inmate running the asylum Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 Vikings: Bargain hunting the theme of NFL free agency Mark Craig - Star Tribune Published February 29, 2004 VIKE0229 Free agency begins Wednesday with fewer NFL teams than ever believing they can simply buy the Lombardi Trophy. "We've tried the aggressive spending before," Carolina Panthers General Manager Marty Hurney said, "and it didn't work." That's not to say some owners won't continue writing big checks for the biggest stars available. Washington's Dan Snyder is expected to dive in, wallet blazing, even though his aggressive approach hasn't worked before. Other owners are exercising fiscal caution and a commitment to their team's system. It's a plan Carolina rode to its first Super Bowl and New England to its second Super Bowl title in three seasons. "We don't profess to have all the answers," said Scott Pioli, New England's vice president of player personnel. "But we've got the answers for us." The Vikings' philosophy in free agency is similar because owner Red McCombs insists on bargain hunting, even when his team is well below the league salary cap. The Vikings are more than $19 million below the $80.6 million cap. Only Baltimore and Philadelphia, both of which are about $23 million under the cap, are believed to have more money to spend on free agency and the draft. New Orleans has about the same amount to spend as the Vikings. Whether the Vikings choose to make a big splash in free agency is uncertain. Their history suggests they won't, but they also are closer to contending for a title and might go after a top cornerback or a pass rusher. McCombs didn't return phone calls for this story. Coach Mike Tice and team executives are keeping their plans quiet for competitive reasons. But even if the Vikings decide to compete financially for a top player, they won't do so blindly and with no regard to the type of talent -- and personality -- they will be taking on. "Chasing players in the big market in free agency doesn't always work out, which is why we try to find the right people who fit in with what we're trying to do and who want to be here," said Rob Brzezinski, vice president of football operations. "That's what we've done the last three years. That's how we've ended up getting players like [Kenny] Mixon, [Corey] Chavous, [Greg] Biekert and [Ken] Irvin." The Vikings' top priority in free agency is retaining tight end Jim Kleinsasser. They are trying to re-sign him before free agency begins, but the potential promise of a more lucrative deal from Washington might prevent that. The Vikings also will be looking for a No. 2 receiver, an outside linebacker, a punter, an offensive lineman and possibly a placekicker. "I think there is some strength [in free agency]," Tice said. "It's kind of got everything you're looking for." 'A copycat league' The Panthers were desperate for a running back and a quarterback last offseason. But not so desperate they didn't wait for the initial free agent signing frenzy to settle before snatching running back Stephen Davis and quarterback Jake Delhomme. The total in signing bonuses to both players was $4 million, a pittance for two starters in today's market. It's also a reversal from a few years ago when Carolina dealt two first-round picks for Sean Gilbert and then gave him $47 million in salary and bonuses. While Carolina was adding offense last offseason, New England beefed up its defense by signing linebacker Rosevelt Colvin and safety Rodney Harrison. Harrison had an outstanding season and was a leader on the league's best defense. Colvin played only two games before hurting his hip, but he is expected to contribute in 2005. The combined cap value for Harrison and Colvin was only $2.7 million in 2003 and $5.2 million in 2004. A lot of teams have that much wrapped up in one starter of that caliber at those positions. "We are a copycat league in how people do things," said A.J. Smith, San Diego Chargers executive vice president and general manager. "New England gets a lot of attention for the low-price free agents they've hit on, while other teams have spent a lot of money on free agents who don't work out. If you've won a Super Bowl, you can bet all eyes are on how you did it." Pioli said the key is precisely defining each position and targeting players who mesh with the personalities of the head coach and leaders on the team. "If someone in free agency can't handle how the head coach operates, he won't work out," Pioli said. "It doesn't matter who he is or what you give him. It just doesn't work." Easier said than done One of the keys to Patriots coach Bill Belichick's success, especially defensively, is finding versatile players who fill specific roles. Rarely, if ever, does an established star free agent fit that mold. "Their defense is so different because of the [Mike] Vrabels and [Willie] McGinests and [Tedy] Bruschis and [Dan] Kleckos," Colts coach Tony Dungy said. "Those guys aren't easy to find. It's even harder to find guys who are willing to do it." Free agency has changed since it began in 1993. As teams have become more familiar with managing the salary cap, fewer impact players who are still in the prime of their careers have been exposed to free agency. Franchise and transition tags also keep the best players not under contract from becoming unrestricted free agents. "More and more, you're seeing teams realize the best bet is to keep your own guys," said Rod Graves, Cardinals vice president of football operations. "That's had ramifications on the quality of players in free agency." The 'restricted market' Some coaches and personnel officials say they wonder if more teams will make runs at restricted free agents this offseason. Teams can match offers to their restricted free agents, and receive compensatory draft picks if they don't. Teams can tender their restricted free agents three ways. The top tender is $1.8 million and comes with compensatory picks in the first and third rounds. The next tender is $1.368 million and comes with a compensatory first-round pick. The other tender is $628,000 and comes with a compensatory pick commensurate to the round in which the player entered the league. Last offseason, Washington signed restricted free-agent receiver Laveranues Coles away from the Jets, who declined to match the seven-year, $55 million offer. Although restricted free agents don't offer the name recognition of a Warren Sapp or a Troy Vincent, they are younger and more likely to be healthier and play longer. "Teams will be forever driven by trying to find impact players," Atlanta General Manager Rich McKay said. "They're hard to find, so the truly elite players will always be coveted and therefore there will always be big contracts seeking those free agents. "But," McKay added, "what we've seen recently with the Patriots and Panthers is just how important your overall team concept is." Mark Craig is at mcraig@startribune.com. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skins26 Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 He was my pick for the first guy we sign. yes..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Die Hard Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 This signing would get me excited. Real excited. Perhaps moreso than Portis. It just accentuates that Portis trade all that much more. And my expectations for this offense would be through the roof. