2021 Off-Season Thread

[Danchat]

  On 5/13/2021 at 11:00 PM, Vanimal46 said:

What was your favorite Mike Hughes moment? He was traded to Kansas City. All it took was swapping KC’s 6th for MN’s 7th. 

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Probably his pick 6 against the 49ers in his first game, and then it was all downhill from there.

The move is fine, Hughes didn't belong on the roster anyways. Good luck keeping him healthy, KC.

[Vanimal46]

They must feel confident Gladney won’t be suspended to make the trade. 

[Mike Sixel]

Given this...I'm shocked still they didn't take a CB in the draft. I anticipate them acquiring one still....

[Danchat]

  On 5/13/2021 at 11:26 PM, Vanimal46 said:

They must feel confident Gladney won’t be suspended to make the trade. 

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I don't necessarily agree, even if Gladney hits the suspended list, Hughes can't stay healthy and trading him saved $1.8M (cutting him would have saved $1.17M).

Harrison Hand looked decent at CB last year, and as Mike just said, I anticipate they bring in a bit of veteran competition. When you can get guys like Mack Alexander at the veteran minimum, there's no reason to keep Hughes around at his pricetag.

[DocBauer]

  On 5/11/2021 at 9:09 PM, Vanimal46 said:

Concur with @Mike Sixel and @nicksaviking about the 3rd WR. DeDe Westbrook’s fate here will look pretty similar to Tajae Sharpe. 
 

Veteran DE, potentially veteran OL to push one of Dozier/Samia/Udoh off roster, and kicker is what I’d spend the rest of the cap space on. 

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I don't have a ready list of OL available at the moment, but I've been wondering if there is a decent OG still available to compete with Cleveland and especially the rookie Davis. Is Easton still available? Samia has looked awful and may simply have been a poor selection. I can, reluctantly, live with Dozier as an experienced so-so veteran backup but he should never start again unless there was an injury. I'd really like to add a decent G to the equation. 

[DocBauer]

  On 5/12/2021 at 3:18 AM, TheLeviathan said:

If the contract is right I don't mind Westbrook.  Mostly because if Thielen gets hurt again, our depth is a serious problem behind the top two.  But of the available money, I much prefer it goes into the pass rush if possible.

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And your point on Thielen is why I'm pretty much IN on Westbrook if healthy and inexpensive. Worth the shot.

I'm also fully IN on improving the pass rush. I guess I'm just so-so on Kerrigan because I'm wondering if mixing and matching the talent on hand doesn't make sense, especially for the future, and use available funds elsewhere. But I'm OK if they were to bring him on board.

[DocBauer]

Just tossing this out there, a Vikings website mentioned 3 potential OL targets that may be available to the team in FA still, and would be affordable.

They mentioned  OG Austin Reiter from KC,  Dennis Kelly from the Titans at OT and Nick Easton, recently with NO.

While the Vikings are switching things up a bit from pure zone blocking and maybe "lighter" OL to heavier, more powerful players, it doesn't appear as if they are necessarily changing to a different scheme. And I think that's OK. But Kelly appears to be a  traditionally Mauler at RT and doesn't fit system or need. Reiter intrigues me somewhat as he's decent and experienced, and part of 2 Super Bowl teams.  Not sure why KC decided to part ways, but they did.

The guy that interests me is Nick Easton. The former Viking didn't set the world on fire with the Saints and was allowed to walk. The Vikes, familiar with him, offered a contract earlier in FA, reportedly. Post draft, he remains without a team. He is 2yrs younger than Dozier, can double down and play center as well, and couldn't possibly be worse than Dozier. I would like to think he and Cole could offer up real depth at center and guard and provide better depth/flexibility if not outright better play than Dozier in the middle of the OL. I'd think he'd come pretty cheap at this point as well.

As a pair of side notes:

1] 2020 draft choice Blake Brandel was playing at center during rookie camp with a cobbled up OL. Yes, it's ONLY rookie camp, but I find this interesting for 2 reasons. His history/draft profile was a long, intelligent, big frame OK athlete who needed polish and additional strength/bulk who could project as a solid swing tackle who could be a fit at OG as well. Unless I missed something,  I never heard reports of him playing/practicing at center last year. And I am ABSOLUTELY NOT saying he will turn out to be anything close to a HOF player, but doesn't this remind you just a bit of the profile of Matt Birk early on?  Even if he woukd turn out to be another Dave Huffman, I'd be excited.

