John Carlson: The $9.1 Million Bust

**singersp** · 10-19-2012, 05:58 AM

John Carlson: The $9.1 Million Bust

I’m going to write an article about John Carlson.

Who?

Exactly.

That’s the most in-depth conversation I’ve had with anyone about John Carlson this season. And quite frankly, it may have gone on too long.

That’s how off the radar Johnny C is on this Vikings team—he’s so far removed from the football field that we don’t even complain about his lack of production. He’s just forgotten.

But it’s time to face it, John Carlson is a bust.

Minnesota Vikings John Carlson: The $9.1 Million Bust

**purplehelmut** · 10-19-2012, 10:42 AM

I now know Mr. Carson much better than I ever did. Why? Because I'd never heard of the guy until we got him. And then I asked myself, WTF? Rudolph is the guy and he will continue to get better. Just seems to have the knack.

**NodakPaul** · 10-19-2012, 10:50 AM

Yeah, I like Rudolph a lot more than Carlson. I doubt we'll see him in purple next year.

**jmcdon00** · 10-19-2012, 12:18 PM

No ones heard of him yet we have two recent threads about him, yet not a single thread on Sunday's opponent.
I guess it's a good thing if the biggest thing to complain about is the back up tight end.

**C Mac D** · 10-19-2012, 03:31 PM

Is anyone surprised by this? Every analyst across the country was calling this the worst signing in the off-season... and it wasn't even close. This signing alone shows Spielman's incompetence. There's no excuse for it.

Hate to say I told you so... but I told you so.

**art1635** · 10-19-2012, 03:38 PM

Such a baffling move!

**NodakPaul** · 10-19-2012, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by C Mac D

Is anyone surprised by this? Every analyst across the country was calling this the worst signing in the off-season... and it wasn't even close. This signing alone shows Spielman's incompetence. There's no excuse for it.

Hate to say I told you so... but I told you so.

What analysts were calling it the worst signing in the off-season?

And yes, if you look at this signing and only this signing, it does look bad for Spielman. Luckily there was a lot of other off season activity that looks good for Spielman, starting with the draft class.

I'll give you the I told you so for Carlson - you were right in that regard. However, I don't concede to your opinion of Spielman, not yet at least anyway.

(And I don't think you hate saying I told you so either.

)

**singersp** · 10-19-2012, 08:16 PM

Originally Posted by NodakPaul

Yeah, I like Rudolph a lot more than Carlson. I doubt we'll see him in purple next year.

I liked Rudolph before we even took a peek at Carlson & wondered why he wasn't used more. Wouldn't have keeping Shiancoe been less money?

I guess with Shiancoe & Jimmy K. being gone, Spielman felt the need to sign another TE. Another blocking TE like Jimmy would have been nice, he didn't have to catch a ton of passes, but I don't even think JC has great blocking skills. I certainly haven't heard talk of it.

**NodakPaul** · 10-20-2012, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by singersp

I liked Rudolph before we even took a peek at Carlson & wondered why he wasn't used more. Wouldn't have keeping Shiancoe been less money?

I guess with Shiancoe & Jimmy K. being gone, Spielman felt the need to sign another TE. Another blocking TE like Jimmy would have been nice, he didn't have to catch a ton of passes, but I don't even think JC has great blocking skills. I certainly haven't heard talk of it.

Agreed completely. I was scratching my head on this pickup - but was willing to give it a chance. Well, he had his chance. And so far he has been a bust.

**iowa** · 10-20-2012, 03:50 PM

Yeah, he's looked like a bust so far but there is a lot of season left.I'm still hoping he can make a contribution. A couple of game changing catches can turn him from a zero to a hero.He's got talent, he was good for Seattle when he was healthy, it's too soon to call him a bust.As far as Spielman goes, he looks pretty damn good to me, lots of contribtion from his draft class this year.