Vikings set to go on a shopping spree

By Krupka  |   Tuesday, March 07, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Minnesota Vikings
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Minnesota Vikings Owner Zygi Wilf has vowed to build a Super Bowl contending team and bring a championship to Minnesota. In this, his first offseason as the owner, he has plenty of cap space to begin turning that promise into a reality.

With the exception of last year, the organization has rarely delved into the free agent market to sign premier players. With new ownership it will no longer be that way. The Vikings find themselves $24 million under the salary cap and are expected to build upon last season's additions of FS Darren Sharper, DT Pat Williams, and CB Fred Smoot to the defense.

Front office guru Rob Brzezinski has done a tremendous job over the years evaluating talent, signing players and building up plenty of cap space for future moves. The time for future moves seems to be now as Wilf has demonstrated his desire to bring in some marquee players.

There are rumors circulating around the possibility of adding a running back. The Vikings have been rumored to be interested in Edgerrin James and Maurice Morris. James is the bigger name of the two and more costly. He would be a tremendous pickup but the money he will demand could be spent better elsewhere.

The most logical choice for the Vikings outside of drafting a running back would be to sign Morris. He was the backup in Seattle to MVP Shaun Alexander. Morris is very high on the Vikings offseason wish list and could flourish if given the opportunity to start.

Another big need that the Vikings have is at linebacker. The long list of possibilities includes LaVar Arrington, Julian Peterson, Rob Morris, Rocky Calmus, Will Witherspoon, and Akin Ayodele among others. Peterson is an intriguing option as he could be had for a decent price. He has been slowed by injuries the past couple years, but a change in scenery could be all he needs to regain his Pro Bowl form. Witherspoon will likely command too much money as he is the top weak side linebacker available. There are rumblings around the league that the Vikings will sign former Chargers linebacker Ben Leber. If they sign Leber, it will unlikely be the only move they make at the linebacker position. It's even plausible that Sam Cowart could be brought back.

Since Day One of the Brad Childress era, the goal has been to improve the offensive line. Number one on the Vikings wish list is New Orleans Saints G/C LeCharles Bentley. Bentley would be an enormous upgrade over the revolving door at the guard position last year which saw Chris Liwienski, Adam Goldberg, Anthony Herrera, and Marcus Johnson all start.

Starting SS Corey Chavous has been told by the team that he can test the free agent market. Chavous has said he would welcome a return to the team. In his four seasons as the starter in Minnesota Chavous has played well racking up 254 tackles, 14 interceptions, and making the pro bowl in 2003. If Chavous goes elsewhere the Vikings could give second year man Dustin Fox a chance or look to Lance Schulters, Tank Williams and Ifeanyi Ohalete as possible pickups in free agency.

With all of the possibilities that are opening up in terms of wheeling and dealing, it should be another exciting off season for the Vikings and their fans as anything is possible with the amount of money they have available to spend.

- Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com
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