2] Despite the plethora of 2020 draft choices, the ONE GUY that really drew my attention was Kyle Hinton from Washburn, a D2 school. If he had been invited to Inianappolis and the pre-draft showcase, his numbers at a Kansas State pro-day would have placed him in the top 5 in every category from BP to 40 to shuttle run to verticle, etc. He was a captain, a D2 All American while playing LT at 6' 2" plus and around 300lbs. Despite playing at a lower level, athletic numbers don't lie. Size, strength, athletic ability, he is almost a clone of former KC HOF and former Husker Will Shields. (Not projection, just factual comparison). He was drafted as a G and the Vikings clearly announced they would work him at center as well. And he sure seemed to have all the tangibles to do so. The fact that Brandel was playing center in rookie camp, IMO, is more about HIS possible projection and development and not about Hinton as an option there. 

While either, or both, could find themselves on the PS for a second year, I'm finding real intrigue in both of these guys. Personally, I'm betting on Hinton as a real option at G/C now or soon based on just too much talent despite being "short" by normal standards. 

And even though rookie camp is just what it is, the fact that Brandel is being tried at the pivot tells me they see potential as a real, viable option across the line with a little more time to develop. Again, I just can't help but see the Huffman comparison.

I really hope to see Davis paving the way as a rookie starter at RG with Cleveland moving to his more natural left side as the starting guard there. And I would love another inexpensive option like Easton for depth and competition. But I'm kinda intrigued by a couple young kids from 2020 and their potential. 

 

[Danchat]

I'm surprised Reiter is still out there, I'd pick him up. He'd make for a better backup center than Mason Cole. Easton was rumored to sign with the Texans, but I don't know why he hasn't signed yet. It had sounded like he declined the Vikings' offer.

Hinton was promoted to the 53 man roster at the end of the year, signaling that other teams were looking to poach him. That signifies to me that they've seen some progress from him. No idea on Brandel, there doesn't seem to be room for him at tackle with Hill and Udoh blocking him. Speaking of Udoh, he's the other wildcard here. He profiles as a RT but O'Neill has a stranglehold on that spot. I guess he's there as depth in case multiple injuries arise. Maybe he steps in at RT if we lose O'Neill in FA in 2022, which I find unlikely.

[DocBauer]

I missed Hinton being promoted late, but not surprised. Inexperienced but way more talented than Dozier. 

Really not sure what to think about Brandel, just find it really interesting they have been looking at him as a center. I think he's a project for a second year on the PS unless he surprises. But intelligent, experienced, with some skills, I just find him interesting.

Udoh is a TALENT. It's why he was kept vs risking him on the waiver wire to stash. But whether he's a future starter SOMEWHERE or a future 3rd OT to replace Hill, you have to allow talent to compete for a spot. I was really disappointed he didn't get a shot at G last season.

[Vanimal46]

Former Vikings starting QB in the 2012/13 playoffs Joe Webb retired today. Kudos to him for playing 11 seasons as a 6th round pick! He played multiple positions on offense and ST on multiple teams. 

[Dodecahedron]

Joe Webb was fun, but there were some comical moments too.

[Rilekyle]

whats the take darrisaw in the end?

[Danchat]

Some inside info got out today:

I had initially doubted Darren Wolfson's report that the Vikings tried to make a trade up for Justin Fields, but I'm starting to believe it after seeing this and contemplating the Mond pick. I had thought Spielman was doubling down on Cousins, but it seems they were committed to finding his replacement in this draft. Still wish we wouldn't have given Kirk the 2 year extension.

Here part of the clip:

 

[nicksaviking]

I feel a lot better about Fields being a bust for the bears....now that I know he was Spielman’s first choice.

[Danchat]

  On 5/30/2021 at 7:06 PM, nicksaviking said:

I feel a lot better about Fields being a bust for the bears....now that I know he was Spielman’s first choice.

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I did hear they were also in love with Lance and likely would have taken him over Fields. No idea on Lawrence or Wilson. I don’t think they liked Mac Jones at all, I wonder if we will regret that.

[nicksaviking]

I had no interest in Matt Jones. Still don't. Good for him if he works out; but this is 2021, I want a QB who can move.

My interest in Fields was always pretty tepid, though I have to admit, when he started dropping and it looked like the Vikings could make a play for him, my interest was piqued. Would have liked Lance, but it was a bit of a relief once he was off the board right away as I knew I could commit to drafting a non-QB finally.

