Rick Spielman discusses the 3 trends of Minnesota Vikings free agency
By Adam Carlson
Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman discussed the 3 trends of free agency and how not to fall behind the other more aggressive NFL franchises.
As a Minnesota Vikings fan, free agency is a fun time. Several top players in the NFL become available for any team willing to open their wallet wide enough to bring them to their franchise for at least one season.
However, things are likely much different for the general managers. This is a stressful time where a great acquisition could lead to more success on the football field and a wrong move could set the franchise back for years.
Recently, Vikings general manager Rick Spielman spoke about three trends of free agency on the team’s official website. Here are the 3 of the most important steps in making the best of a crazy time period.
Step 1. Be prepared for the opening of free agency
Arranging visits can be an important part of free agency when it comes to evaluating a player’s fit with the team and character in the locker room. However. there is more information that general managers can get from this time period when setting up visits and opening communication with players.
"“A lot of times in that negotiating period between Tuesday and Wednesday, you have an idea of which positions are going to go flying off right away and some positions that you’re going to keep in contact with their agents but you have a sense of when that market is going to start to take off.”"
If a player already agreed to visits elsewhere, they could be hard to schedule a meeting for and that would show just how high of demand they are in and the team may have to start sweetening their offers.
Step 2. Take some risks on talent
Not all players in free agency are top talents or established stars. Some players need a new opportunity in a different place or another chance to show they have what it takes to succeed in the NFL. That also means that the player is more likely to grab a short deal with less pay to “prove it” to cash in on another big deal down the line.
"“What you’re seeing out there is if they think their market’s going to be — if they don’t think that they’re going to get the market that they thought they were going to get at the beginning — I know this is becoming an alternative, to do the one-year deals which are kind of like, a little bit of prove-it deals. You come in, have a great year, and then maybe the following year, you’re able to cash-in on a significant deal.”"
This is the kind of deal that Minnesota made with Datone Jones this offseason and found success previously with Tom Johnson and other players.
Step 3. Accept that there will be losses
NFL teams will miss out on free agent signings all the time. Players will choose different opportunities and choose other offers. Sadly, that also applies to teams holding on to their own players whose contracts are expiring.
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"“It’s very difficult when some of your players leave here, but they’re not going to fit financially into the plan that you have moving forward. I’ve been able to contact all of those players that have gone on, thank them for not only what they did on the field but what they did for us off the field while they were with our organization. I wish nothing but the best for them and their families as they move forward in their careers. All of them, for the most part, have responded back.””"
Parting on good terms is important for several reasons. Mostly, it is just a classy way to thank someone for their services and show appreciation for their time and effort. But it could also keep communication lines open and leave the door open for a potential future return.
Next: Vikings free agency tracker
Rick Spielman will continue to make moves in free agency that he feels can help push the Minnesota Vikings toward the Super Bowl. Whether or not it does result in success will have to be seen on the football field.