Vikings Free Agency Preview

The last several free agency periods have seen the Vikings go on spending bonanzas, acquiring marquee targets such as Darren Sharper and Steven Hutchinson, along with throwing a lot of money at unproven veterans such as Chester Taylor and Visanthe Shiancoe. The 2008 free agency period opens up on February 29th and with plenty of cap space the Vikings are sure to be a major player once again. The Chiefs franchised Jared Allen, who would have likely been the Vikings top target had he reached the market, but there are still plenty of guys available who could fill some of the team's holes.


Justin Smith (Defensive End-28)

-Smith is not the elite pass rusher that Jared Allen is, but he has racked up 43.5 sacks in 7 seasons with the Bengals and has tallied 8 or more three times. With the recent news of Kenechi Udeze's leukemia, the Vikings are in the market for a DE and even with a healthy Udeze the Vikings pass rush from their ends has been abysmal. Erasmus James cannot stay healthy on the right side and a good pass rush is essential to take the Purple's D to the next level. Smith has a good motor and is an intriguing option on the free agent market.


Asante Samuel (Cornerback-27)

-Samuel is the best cornerback on the market and his stock has risen after being the Patriots top cover man for past few seasons. Antoine Winfield's days in purple may be numbered and both Cedric Griffin and Marcus McCauley could use some more seasoning before taking on the role of #1 corner. Samuel will likely be looking for a payday similar to Nate Clement's 8 year, 80 million dollar deal from last offseason, so the price may be too steep. Minnesota will likely inquire about his services though, and he would strengthen a pass defense that has been amongst the worst in the NFL the past 2 seasons.


Bernard Berrian (Wide Receiver-27)

-The Bears have already started negotiating with Berrian, but if he hits the market he will be the most sought after WR. A speedy deep threat, Berrian would be the perfect compliment to last year's 2nd rounder Sidney Rice. It might be tough to convince Berrian to catch passes from Tarvaris Jackson, especially after he has spent the past two seasons chasing errant throws from Rex Grossman, but Berrian's likely to be a top target for Vikings management.


Willie Anderson (Offensive Tackle-32)

-The Vikings have already invested a lot of money in their offensive line by giving huge contracts to both Steve Hutchinson and Bryant Mckinnie, but Ryan Cook has been a human turnstile at right tackle and is probably better suited to move back inside to center as a backup to Matt Birk. Anderson missed most of 2007 with a foot injury, but for many years he was one of the best tackles in the game, and if he still has gas left in the tank he could provide a boost to what is already a good offensive line.

D.J. Hackett (Wide Receiver, 26)

-Wide Receiver is sure to be a focal point for the Vikings this offseason as they need more weapons to help Jackson develop at QB. Hackett is an athletic WR who is great in the redzone. He's had problems staying healthy, but if he is on the field he would easily become one of the Vikings most talented pass catchers.