Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Killing Time: No Cutler, No Nobody

The Broncos are insisting that Jay Cutler is not available for trade. Not really all that surprising (Let's be honest--there isn't a person in a front office position in any sport willing to take the risk of trading a 25 year old Pro Bowler under contract for three more years), but still disappointing. I guess it was a nice dream while it lasted.

And now that the dream has withered in the sun, the Vikings no longer have a chance to make a significant upgrade to their team via free agency. While they were busy pursuing Housh and Cutler (and resigning Jim Kleinsasser), almost every player they could have pursued signed somewhere else without even visiting Winter Park. And, if they're not careful, they might lose Matt Birk as well (though whether its a good idea to re-sign the 32 year old center is a whole other issue).

I liked that the Vikings' made a play for Housh and that they tried to trade for Cutler. And the Rosenfels trade does upgrade the quarterback position, even if it only brings it up to "slightly-below average". But the Vikings need to upgrade the right side of their offensive line, they need more depth at cornerback and defensive tackle and they need someone to return punts and possibly kicks (if they don't trust Darius Reynaud to stay healthy). And they haven't even hosted a single player that might address those needs.

It was obvious that the Vikings wouldn't be able to address all of their needs via free agency. But it was also obvious that they wouldn't be able to do so via the draft also (they just have too many needs). And at this point, it looks like the draft is the only option they have left, which means that, one year after a hugely successful foray into free agency, the Vikings failed to make any real improvements during free agency because they didn't try hard enough.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Favre, Tauscher, Engram and draft.

TBird41 said...

You like 'em old and beat up, don't you?

Favre has a torn bicep that requires surgery for him to play again. He's not coming to Minnesota (and we don't want him to because he's old, injury prone and uncoachable at this point in career). So let's stop pretending he is.

Tauscher's 32 and coming off ACL surgery and is at best a one year fix, while Engram is 36 and missed 8 weeks (and 3 games) with a shoulder injury.

Thauscher and Engram might be upgrades, they might not be, but they're definitely Twins Style bargain basement additions.

Anonymous said...

Beggars can't be choosers. You will be proven wrong when the Vikes sign Favre. Favre, Tauscher and Engram are the best the Vikings can hope for as fill-ins until they can develop their younger players including those obtained in the draft this year. They should develop Booty and Sidney Rice, and draft a tackle and cornerback.

Anonymous said...
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Chris said...

"And, if they're not careful, they might lose Matt Birk as well (though whether its a good idea to re-sign the 32 year old center is a whole other issue)."

Looks like they weren't careful...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/03/04/ravens.ap/index.html?eref=si_topstories

...John Sullivan, come on down! *sigh*

Anonymous said...

I wonder if Favre would be willing to compete for the starting job as Chilly’s 4th QB? That should assure everyone that the Vikings are doing the best they can to win the super bowl.