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldskool Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 If we can sign Kleinsasser, get Chamberlin on some crystal metha.. er.. on a diet and add them to Royals, we would have a very solid squad of blocking and receiving TE's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisbob74 Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 I also feel Bryan Johnson could be a surprise at H-Back/TE if he does stay, he will suit this type of offense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 Originally posted by Chrisbob74 I also feel Bryan Johnson could be a surprise at H-Back/TE if he does stay, he will suit this type of offense. agreed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldskool Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 Originally posted by Chrisbob74 I also feel Bryan Johnson could be a surprise at H-Back/TE if he does stay, he will suit this type of offense. I think that Johnson can be converted to an H-Back/TE and that would leave Cartwright as our FB/3rd and short RB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugs' Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 From what I understand about Kleinsasser is that he is in the top five in the NFL as far as blocking TE's are concerned. That of course would fit in well with Gibbs's offense. And I like the talk about using Bryan Johnson as an H-Back in Gibb's system. I don't like the talk of keeping Big Byron Chamberlain. I think he is lazy and will ***** when he only gets 20 catches a season.:nopity: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsbadd Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 I like this guy but don't we need some help on the other side of the ball? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rypien 91 Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 I like the idea of Kleinsasser at TE. He's big, tough and durable. Living in NC, don't get to see many Vikings games, but does anybody know how good a blocker he is? I am assuming a decent one, cause if he wasn't, somebody would have started a new thread on why we should not pick him up, cause of his blocking! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugs' Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 Originally posted by carlsbadd I like this guy but don't we need some help on the other side of the ball? We do need a lot of D-line help for sure, but we also need to address the tight end position. It won't be a huge cap hit and we have to get some better blocking in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cole Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 Why would we pay big money to a blocking tight end, particularly with our needs on the d-line? Those guys come very cheaply, as would an undersized tight end to play h-back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugs' Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 We have to put it in perspective though...big money to a blocking TE is a lot different than big money for lets say a DT...I'm guessing here but I think we could get Kleinsasser for around 1-2 million a year against the cap.:thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisbob74 Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 Originally posted by ladybugs We have to put it in perspective though...big money to a blocking TE is a lot different than big money for lets say a DT...I'm guessing here but I think we could get Kleinsasser for around 1-2 million a year against the cap.:thumbsup: Depends how any deal is structured. I would say he is seeking a deal averaging $3M per year but as most deals are backloaded I dare say he could have a cap figure of arounds $1.5-2M for the first couple of seasons. My guess is he would want something like 5 years $15M, $5M up front! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugs' Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 I just remember how important Donnie Warren was to the skins....the blocking TE in Gibbs's system is one of the "Hogs"...so I say go after whoever is the best blocking TE available, plus he can catch some too, which will set-up some play-action. I really don't think 2 million a year is that big of a hit for a position so important to Gibbs's offense.:2cents: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panel Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 He thinks that he is going to get some super $. He is going to try to rob us, he sees we have some cap space, and that we are interested. He won't sign unless he screws us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugs' Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 Well, if thats the case I hope the Skins pass on him....I don't want us to be screwed by signing him but I think if we can get him for a reasonable salary (whatever one of the five best blocking TE's should get) then we should go for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopper Dave Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 He isn't one of the 5 best... from what I've heard and seen of him, he is THE best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tmac1577 Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 Joe gibbs's Offensive scheme relies on a big blocking tight end as much as it does runningback and I agree with ladybugs you can pay Kleinsasser top tight end money and he will still have a low cap number like 1 or 2 mill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bnacpa Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 Kleinsasser is looking for at least $3M a season or more. That is the franchise amount that he would get hit with if Min had tagged him. He has said that he wants that kind of money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjinhan Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 i know Gibbs uses blocking TEs a lot but how special do they need to be a blocking? 3 mil per year special? or just vet minimum blue collared blocker special? i have the same kind of a question about the RB position also even though that is a different story and thread... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NavyDave Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 Man having a 2nd rounder to grab a Ben Watson would ve been the best move. This draft has the mini hogs at the TE position and we will miss out on them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 Well size sure isn't an issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldskool Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 Originally posted by NavyDave Man having a 2nd rounder to grab a Ben Watson would ve been the best move. This draft has the mini hogs at the TE position and we will miss out on them. If we trade out of #5 we can get Watson.... Ive been saying this all along. We need multiple picks not just one "superstar" pick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinsNorth Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 Watson would be a good option if we aquired a few more picks. Kleinsasser still wants quite a bit of money for essentially a blocking TE if the $3 million/yr rumor is true. I think Titan TE Erron Kinney may offer better value & he is more well rounded player than Kleinsasser. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.