Dec. 18, 2011; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Pierre Garcon (85) tries to get some crowd noise during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory credit: Michael Hickey-US PRESSWIRE

What do we make of Rick Spielman’s vaunted plan in light of Jeremy Fowler’s report that the Vikings were in on Pierre Garcon? Fowler says that, contrary to Spielman’s protestations of voluntary frugality, the Vikings were one of the last three teams still bidding on Garcon when Washington gave him that utterly stupid $42.5 million/$21.5 million guaranteed contract.

In other words, the Vikings would’ve been perfectly happy to go against their stated principles had Garcon been willing to take less money than what Washington offered. Is everything Rick Spielman says a smokescreen? If he orders cole slaw at a restaurant does he really want cottage cheese?

If I didn’t know better I’d swear the Vikings were a little embarrassed by their current backwater status. Just three years ago they were arguably the sexiest organization in the league, thanks to Adrian Peterson and Brett Favre. Now they’re the Buffalo Bills.

Were I the Vikings I wouldn’t be too sad about missing out on Garcon. He has Bernard Berrian written all over him. But that’s not really the point is it? The point is, every time Rick Spielman makes a statement that’s contradicted by known reality, he looks like a bigger idiot. I guess he didn’t read Tom Powers’ scathing satirical column the other day. Otherwise he’d know to just be quiet.

I want to like you Rick.  Didn’t I give you credit for being honest about the Remi Ayodele thing? Don’t make me regret my tiny investment of faith, Rick. Just admit you wanted Garcon and got out-bid by an insane owner. And don’t talk about the plan anymore. The plan is giving me a headache.

Like The Viking Age on Facebook.
Follow Dan Zinski on Twitter.

Dec. 4, 2011; Glendale, AZ, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end (80) Martellus Bennett against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

A quick speculation round-up to brighten this dreary (for many of us) winter day…

Carl Nicks will almost surely not be a free agent target for the Vikings. He definitely won’t if the Saints franchise tag him. And the Saints might very well franchise tag him. And Mr. Nicks is not happy about this.

And now more Vincent Jackson speculation. The Redskins are now being mentioned as a landing spot for the free agent receiver. It makes sense especially if they trade up and draft Robert Griffin III. Young QBs need receiving targets the same as old QBs. Paging Mr. Spielman…

If the Vikings don’t bring back Visanthe Shiancoe, how about they bring in Martellus Bennett? He backed up the original Jason Witten in Dallas, now he could back up the new Jason Witten aka Kyle Rudolph. Okay I realize he’s a bit of a headcase but he’s a better blocker than Shank and he can catch if you need him to.

Peter King says Pierre Garcon turned down the Colts’ contract offer because he wants to see where Peyton Manning ends up first. Peyton ain’t coming to Minnesota so I guess that means Pierre ain’t either.

Mayock Section

Mike Mayock thinks Janoris “Baby Daddy” Jenkins is a first round talent. Character issues could force Jenkins out of the first round though. Which would give the Vikings a chance to draft him. If they don’t mind taking a chance on a guy who has more red flags than a May Day parade.

Like The Viking Age on Facebook.
Follow Dan Zinski on Twitter.

Reggie Wayne(87)Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-US PRESSWIRE

As we all continue to debate which free agent wide receiver we want to see in a Minnesota Vikings jersey in 2012, the names most frequently mentioned are Vincent Jackson and Dwayne Bowe.  While both are wonderful targets, let me throw a name at you that is almost being forgotten:  Reggie Wayne.  Thanks to the Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay, apparently wanting to move in a different direction, and showing more interest in re-signing Colts wide-out Pierre Garcon, it seems Reggie Wayne will most likely be a free agent who is up for grabs.  Sure when you think about the incredible size and talents of V-Jax, maybe Wayne isn’t the “sexier” option to shoot for…but maybe he’s a little more realistic of an option.  As I mentioned (more…)