Ferguson Now A Viking

Robert Ferguson has become the newest addition to the Vikings receiving corps, having signed a one-year deal with the team for $700,000 or $1.5 million with incentives. The Vikes and Houston Texans were the only teams that showed any interest apparently. Ferguson ultimately chose the Vikes because Texans coach Gary Kubiak told him he’d have to sign with the scout team and be evaluated before moving up to the big squad. You can read what you want into the fact that, of all the teams in the NFL, the Vikings were the only one willing to give Ferguson a shot at the starting line-up right off the bat. Ferguson has already reported to the team and was at practice today.

So what do we get with Robert Ferguson? In six years with the Packers he caught 116 balls for 1577 yards and 12 TDs – a good season for Marvin Harrison. In only one of those years did Ferguson appear in all 16 games (2002). His best season was 2003 when he pulled in 38 receptions for 520 yards and 4 TDs. Last season he was hampered by injury, playing in only 5 games and catching only 4 passes. He has also been a kick returner at times – in 2004 he averaged 25 yards on 21 returns, with 11 20+ yard runbacks. He has never run a kick back for a touchdown.

Keep in mind that Ferguson’s career totals, unimpressive as they may be, are still better than any other receiver we have. In fact, Ferguson’s 12 lifetime TDs is three more than the rest of our wide-out corps put together.

To make room for Ferguson on the roster, injured OL Adam O’Conner was waived.