PFT's Team checklist: Minnesota Vikings

**mountainviking** · 07-26-2011, 03:05 PM

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/07/25/team-checklist-minnesota-vikings/

Pretty accurate list I'd say...or, I could see it going down this way anyway. With our cap where it is, we're going to have to make some tough decisions and try and strike gold in the bargain bin!

Only thing missing is a No.8 that says resign AP long term once the season starts and/or when the other signings work is finished!!

1. Find a veteran quarterback
2. Sign Chad Greenway to a long-term contract
3. Say farewell to Sidney Rice and Bernard Berrian
4. Make a decision on Pat Williams
5. Bid adieu to Madieu
6. Shop for bargains that fit the schemes
7. Consider one more dance with Randy Moss

Everything we've heard is that they want to start Ponder, so I'm guessing, we can't and won't spend big money on QB tho we obviously need to consider adding some sort of veteran to the mix. This is a big decision that could possibly have repurcussions on our young guys development. Hope they can find a good guy in our price range!?!!

I hate to see Rice go, but don't see us able to pony up large dollars for him either...?

I like the idea of adding Weddle or somehow otherwise upgrading safety. Seems we've tried our luck in the draft a lot lately and come up rather empty handed, or, with a slew of average guys anyway. Safety may be one of those positions where experience makes a big enough difference that you ought to go with a veteran option...?

Here's my answer to the Pat Williams question, on PFT's top 80 Free Agents:

18. Aubrayo Franklin, 49ers DT: A quick solution for teams needing a run stopper. Perhaps a late career Pat Williams

**lumberjackgreg** · 07-26-2011, 03:10 PM

Speculation about Thigpen returning to be a bridge QB. It would make sense. He knows the team to some extent, he has shown some flashes of brilliance, and we wouldn't need to bet the farm on him like we would with McNabb.

**i_bleed_purple** · 07-26-2011, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by "lumberjackgreg" #1100803

Speculation about Thigpen returning to be a bridge QB. It would make sense. He knows the team to some extent, he has shown some flashes of brilliance, and we wouldn't need to bet the farm on him like we would with McNabb.

please god no.

We don't need to bring in a crap project QB. If we're going with Ponder, go with Ponder. If we're going with a vet, get one who's proven to be capable. Thigpen has failed in KC and Miami, we don't need him.... again.

**jmcdon00** · 07-26-2011, 03:28 PM

Originally Posted by "i_bleed_purple" #1100804

Originally Posted by "lumberjackgreg" #1100803

Speculation about Thigpen returning to be a bridge QB. It would make sense. He knows the team to some extent, he has shown some flashes of brilliance, and we wouldn't need to bet the farm on him like we would with McNabb.

please god no.

We don't need to bring in a crap project QB. If we're going with Ponder, go with Ponder. If we're going with a vet, get one who's proven to be capable. Thigpen has failed in KC and Miami, we don't need him.... again.

The reality is Ponder may not be ready to be the starting QB in 7 weeks. Yes you could put his feet to the fire anyway, but I would prefer if they put him in a position to succeed before giving him the keys to the Vikings ship.
Not saying I want thigpen, I don't, but we may need someone to start a few games or a season.

**i_bleed_purple** · 07-26-2011, 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by "jmcdon00" #1100809

Originally Posted by "i_bleed_purple" #1100804

Originally Posted by "lumberjackgreg" #1100803

Speculation about Thigpen returning to be a bridge QB. It would make sense. He knows the team to some extent, he has shown some flashes of brilliance, and we wouldn't need to bet the farm on him like we would with McNabb.

please god no.

We don't need to bring in a crap project QB. If we're going with Ponder, go with Ponder. If we're going with a vet, get one who's proven to be capable. Thigpen has failed in KC and Miami, we don't need him.... again.

The reality is Ponder may not be ready to be the starting QB in 7 weeks. Yes you could put his feet to the fire anyway, but I would prefer if they put him in a position to succeed before giving him the keys to the Vikings ship.
Not saying I want thigpen, I don't, but we may need someone to start a few games or a season.

Rather have Bulger, Gradkowski, Hasslebeck, Pennington or Volek.

**lumberjackgreg** · 07-26-2011, 03:33 PM

Money truck is currently being backed up to Hasselbeck's home. State of origin: Tennessee. Don't expect him to be available much longer.

Notice Palmer not on your list....

**i_bleed_purple** · 07-26-2011, 03:34 PM

Originally Posted by "lumberjackgreg" #1100812

Money truck is currently being backed up to Hasselbeck's home. State of origin: Tennessee. Don't expect him to be available much longer.

Notice Palmer not on your list....

Palmer isn't a free agent.

**lumberjackgreg** · 07-26-2011, 03:37 PM

Alex Smith?

:laugh: sorry couldn't say that with a straight face...

**Caine** · 07-26-2011, 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by "lumberjackgreg" #1100814

Alex Smith?

:laugh: sorry couldn't say that with a straight face...

Probably not the worst option out there.

Started on a crappy team, got jerked around by his coaches, has 5 years experience, and has better stats than you might suspect after reading the San Fran media hack on him.

Keep in mind that the Mayor of San Fran once said that Jeff Garcia shouldn't even play football....

I can think of far worse options.....like Thigpen.

Caine