Offseason Analysis: Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have a major need to address at Quarterback.  Tarvaris Jackson may evenutally turn into a decent QB, but this defense is aging, and their window is closing quickly.  The Vikings are more than set at RB with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor.  Bernard Berrian was the deep threat they were looking for and Bobby Wade is a solid slot WR.  Sidney Rice was a disappointment, but everyone was probably a year off in his development.  He’s a red zone threat with 8 of his 46 career receptions (17%) going for a TD.  Visanthe Shiancoe had a breakout year at TE for the Purple.  Blocking TE Jim Kleinsasser is an Unrestricted Free Agent, but I think they’ll find a way to bring him back.  The same can’t be said for Matt Birk, who will be moving on.

Defensively the Vikings could start the season withouth the Williams Wall (Pat & Kevin) for the first four games if their suspensions aren’t overturned.  Jared Allen was all the Vikings could have hoped for an more.  The Vikes D-Line is in good shape, but some of their key backups (Fred Evans, Otis Grigsby) are Free Agents.  They’ll likely try to bring them back for depth and suspension insurance.  They’ll get a big bump from the return of MLB E.J. Henderson, who forms a solid LB corps with Ben Leber and Chad Greenway.  Napolean Harris was decent filling in for E.J.  He’s a free agent so there’s a chance they don’t bring him back.  I’m guessing they’ll take a MLB to groom in the draft.  S Darren Sharper has more than likely played his last game for the Vikings, in which case they’ll have to address that need.  They could use some more depth at Corner as well.

KFFL Free Agent Tracker: