Hosted by Adam Carlson and Kyle West.

This week, we answer a question from a social media, we recap the Vikings draft picks in round 4-7, and talk about some other transactions!

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Oct 2, 2011; Kansas City, MO, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell (8) kicks off in the first half of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 22-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

It was around this time last year that the Vikings released a key Special Teams player by the name of Ryan Longwell.  The Vikings replaced the veteran Kicker with a rookie in the draft by the name of Blair Walsh.  To many Vikings fans, this was an unpopular move and left them wondering if the rookie could live up to the high standard that was set by Longwell.  Longwell had been very consistent as the Vikings Kicker, but was starting to lack the ability to kick it deep.

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) kicks a field goal in the first quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Fast forward to the end of last season.  We discovered that Blair Walsh not only has the power and accuracy to kick field goals, but can be a master on kickoffs.  Walsh also made a couple game winning kicks which showed he has the ability to to be a clutch kicker as well as connect on kicks in the cold weather.  Some of them were from a long, long distance.  Soon, fans forgot about Ryan Longwell and started praising Blair Walsh for his impressive skills.

Sept 3, 2011; Houston, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins punter Jeff Locke (18) kicks an onside kick against the Houston Cougars during the fourth quarter at Robertson Stadium. Houston won 38-34. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

This year, we are in a similar situation.  The Vikings used a mid round draft pick on Punter Jeff Locke from UCLA.  Locke shows a lot of flexibility and promise as a player.  Locke can really do it all as a Punter.  Not only can he punt with excellent power and accuracy, but he is a fantastic holder on kicks and can even handle kickoff or field goal duties if needed.  He has all the skills to be an excellent Punter at the next level.

Oct 9, 2011; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe (4) against the Arizona Cardinals at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Cardinals 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Fans are skeptical again though.  This time, the veteran that was released was Punter Chris Kluwe.  Although Kluwe is still a good punter, he had dropped to being rated as in the bottom half of the league and had a couple pretty awful looking punts last year.  Despite his struggles, Kluwe was still a fan favorite in Minnesota.  His activity on social media really helped fans embrace him.  He is well known for his political activism and outspoken nature.  Many fans are very upset to see him go.

The advice to give these fans is this:  trust the Vikings.  They made an excellent decision with Blair Walsh that paid off very well last year.  Before sending the new Punter angry tweets or over reacting about Kluwe’s release, remember that the Vikings have a direction they want to go with this team and fans should just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe (5) during the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The clock is ticking on Punter Chris Kluwe.  At one time, he was one of the premier punters in the league, but lately his numbers have been sliding.  Last year, he was in the bottom half of the league in average net yards per punt, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg with Kluwe.  His off the field activities have many believing he is a distraction to the team and that his mind isn’t in the game.

December 4, 2011; Landover, MD, USA; New York Jets punter T.J. Conley (4) punts the ball against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. The Jets won 34-19. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

This offseason, the Vikings signed Free Agent Punter T.J. Conley to compete with him during training camp.  It was expected that the Vikings would bring in competition for Kluwe and the Conley filled that hole.  Conley was a free agent signed by the Vikings from the New York Jets.   It was believed he would enter camp as the primary competition to Kluwe to push him to focus and win the job from Conley.

During the Vikings prep work for the Draft, they brought in a couple Punters to work out.  Brad Wing from LSU and Jeff Locke from UCLA were two of the players that Minnesota took a look at.

Dec 31, 2011; San Francisco CA, USA; UCLA Bruins punter Jeff Locke (18) punts the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first quarter at AT

Then the surprise came.  In the 5th round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings selected Punter Jeff Locke from UCLA.  Locke is known for his left footed punting as well as his unique combination of power and accuracy.  With many other options available to the Vikings at this early point in the draft, they chose to address the Punter position.

With Kluwe scheduled to make $1.45 million this year and Conley slated to make $480,000, the real reason for this move may be the salary cap.  At the moment, the Vikings will be cutting it very closely financially when signing their drafted players to new contracts.  Drafting Jeff Locke and cutting Chris Kluwe and T.J. Conley will save the team approximately $1.5 million against the salary cap and allow a lot more breathing room or possibly allow the Vikings to pursue another free agent to bring in for training camp.

While many fans love Chris Kluwe, his stand on politics, and the music his band “Tripping Icarus” makes, people should prepare themselves for the Minnesota Vikings to move on this year without him.