after the move, Spielman gushed about Carey and how badly he wanted to draft him.  Now that Spielman is the Vikings G.M., and Carey is expected to become an unrestricted free agent, Holler makes a very solid argument that Carey will be added to the Vikings offensive line during the upcoming free agency period.  Read the whole story here.
  • Quarterback Christian Ponder took some time off and was “lazy” for the first few weeks of the offseason.  Now, however, he is back at Winter Park and plans to be working out there for most of the offseason.  Ponder is working through some new things, including what he describes as “hot yoga,” and says he has recovered from his various injuries experienced at the end of the season.  Here’s hoping that “hot yoga” has a more positive impact on Ponder than playing tennis had on Bryant McKinnie.  Read the whole story here.
  • The City of Duluth has officially thrown their hat into the ring as a suitor to house the Vikings.  Senator Roger Reinert introduced the latest Vikings bill that would see a stadium built in his town of Duluth.  The Vikings said they applaud Duluth’s efforts to finding a stadium solution, but with the current legislative session already underway, the team is going to continue to focus their efforts on Minneapolis and Arden Hills.  Read the whole story here.
  • In wondering if the Vikings can turn things around as quickly as many hope, Brian Hall looks at what happened the last time the Vikings posted a 3-13 record, which is the worst they have ever finished.  In 1984, the Vikings went 3-13 just like in 2011, and the following year they were able to manage a record of 7-9.  After that, the Vikings had four straight winning seasons and earned a trip to the NFC Championship.  Read the whole story here.

OFFSEASON PREVIEW: The Run Stoppers

February 9, 2012, by 2 comments
K-Will

[NOTE FROM ADAM:  This is another installation of my position-by-position breakdown of the Vikings offseason.  You can click the links to view previous installments:  The Passers, The Runners, The Wide Outs, The Tight Ends, and The Offensive Line.]

After covering each position on the offense, it is time to turn our attention towards the defensive side of the ball.

On offense the Vikings experienced no coaching turnover, but that is not the case on defense.  New Defensive Coordinator Alan Williams will have Leslie Frazier and Mike Singletary looking over his shoulder.  Fred Pagac has moved back to his old post in charge of the linebackers.  Defensive Line Coach Karl Dunbar was sent packing, and the enthusiastic Brendan Daly.

Even with the changes within the coaching staff, the Vikings are largely expected to stay the course from a scheme standpoint.  From a personnel standpoint, however, things could be changing.

Defensive tackles are up first.

Let’s take a closer look.

Continue Reading →

OFFSEASON PREVIEW: The Blockers

February 7, 2012, by 10 comments
Matt Kalil

[NOTE FROM ADAM:  This is another installation of my position-by-position breakdown of the Vikings offseason.  You can click the links to view previous installments:  The Passers, The Runners, The Wide Outs, and The Tight Ends.]

Here we finally have an edition of “Offseason Preview” that is almost certain to spark every fans interest.  Sure, the Vikings are likely to pursue upgrades at the receiver position, but the left tackle spot on this Vikings roster is bound to be the topic of conversation between now and April… and probably well into the 2012 season, too.

Let’s take a closer look.

Continue Reading →