[TheLeviathan]

Judging by what they offered to move up....I feel like they didn't love him THAT much.

[nicksaviking]

I didn't see what they offered, what was it?

Or are you just basing it on what the Bears gave up to move up?

[Danchat]

  On 6/4/2021 at 3:18 PM, nicksaviking said:

I didn't see what they offered, what was it?

Or are you just basing it on what the Bears gave up to move up?

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They offered a 3rd and 4th to move up from 14 to 8. Carolina asked for a 2022 1st (can't tell if it was addition to the 3rd and 4th picks), and the Vikings said no.

[TheLeviathan]

  On 6/4/2021 at 3:18 PM, nicksaviking said:

I didn't see what they offered, what was it?

Or are you just basing it on what the Bears gave up to move up?

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What Dan said, they wanted to move up 6 spots and offered peanuts.  A 3rd and a 4th may not move you from 14 to 12 much less 8.  

[DocBauer]

  On 6/4/2021 at 6:57 PM, TheLeviathan said:

What Dan said, they wanted to move up 6 spots and offered peanuts.  A 3rd and a 4th may not move you from 14 to 12 much less 8.  

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Hmmm, 14 to 12 I think you might be under-selling. But to 8th I totally agree.

I find it slightly humorous the run this topic has had. If "trader  Rick"  REALLY liked Fields that much he would have coughed up more. At least next year's 2nd rounder. I believe he was just kicking tires and seeing what would happen. Obviously nobody bit or countered, BTW, do we know 100% that was the offer?

I have ZERO belief at this point that Mond will turn out to be our QB of the future. And I say that with due respect for talent and possibility. But then again the world has changed and how many 1st round QB have we seen continue to disappoint while 2nd, 3rd and 4th round selections like Wilson and Prescott emerge? 

Personally, I think Cousins is pretty damn good. The numbers say so despite a poor OL. NOT saying he's great, awesome, etc, but a poor OL and how many offensive co-ordinators just since he joined the Vikings?

Offensively, Zimmer needs to find something/someone that works. It feels like he and the team have been scrambling ever since Norv Turner stepped down. Stafanski seemed to the answer and then he got a HC job, I feel, despite solid numbers, that Kubiak was on borrowed time ready to retire. Is his son Klint ready to take over and bring new ideas? And if the answer is yes, then the offense should be better and more consistent. Consistency means better results, but also better and more consistent development for a kid like Mond. He's already a better backup than we've had for a couple years, even being a rookie. But he gets to sit now for 2yrs behind an experienced veteran. In theory, he gets to learn a system in place that won't change yet again.  He has the arm, athleticism and pro-college coaching that could lead to real development. (I've heard reports that his pro coaching in college may have been TOO stiff and he might relax and let his natural talent come through still). 

Who knows if Mond will develop and turn a corner over the next 2yrs. But he at least has a chance. 

If the Vikings FO REALLY loved Fields that much, they would have offered more, IMO.

[Mike Sixel]

Another CB signed. They certainly know what they had to fix...... I'm a fan of hole plugging like this. 

[Vanimal46]

If we can get another veteran DE to compete against Weatherly for his spot in the rotation I’d say that’s the cherry on top of a nice offseason. 
 

Also, I’m shocked that C Austin Reiter is still a free agent. Is he waiting for KC to clear cap space for him? I am still interested in signing him so Dozier can go. 

[DocBauer]

  On 6/8/2021 at 9:34 PM, Mike Sixel said:

Another CB signed. They certainly know what they had to fix...... I'm a fan of hole plugging like this. 

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On the surface I agree with you. But unless we suffer massive injuries to the secondary yet again, I just don't understand some of these latest signings, even if Gladney is gone for a few games half a season, or the whole season.

FWIW, I don't want to debate the charges against Gladney. I believe in due process and hopefully the truth will come out of what he did or claims he didn't do. 

But even without him I have faith Peterson gets new life with a new team. Alexander is only a year removed from a system he knows well and the one guy I really wanted them to keep. I don't feel Breeland is a STUD, but he's solid and experienced, Dantzler looks like a keeper. Hand showed flashes last year and seems to have potential and a future. Boyd is nothing special, but he shows some potential after 2yrs and has carved out a ST role. So even if Gladney IS gone for a time, I'm just not sure I see a need for 11 CB unless they plan on converting someone to S or hoping to carry a couple guys on the PS for depth. 

