Minnesota Vikings unlikely to use franchise/transition tag
By Adam Carlson
The Minnesota Vikings are unlikely to use their franchise or transition tags on any impending unrestricted free agents during the 2016 NFL offseason.
With all the of the talented young players on the Minnesota Vikings during the 201 NFL season, it is hard to believe that there are no potential free agent players that warrant using the franchise or transition tag this offseason.
The major reason no players should be considered for the tag is because both the Vikings first round picks in the 2012 NFL Draft were given fifth year options which allow Minnesota to work our a long-term deal or release with the player with no damage done to the salary cap. Negotiations are likely to happen between the team and both Matt Kalil and Harrison Smith before their options are exercised.
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A couple other selections from that draft have either already been given extensions. Wide receiver Jarius Wright and kicker Blair Walsh have already gotten a bigger payday before this offseason.
Here is a list of unrestricted free agents who might be looking for an extension before the start of the 2016 NFL season for the Minnesota Vikings:
- Matt Asiata, running back
- Robert Blanton, safety
- Audie Cole, linebacker
- Kenrick Ellis, defensive tackle
- Rhett Ellison, tight end
- Chad Greenway, linebacker
- Mike Harris, offensive line
- Casey Matthews, linebacker
- Josh Robinson, cornerback
- Terence Newman, cornerback
- Andrew Sendejo, safety
- Marcus Sherels, special teams
- Justin Trattou, defensive end
- Jason Trusnik, linebacker
Sadly, several of these players may not be back with the Minnesota Vikings for the 2016 NFL season. Others may find themselves getting a deal with the team, but none should be considered for a payday equal to the average of a top-5 player at their position.
Next: 5 free agents who should return to the Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings will be moving indoors for the 2016 season at U.S. Bank Stadium where they will hope to improve upon their NFC North championship season and Wild Card playoff berth. Hopefully, the team can assemble the best possible team to accomplish that feat, even if they decide not to use the franchise or transition tag.