Thread: SI's Don Banks Says Vikings # 1 during free agent period

Free agency winners and losers
Teams that hit it big or wildly missed this offseason
Posted: Tuesday March 21, 2006 12:05PM; Updated: Tuesday March 21, 2006 12:55PM




1. Minnesota: I seem to recall the Vikings had a well-received free-agency season last year as well, but it didn't translate into a big payoff in 2005. But with their huge cushion under the salary cap, they went right back to work this year, scoring with the signings of Green Bay kicker Ryan Longwell (who's an upgrade over Paul Edinger), Baltimore running back Chester Taylor and their own free-agent receiver, Koren Robinson.

The Vikings' haul jumped a notch once Seattle was unwilling to match Minnesota's creative offer to Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson, who cements an offensive line in need of another blue-chipper. Say what you will about getting "only' a second-round pick in trade from Miami for Daunte Culpepper, but the Vikings were fortunate to manage even that after their onetime franchise quarterback self-destructed before our eyes over the past six months.

Minnesota had an addition by subtraction in losing inconsistent running back Michael Bennett to New Orleans, and it also won't be hurt too much by the defections of safety Corey Chavous to St. Louis and cornerback Brian Williams to Jacksonville. Linebacker Ben Leber and guard Jason Whittle were decent second-tier signings, and the Vikings also retained safety Willie Offord.

Slow down there guy.

I know you are new, but take the time to see how the site operates before blindly posting articles that have been posted.

Vikes Voted #1 in FA Moves

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