Vikings Free Agent Jasper Brinkley to Visit New York Giants Wednesday
Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jasper Brinkley (54) raises his arms during his introduction to the game with the Green Bay Packers at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
The top-tier free agents got the attention in the first day of NFL free agency, but now that the first day madness has calmed down, the rest of the pack can start exploring their options on the market.
One such player is Vikings free-agent linebacker, Jasper Brinkley.
Brinkley, who was the starting middle linebacker for the Vikings last year after missing the 2011 season with a hip injury, is looking to capitalize on his first shot at free agency.
"MLB Jasper Brinkley (Vikings) visiting the Giants today, per source.— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 13, 2013"
The Giants have a hole in the middle of their linebacking core as well with Chase Blackburn, last year’s starter in the middle, also available in free agency.
Brinkley is known for his powerful hitting, but he’s a liability in pass coverage and seemed to be losing his wallup toward the end of the 2012 season.
It’s hard enough paying a linebacker who really can’t cover, but paying a middle linebacker who can’t cover and isn’t even your best run-stopper is simply out of the question.
Surely the Vikings have a standing lowball offer out there for him, but chances are Brinkley will find a new home for 2013.
Could we soon be seeing Audi Cole in the starting lineup? Or dare I say it, Manti Teo?