The Viking Age » dontarrious thomas

Free Agent Rumblings, Rumors and Regurgitations

Dan Zinski — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:18:44 +0000

The NFL‘s free agent signing period – the Christmas shopping season for football teams – begins in two days. So far there hasn’t been a lot of big buzz around the Vikings, despite their being well under the cap, and despite Zygi Wilf‘s known willingness to open up the pocket book. Part of the reason for this lack of buzz is that the Vikes simply don’t have that many big holes to fill – an enviable position to be in, but sort of a bummer for those who enjoy the NFL’s version of the hot stove league even more than they like the actual games. Another problem is that, frankly, there aren’t that many guys worth getting jazzed about, at least not at positions where the Vikes might want to upgrade. The biggest needs would seem to be at offensive tackle and cornerback…unfortunately, all the good corners and tackles have been re-signed by their old teams, leaving just a lot of second-tier names, has-beens and unestablished types. Some would argue that the Vikes need receiver help too – that’s where the name T.J. Houshmandzadeh would come up, except that no one expects the Vikes to shell out that kind of money for a wide-out just a year after doing the same for Bernard Berrian.

So, in short, it looks like the Vikes won’t be big players when the 27th rolls around and team executives’ cell phones start lighting up. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few rumors to discuss. First, there are the Vikings’ own free agents, and where they currently stand:

Matt Birk – A month ago it looked like Birk was gone. Hell, two weeks ago it looked like he was gone. Now all of a sudden the team is said to be negotiating with him. It’s not hard to figure out why the Vikes would suddenly do a 180 on Birk – all you have to do is look at the crop of potential free agent centers. Birk might be the best guy on the market, and if he can be had for a reasonable price, why the hell not bring him back?

Jim Kleinsasser – It’s hard to imagine anyone actually coveting Kleinsasser. However, there are rumblings that the Jacksonville Jaguars – where Mike Tice is still on the staff – could try to lure the veteran blocking tight end. Chilly says he wants Jimmy back and I would wager he stays.

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Thin on the D-Line

Dan Zinski — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:32:06 +0000

The Vikings will go into today’s game very thin on the defensive line. We already knew Ray Edwards was going to be out with an injured knee he suffered last week, and now it’s been announced that Pat Williams will not be able to go either because of his injured shoulder. Fred Evans will start at defensive tackle and Brian Robison, who’s had his own knee issues, will take Edwards’ place at left defensive end. Dontarrious Thomas, Marcus Johnson, Darius Reynaud and Letroy Guion are the other Vikings inactives. The Eagles will have to go without guard Shawn Andrews and tight end L.J. Smith.

And the Starter at Middle Linebacker is…

Dan Zinski — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 16:18:57 +0000

Vinny Ciurciu. Not Napoleon Harris or Dontarrious Thomas. David Herron is officially out. And so is Erin Henderson – as in out the door. Waived. Replaced on the roster by Rufus Alexander. We started the season with two Henderson brothers and now we have none. I expect the Bears to be passing a lot today [...]

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