2015 Offseason - Free Agent/Draft Tracker

[frosted]

Go get him! He is being released too, so not a UFA, meaning he doesn't count against compensatory pick formula.

He's gonna be a Viking, I can feel it.


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[GQVikesFan]

Mike Garafolo ‏@MikeGarafolo 7m7 minutes ago
One of the gems of last year's class. RT @NFLSTROUD: The #Bucs will release DE Michael Johnson by 4 pm today.


Cian Fahey ‏@Cianaf 9m9 minutes ago
Michael Johnson's potential landing spots are obviously the Vikings and Bengals.

[GQVikesFan]

Michael Johnson - DL - Free Agent
Bucs will release DE Michael Johnson.
They're giving up on Johnson just after just one season into a "five-year, $45 million" deal. Along with LT Anthony Collins -- also released -- Johnson was a complete flop in Tampa Bay last season, battling a high ankle sprain, not giving full effort when healthy, and managing four sacks across 14 games. Assuming his price tag is low -- and it figures to be after Johnson put so much bad play on tape last season -- the Bengals are expected to be interested in a reunion. We also wouldn't rule out former Cincinnati DC Mike Zimmer's Vikings giving Johnson a long look.

[Mothman]

Go get that flop!

Sorry, I can't get excited about Michael Johnson after watching him last year. I suspect he'd cost more than he's worth... even after being a dud for the Bucs.

[dead_poet]

Go get that flop!

Sorry, I can't get excited about Michael Johnson after watching him last year. I suspect he'd cost more than he's worth... even after being a dud for the Bucs.

He had no trouble producing for Zimmer. *shrug*

Maybe he needs motivation. $$ and the right attitude adjuster. Cincy is more desperate than we are for pass rushers, though. He's only 28 and would be a nice rotational upgrade (and we know how much Zimmer likes his defensive line rotations).

[The Breeze]

It's an interesting proposition. He definitely chased the money and flopped. An attractive talent but is he the right mindframe for this young team?

I have visions of a new era of PPE under Zimmer just destroying pockets and pummeling QBs for a good decade.

[vatusay]

Please go get him Spielman. He will play for Zimmer.

Make it an incentive laden contract. Everson and Johnson would be scary. (if Johnson produces like he did for zimmer in the past)

[frosted]

@christomasson: Source close to Michael Johnson says a good chance Vikings to be in running to sign defensive end Also Bengals in mix


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[Vikings28]

I understand the reservations about Johnson after he didn't live up to that contract. However, he's still relatively young and has been very successful in Zimmer's defense before. Robison is 32 years old, wasn't very good last season, and history would tell us his play will likely get worse as he gets older. I think bringing in Johnson and having Robison take on a lesser workload will really help the defense.

[808vikingsfan]

Johnson started off strong but it really sounds like he was playing hurt most of the season. I'd take a good look at him. The Vikings pass rush really dropped off in the 2nd half of the season. They need to upgrade or add more depth.
Michael Johnson playing through injury

[Vikings28]

Not a shocker but Ian Rapoport was just on NFL Network and he said the Vikings and Bengals will be interested in Johnson once he officially becomes a free agent.

[The Breeze]

Traipsing into the hypothetical:

How does Johnson fit in? I would think he starts opposite Griffin. Where does that put Robison? Would they platoon... a trade?
Does Robison have trade value with his current contract, which I think is a bit high?

[Vikings28]

Traipsing into the hypothetical:

How does Johnson fit in? I would think he starts opposite Griffin. Where does that put Robison? Would they platoon... a trade?
Does Robison have trade value with his current contract, which I think is a bit high?

I doubt he has any trade value. Zimmer likes to keep guys fresh so Robison could still get a lot of snaps. Maybe he takes on the Wootton role.

[Mothman]

I doubt he has any trade value. Zimmer likes to keep guys fresh so Robison could still get a lot of snaps. Maybe he takes on the Wootton role.

If they can get him for a price equivalent to that role, that would be fine.

[DK Sweets]

I think keeping Robison makes sense regardless. It gives Johnson somebody that he would have to beat out, and it keeps another rusher available to keep guys fresh.