Unlike my cohort, I believe this is the year the Vikings need to make a splash into free agency. The Vikings are coming off a year in which we barely missed the playoffs, witnessed significant improvement from our quarterback and discovered our future in Adrian Peterson. With 2008 as the third year under Coach Brad Childress, we need to make the playoffs. He's had two rebuilding seasons and with over $38 million in salary cap space, the team should finish its construction by adding the needed pieces. Since Friday, Feb. 29, marks the beginning of NFL Free Agency, the following analysis shows the moves the Vikings should make.
QB: Tarvaris Jackson proved he is a quarterback capable of leading. Although he only showed flashes, he deserves at least one more year to display his talent. However, as an insurance policy, signing a proven veteran quarterback would ensure stability at the position. Trent Green would fit the bill quite nicely.
WR: We needed an air game in 2007, and it was non-existent. Other than Sidney Rice, our receiving corps needs a facelift. Aundrae Allison serves as a quality fifth receiver/kick returner and Bobby Wade provides a veteran presence on a team in desperate need of one. Trade or release the disappointing Troy Williamson and with our second round draft pick, get a deep threat. Possible targets include DeSean Jackson (California), Mario Manningham (Michigan) or James Hardy (Indiana). Also, signing another experienced receiver would dismiss any doubt about the talent surrounding Tarvaris Jackson. Bryant Johnson, D.J. Hackett and Andre' Davis are players the Vikings should consider. Projected wide receivers are Sidney Rice, Bryant Johnson, Mario Manningham, Bobby Wade and Aundrae Allison.
TE: Although we signed Visanthe Shiancoe to a large contract in 2007, he never seemed to fit our scheme. Since drafting a tight end isn’t preferable, signing a free agent is a good solution. Shiancoe is a capable blocker, however his pass-catching abilities are decent at best. Therefore, going after a receiving tight-end such as Ben Utecht (RFA), Eric Johnson, Bubba Franks, Alge Crumpler or Jeb Putzier would be wise. Utecht would be a great choice considering he played his college career in the dome and after being stuck behind Dallas Clark in Indianapolis, he has something to prove.
OT: With the recent arrest of Bryant McKinnie, offensive tackle may suddenly become a position of need for both left tackle and right tackle. The Vikings front office has been determined to remove all detriments on the team, and this is strike two against McKinnie. Regardless of McKinnie’s contract, it would not be surprising to see him traded before the season starts. Unfortunately, the offensive tackle position is thin in free agency and is a position that usually requires experience for success. Signing a player such as Travelle Wharton or Maurice Williams would be the way to go as long as it came inexpensively. Draft a tackle in the middle rounds for depth and progressive grooming.
DE: This is by far the most glaring need on the Vikings. We have attempted to solve our need at defensive end through the draft on numerous occasions (Erasmus James, Kenechi Udeze, Ray Edwards, Darrion Scott and Brian Robison). With two dominant pro bowl defensive tackles, a proven defensive end should thrive on the double teams placed on the tackles. It's time to get the best available defensive end and stop messing around. Justin Smith would be expensive, but he would be the solution to our never-ending headache. Solidifying defensive end is the key to our offseason.
S: Although my cohort thinks we don’t need a safety, I beg to differ. It has been well noted that the Vikings have interest in Madieu Williams from the Bengals, and this would be the perfect pickup with the recent departure of Dwight Smith. Williams has experience, good character and previously played under Coach Leslie Frazier. Also, there is a good possibility there will be two attractive safeties available at pick 17 of the draft. Kenny Phillips from Miami and Reggie Smith of Oklahoma could be available to solidify our safety position for years to come. Since Darren Sharper only has a couple more years left in his tank, Phillips or Smith will be able to fill the void when he leaves.
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