Free Agent Safeties by Scout.com

**VikesfaninWis** · 02-22-2006, 04:37 PM

Around the League: Free Agent Safeties
Date: Feb 22, 2006

The Vikings might be in the market for a safety, depending on what they do with Corey Chavous and Willie Offord. We offer some insights on projected free agent safeties around the league from the beat writers that cover them.

Minnesota Vikings SS Corey Chavous is an unrestricted free agent and is almost certain to walk away. Unhappy with his contract entering the season, he had two interceptions, and he took the nameplate off his locker before leaving Winter Park after the season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers S Dexter Jackson, the former Super Bowl MVP, is a free agent, leaving the starting free safety spot open for Will Allen next season.

Miami Dolphins FS Lance Schulters, an unrestricted free agent, is looking to cash in after being a bargain with a $665,000 base salary in 2005.

New England Patriots S Artrell Hawkins, a veteran cornerback who converted to strong safety after signing in mid-November, filled in well for injured Rodney Harrison. He's doesn't have ideal size (5-foot-10, 190 pounds) and really played the position like an extra cornerback. Hawkins is a free agent and signing him will likely be a priority.

Oakland Raiders S Jarrod Cooper was pressed into full-time action at safety because of injuries and had some good moments, although his strength is as a core special teams player who can play safety as a reserve. Cooper, an unrestricted free agent, has stated his desire to return.

Raiders S Reggie Tongue was signed Nov. 2, and his defensive role was increasing quickly, but he suffered a season-ending knee injury and was placed on injured reserve Nov. 29. He is an unrestricted free agent.

**Mr. Purple** · 02-22-2006, 04:49 PM

Out of all of those I'd like to see Dexter Jackson.

**cajunvike** · 02-22-2006, 05:10 PM

"WilliamsonOfTroy" wrote:

Out of all of those I'd like to see Dexter Jackson.

wurd

**whackthepack** · 02-22-2006, 05:18 PM

Dexter Jackson has fallen off since Tampa won the Superbowl.

Schulters is about the same age as Jackson, he has been a journeyman and I unsure if he would be an improvement over Chavous.

Nobody in that list impresses me that much, Jackson does have experience in the D that we will be running and might make him serviceable.

**Displaced_Viking** · 02-22-2006, 05:20 PM

Yeah, Jackson or possibly Schulters...

**SharperVikings** · 02-22-2006, 05:51 PM

I am pretty sure that with our new coaching staff we have (Tomlin) I think that we will make a run for Dexter Jackson. He obviously worked well down in Tampa, so I think Tomlin will make Childress and company make a hard run for Jackson!

That would be an awesome pickup!

**VikesfaninWis** · 02-22-2006, 06:04 PM

I agree. Dexter Jackson is a good candidate for this new D. He is a upgrade from Chavous imo. He already knows the scheme, so that is one less player you have to teach the system to..