Much has been made about the Vikings payroll exceeding $150 million in 2010, especially since they are struggling to remain out of last place in the NFC North. There has also been a lot of talk about the roster turnover expected to hit this offseason and the possibility of a rebuilding process.
Not counting some of the recent small time additions to the roster, I count 21 guys that are set to become free agents whenever the new league year begins (not known because of CBA negotiations still unresolved). I know guys like Patrick Ramsey, Thomas Welsch, and Marcus Sherels are probably supposed to be on this list, but I’m not sure at the moment of their contract status.
The 21 guys listed below account for $45 million of the 2010 salary, which should actually leave the Vikings in pretty good shape to re-sign the guys they want to keep and perhaps show some aggressiveness in free agency.
Of course, some of these guys could end up being restricted or tagged, and the new CBA will determine much of those details. But, for now, let’s take a look at who won’t have a contract at the end of the football year. The salaries given are for the 2010 season.
Sidney Rice, WR, Age 25 ($0.55 million)
Number one receivers don’t grow on trees, as Vikings fans can remember from a time not that long ago. Rice has proven he is capable of producing like a number one guy but comes with concerns in his ability to stay healthy. I have a hard time seeing the Vikes let him get away, but don’t be surprised if he demands a contract similar to the six-year, $57 million deal that Miles Austin signed this season. At age 25, Rice has a lot of upside and could be had on the cheap as a restricted free agent for one more year.
Chad Greenway, OLB, Age 28 ($3.17 million)
Greenway is coming off a solid season in which his consistency improved greatly. The former first round pick has never quite established himself as a superstar linebacker, but he is pretty solid in about every aspect of the game, after struggling with missed tackles earlier in his career. The Vikings really have to put Greenway right up there with Rice in terms of priority this offseason.
Pat Williams, DT, Age 38 ($4.85 million)
It is hard to tell if Pat Williams would be willing to accept a dramatically reduced paycheck as a result of dramatically reduced snaps taken. He wants to play for a contender, and recently expressed worries about the Vikings entering rebuild mode and his desire to win a Super Bowl before retirement. I have a feeling the run stuffer will not be back in purple in 2011.
Brett Favre, QB, Age 41 ($16.00 million)
He’s going to retire (again). If he decides to unretired (again), please, please, please let it be to join a different team. Favre clears a bunch of cap space and reduces the circus atmosphere surrounding this team. Thanks for the memories… see ya.
Ray Edwards, DE, Age 26 ($2.52 million)
Edwards stock had to plummet since the end of last season. Reduced production combined with getting dinged up means he won’t be getting a blockbuster deal. Edwards bothers me when he runs his mouth, but he is a decent player capable of getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks and staying home to stop the run. I honestly wouldn’t mind seeing the Vikings re-sign him, but I suspect he’ll be hell bent on testing free agency.
Brian Robison, DE, Age 28 ($0.55 million)
Here we have a fan favorite who seemingly always makes an impact despite taking very few snaps every game. I have long argued that Robison might be better than Edwards, especially when rushing the passer, and I would like to see him remain a Viking. He has repeatedly expressed a desire to play somewhere that he can start, so the Vikings may have to choose between Robison and Edwards. I choose Robison.
Lito Sheppard, CB, Age 30 ($1.5 million)
The Vikings found themselves in a bind after they traded away Benny Sapp and then Cedric Griffin and Chris Cook suffered injuries. Sheppard was a decent pickup who had his good and bad moments, as expected, throughout the season. The Vikings have to focus on finding an upgrade this season, however, and Sheppard cannot be considered a long term option.
Husain Abdullah, S, Age 26 ($0.48 million)
From no-name to starter, Abdullah surprised a few people by playing somewhat well this season. He is young and has a season of experience under his belt. He should come cheap. I’m not saying the Vikings shouldn’t be looking for upgrades at both safety spots, but what would be the harm in bringing back Abdullah? At the very least, he’d be a solid backup and special teams guy again, capable of stepping in at any moment.
Ryan Longwell, K, Age 37 ($2.00 million)
This is an interesting one, as we have seen many teams struggle to find a dependable field goal kicker this season. Longwell is certainly dependable in that area, but struggles with getting much leg behind his kickoffs. His age is also a consideration. I suspect the Vikes will be going into 2011 with a new kicker, but who knows.
Ben Leber, OLB, Age 32 ($4.00 million)
Leber is more than just a media favorite, he is a smart and versatile linebacker that I think has been the most consistent linebacker on this team for three years and running. His age and cost has to be a consideration here, but if the price is right, they should certainly bring him back. If there was ever a veteran presence I’d want on my defense, it’d be that of a classy guy like Leber.
Tarvaris Jackson, QB, Age 28 ($1.18 million)
Once again, I am tempted to compare T-Jack to the potential free agent class and suggest the Vikings should keep him, but even I have to be honest with myself. It is time for a change. That simple. Let him go.
Fahu Tahi, FB, Age 29 ($1.18 million)
Like T-Jack, I used to defend Tahi. I’m done with him, too, however. Let him go, bring in new blood. LeRon McClain, Mike Tolbert, and Vontae Leach could all be free agents fullbacks that would be an upgrade. There are a number interesting options in the second half of this draft. It is time for a change.
Greg Lewis, WR, Age 31 ($0.81 million)
Greg Lewis paired with Favre provided us with one of the most exciting moments in Vikings history last season. Outside of that, he has been a decent blocker and below average receiver. Considering his age, the quality of this receiver free agent class, and youthful options in the draft, it is time to move on from the miracle man.
Ryan Cook, OT, 28 ($1.18 million)
I have been somewhat surprised at how well Cook has played along the line this season, replacing injured starters. His versatility gives him some added value. Considering he isn’t terribly old and wouldn’t be terribly expensive, I think the Vikings should consider keeping him around as a reserve.
Fred Evans, DT, Age 27 ($1.76 million)
We haven’t seen a ton of Evans this year, with Letroy Guion getting a high number of reps. Evans will likely never be more than a backup, and if the Vikings want to find a replacement for Big Pat, they may want to use Evans roster spot to bring in someone with more potential and upside. Re-signing him would probably be pretty low risk, however.
Erin Henderson, OLB, Age 25 ($0.48 million)
Henderson was quite impressive this preseason but seldom sees any action, outside of special teams, during the regular season. He will likely be restricted and I imagine the Vikings will be interested in bringing back EJ’s brother on the cheap yet again. He has shown enough flash to suggest he could surprise a few people if he gets the chance to play.
Frank Walker, CB, Age 29 ($0.53 million)
Following injuries in the secondary, Walker stepped in as a serviceable replacement.
Albert Young, RB, Age 25 ($0.35)
Young had his big chance but came up short prior to seeing his season ended with an injury.
Jaymar Johnson, WR, Age 26 ($0.24 million)
Johnson got a bum deal this season when the Vikes put him on injured reserve for a broken finger injury that he could have played with as early as week three. He is young and has some talent. No harm in bringing him back to see if he is worth keeping around or not.
Eric Frampton, S, Age 27 ($1.10 million)
Frampton is a decent special teams player and okay as a last resort backup. I wouldn’t be too surprised if he comes back.
Hank Baskett, WR, Age 28 ($0.56 million)
His wife wants him out of Minnesota and so do I.
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