Vikings Keep Phil Loadholt, Jerome Felton

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings fullback Jerome Felton (42) against the Green Bay Packers at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

For a second on Tuesday it looked like Phil Loadholt might be going to Chicago. But that situation never came to pass. Loadholt was re-signed by the Vikings and now Rick Spielman won’t have to go shopping for a new right tackle. The deal is for multiple years but the terms still aren’ t out there.

Keeping Loadholt was mostly a matter of stability on the offensive line. Is he a great player? By no means. But he is an okay player overall and arguably above average as a run blocker. The run blocking is of course key. The Vikes, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, like to run the ball. They have this guy Adrian Peterson who does a pretty nice job in that area. And Loadholt is a big part of why that young man has such a bright future in this league.

Like I said, stability is key. The Vikes will go into 2013 with the same five starting offensive linemen they had to end 2012. Keeping the line together was a high priority for the Vikes and with good reason. O-lines generally need a year or two to fully gel and this line will get a chance to do that. Offensive line seems like one area where this team is set at least for the near future.

In other retained player news, the Vikes gave Jerome Felton a new three year contract. So he’ll be blocking for Adrian Peterson for a few more years. At least we know the Vikes will be decent running the ball again in 2013 with Felton and Loadholt still on-board.

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