I love depth, But kind of feels like they may be over doing it at CB vs other spots.

[DocBauer]

  On 6/9/2021 at 12:08 AM, Vanimal46 said:

If we can get another veteran DE to compete against Weatherly for his spot in the rotation I’d say that’s the cherry on top of a nice offseason. 
 

Also, I’m shocked that C Austin Reiter is still a free agent. Is he waiting for KC to clear cap space for him? I am still interested in signing him so Dozier can go. 

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1] DE: Weatherly never should have left. He knows that now, barring a surprise in growth he's a reserve who is solid. He COULD surprise and I'll give him that. But he could also be cut. I just don't see a future for Holmes unless he suddenly cranks his game up a notch or two. Wonnum shows real potential, I really liked the Jones pick. He, like Wonnum, is a perfect fit for the system and a guy for Patterson to work with. Robinson is the same, with as much potential, but comes from a power 5 team on a downward trending team that maybe/probably didn't utilize and develop him properly. Do you dare cut a 4th round pick hoping for a PS spot? I don't think so.

When the Vikings don't put Mata'afa at NT,  he's been productive as a reserve. He played more DE in 2020 and flashed a bit. He could be an ideal 5th or 6th DE who can still slide in to the #3 spot here and there.

Speaking of an ideal fit for the last DE spot, Willekes is coming off a missed season due to injury. And no matter what he does in camp and pre-season he's probably a best fit for the PS in 2021. Everyone forgets about him. Award winning and productive, he just doesn't have amazing speed and length that make him a top draftee. And he wasn't, He was selected at least one round later then projected, if not two. Heart, determination, smarts, production are/were excellent. Overall numbers were solid. Videos show him doing back flips,  yet he was reported as a bad athlete. But missing a season  he's probably, again, a perfect PS stash. 

There are a couple veteran DE we can sign to make a difference for at least 1yr. I'm OK with that!

Reiter is very  interesting to me. I'm not sure I trust Cole as anything at this point, I love the potential of Hinton. The Vikings seem to like Brandel as a multi-position depth piece, but may need more time. Reminds me of a young Huffman. Reiter could be a great fit but I also wonder about Easton. Dozier has experience and versatility. He's not a bad run blocker. But can't we look towards getting better than him whether another FA or developing a couple interesting internal options?

 

 

[Danchat]

  On 6/9/2021 at 12:08 AM, Vanimal46 said:

If we can get another veteran DE to compete against Weatherly for his spot in the rotation I’d say that’s the cherry on top of a nice offseason. 
 

Also, I’m shocked that C Austin Reiter is still a free agent. Is he waiting for KC to clear cap space for him? I am still interested in signing him so Dozier can go. 

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KC has so many quality OL options that they have no need for Reiter anymore, with Blythe and 2nd round rookie Creed Humphrey. Reiter will likely sign somewhere for the minimum, which is baffling for how well PFF had him play, but the NFL is weird with free agents sometimes.

DEs out there worth signing IMO: Melvin Ingram, Justin Houston, Everson Griffen, Olivier Vernon (if healthy, had an Achilles tear).

[Vanimal46]

  On 6/10/2021 at 3:34 AM, Danchat said:

KC has so many quality OL options that they have no need for Reiter anymore, with Blythe and 2nd round rookie Creed Humphrey. Reiter will likely sign somewhere for the minimum, which is baffling for how well PFF had him play, but the NFL is weird with free agents sometimes.

DEs out there worth signing IMO: Melvin Ingram, Justin Houston, Everson Griffen, Olivier Vernon (if healthy, had an Achilles tear).

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If Reiter is eventually signing for a cheap contract let’s bring him here. No such thing as too much interior OL depth after what we’ve watched over the last decade! 
 

Ingram is high on my list as well. Sign him and I’d say this is a fantastic offseason. 

[Danchat]

Hunter is reportedly showing up for mandatory minicamp, which is great news. He’s still probably hoping for a raise, but at least we can see how healthy his neck is.

[Vanimal46]

  On 6/14/2021 at 6:02 PM, Danchat said:

Hunter is reportedly showing up for mandatory minicamp, which is great news. He’s still probably hoping for a raise, but at least we can see how healthy his neck is.

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And he got a payday too. Win win! Rumor has it Sheldon Richardson could come back to the team as well. 

 

[TheLeviathan]

Remember when people argued his deal was too much?

Good times.