Decisions, Decisions: A Look at Vikings Free Agency

Which Players Will Minnesota Re-Sign?

With NFL free agency just around the corner—five days, my friends, whether you’re ready or not—rumors are beginning to swirl regarding which players will stay in the purple and gold… and which ones will don a new color combo.

Two of the biggest Vikings players entering free agency this year are brothers E.J. and Erin Henderson. Both linebackers, the 25 year old and 31 year old, respectively, are each coming to the end of their Minnesota contracts.

The question is, who will stay?

Both?

Neither?

Will one even consider taking the field without the other? The two played high school, college and now professional football side-by-side. It’s a family affair.

According to online sources, Minnesota plans to try keeping Erin around. ESPN1500’s Tom Pelissero said, “the Vikings have made it clear that they intend to have a contract in place for Henderson before free agency begins on March 13. The two sides have reportedly made progress on a ‘bridge’ deal that could keep Henderson in Minnesota for another two or three seasons.”

I’m calling this good news. Having as many free agents as the Vikings do—we have 20, 11 of which are fairly significant names—means lots of decision making for the franchise. For 2012-2013, Minnesota finds itself in the rebuilding stage—the question is, which of these players are necessary for entering this next era?

In my mind, both Hendersons need to stay. However, it looks like we may not be so lucky. Vikings Den writer Gil Acaraz IV weighs in: “Considered an injury liability at age 31, [E.J.] is set to be a free agent and might not get a new contract from the Vikings given his price tag.”

This statement rattles me for two reasons. First, although admittedly up there in age, E.J. demonstrates great athleticism and energy on the field, and he’s definitely a fan favorite. And trust me—with the Vikings’ current state, they need those guys. Henderson bounced back from a broken femur in 2009, and the resilient athlete doesn’t show signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Second, E.J. and Erin are inseparable. They grew up together, they take the field together, they play together. Should Minnesota decline offering the elder brother a deal, I’m wary that Erin might just take his talents elsewhere. After all, blood is thicker than water.

The fact that the Vikings have only renewed one contract recently—and that of a mediocre tackle Patrick Brown—makes me wonder what other players they’ll focus on retaining.

In addition to the Henderson brothers, I would love to see Visanthe Shiancoe stay in purple and gold. However, the ninth-year tight end should expect to take a pay cut, as his performance declined last season.

Minnesota should also strive to re-sign Letroy Guion. A defensive tackle out of Florida State, Guion showed major improvement during his fourth season with the Vikings, playing all 16 games and tallying 14 tackles. His numbers topped that of starter Remi Ayodele and, if nothing else, he’s potential to build on.

According to the Pioneer Press, the Vikings also showed interest in renewing quarterback Sage Rosenfels’ contract. The 32-year-old veteran wouldn’t see much—if any—playing time as a third stringer behind Christian Ponder and Joe Webb, but he would serve as a mentor for the young starting QB. The question is whether or not Rosenfels will find contentment in that role or if he could find a backup job elsewhere. He might extend his feelers a bit, but I expect him to stay in the Twin Cities.

What’s Next?

While most fans—myself included—would love to see Minnesota bring in a super star, it doesn’t seem to be a realistic option. At this point, the Vikings are in such dire need that they will opt to spread their funds thinner, hoping to bolster several different positions.

According to spotrac.com, Minnesota’s 2012 salary sits at $96.26 million for 42 players under contract. Taking into account next season’s cap of approximately $122 million, the franchise is left with just under $26 million to spend between free agency and 10 draft picks.

In other words: that money will disappear quickly.

With $14.2 million invested in defensive tackle Jared Allen, the Vikings may need to consider releasing veterans that no longer play at a level worth of large contracts.

Cedric Griffin is one of those players. You can’t exactly blame someone who’s suffered two torn ACL’s within nine months of each other, but Griffin is no longer the explosive player he once was. I’m all for being “Minnesota Nice,” but the cornerback isn’t worth the $5.2 million he’s eating up. In hopes that Antoine Winfield will be healthy and Chris Cook could return to the field, Minnesota should let Griffin go.

Rather than searching for that one big-name guy who will boost jersey sales, the Vikings have to begin searching for players that are both affordable and solid enough to fill holes in the roster.

In addition to [hopefully] drafting offensive tackle Matt Khalil, Jared Gaither could be an OT free agent option for the Vikes. The 26 year old is capable of impressive numbers if he makes a full recovery from a back injury he sustained in 2010.

Although holding the No. 1 running back in the league with Adrian Peterson, Minnesota could use additional depth at this position, especially considering Peterson’s ACL injury.  Two viable options for RB are Cedric Benson and former Viking Chester Taylor. Benson averaged 71 yards per game with Cincinnati last season, and at 29 years old he would add a blend of experience and energy to the field. Taylor plays with a no-nonsense tenacity; Minnesota should have never let him go, and it would be great to see him back in purple.

Other free agent pick-up options for Minnesota include Vincent Jackson (WR, San Diego), LeRoy Hill (OLB, Seattle), and Sammy Lee Hill (DT, Detroit).

So what do you think, Minnesota fans? With less than one week to go before entering free agency, we’d love to hear your feedback on where your team is headed.

Lindsey Young is a graduate of Northwestern College and an avid Minnesota sports fan[atic]. It’s been argued females don’t know much about sports, but she begs to differ. Currently working full time at her alma mater, she continues to edit and write for BleacherReport.com and on her blog Making the Call in pursuit of a career in sports journalism. You can follow her on Twitter @lilshortie2712.

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