2013 Free Agent Tracker & Discussion

[The Breeze]

Amendola to the Pats

http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/i ... ts-sources

[dead_poet]

Little odd, but it's not dramatic. Still, more than I was expecting. Clear the Vikings view his struggles as mostly (mystery) injury-related

Jerome Simpson endued a rough first season with the Minnesota Vikings.

They gave him a raise anyway.

Simpson's one-year contract is worth $2.1 million, an NFL source said on Thursday. That's up from his $2 million last season, of which he collected a little more than $1.6 million.

The new deal includes a $500,000 signing bonus and $250,000 workout bonus, with the rest tied up in a $1.35 million base salary.

Unlike last season, there are no per-game roster bonuses, despite the fact Simpson, 27, had trouble staying healthy in 2012.

The Vikings thought they had a short-term answer at split end when they signed Simpson last April. But he served a three-game drug suspension, suffered a back injury the week after he returned and finished with only 26 catches for 274 yards and no touchdowns.

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Viki ... onus031413

[The Breeze]

Little odd, but it's not dramatic. Still, more than I was expecting. Clear the Vikings view his struggles as mostly (mystery) injury-related
http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Viki ... onus031413

I'm a little shocked he got a raise as opposed to less money...

[dead_poet]

I'm a little shocked he got a raise as opposed to less money...

There's probably $250,000-$500,000 worth of desperation in there. After last season he wouldn't have had much of a market, but with where things stand now the Vikings really couldn't afford NOT to have him.

[The Breeze]

There's probably $250,000-$500,000 worth of desperation in there. After last season he wouldn't have had much of a market, but with where things stand now the Vikings really couldn't afford NOT to have him.

I was hoping he'd get what he earned last year for this year, then have an opportunity this year to earn what he got paid last year.
I suppose it doesn't work out that way.

But, good for him getting a raise. I hope he feels like he owes us some significant improvement in spite of it.

[PurpleKoolaid]

Little odd, but it's not dramatic. Still, more than I was expecting. Clear the Vikings view his struggles as mostly (mystery) injury-related
http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Viki ... onus031413

And yet they wouldnt even work with Winfield, a 10 year vet. They simply said, dont let the door (where he was in workouts with his teamates) hit you on the way out. I guess once you get to be a certain age class means nothing. JA better start looking behind his back.

[Cliff]

And yet they wouldnt even work with Winfield, a 10 year vet. They simply said, dont let the door (where he was in workouts with his teamates) hit you on the way out. I guess once you get to be a certain age class means nothing. JA better start looking behind his back.

That's assuming they only wanted to rearrange Winfield's salary by 500k. It's like they were millions of dollars apart ... that' simply not as easily fixed.

[Demi]

That's assuming they only wanted to rearrange Winfield's salary by 500k. It's like they were millions of dollars apart ... that' simply not as easily fixed.

Big difference between a part time player getting 7 million, and a full time starter being paid 2.

[PurpleJarl]

Big difference between a part time player getting 7 million, and a full time starter being paid 2.

Agreed. I loved and still love Winfield. But there is almost no way he was going to produce at a level that deserved that salary. If it turns out the disagreement was over a few hundred thousand (sounds sad to throw that number around, looking at my bills right now) then for shame on the Vikings org. More than likely though it was a couple million, which can add up and set bad precedent. Rather just draft a CB stud and find our next 10+ year viking CB.

[Demi]

Brinkley signed with Cardinals for 2 years.

Thank GOD.

Now let's get someone in there who can drop into coverage! And maybe not have to be replaced on passing downs, FINALLY.

[Eli]

The Arizona Cardinals have signed Jasper Brinkley. That leaves Devin Aromashodu, Marvin Mitchell and Geoff Schwartz as the only Viking UFAs still unsigned.

Mike Garafolo ‏@MikeGarafolo
LB Jasper Brinkley to the Cardinals. 2-year deal.

[dead_poet]

Geoff Schwartz - T - Vikings

The Chiefs are expected to sign free agent G/T Geoff Schwartz.

Schwartz was a 16-game starter in 2010 for the Panthers, but missed all of 2011 due to hip surgery and then lost his 2012 starting job with the Vikings to Brandon Fusco. Still, he's just 26 years old, can play multiple positions on the line and handles himself well in the running game. It's another quality move from the new Andy Reid regime.
Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

[dead_poet]

The Arizona Cardinals have signed Jasper Brinkley. That leaves Devin Aromashodu, Marvin Mitchell and Geoff Schwartz as the only Viking UFAs still unsigned.

Mike Garafolo ‏@MikeGarafolo
LB Jasper Brinkley to the Cardinals. 2-year deal.

As it stands, we'll likely have a WR/LB at #23 and #25. Depending on who's available, of course. Both positions are presently crippled.

[Mothman]

As it stands, we'll likely have a WR/LB at #23 and #25. Depending on who's available, of course. Both positions are presently crippled.

As it stands, yes, but the landscape could change quite a bit between now and the draft (and even during the draft) so who knows? We'll probably have a better idea in a few weeks but I won't be surprised if one of those picks actually gets traded and they end up with an extra R2 pick and more.

[Eli]

As it stands, yes, but the landscape could change quite a bit between now and the draft (and even during the draft) so who knows? We'll probably have a better idea in a few weeks but I won't be surprised if one of those picks actually gets traded and they end up with an extra R2 pick and more.

You think they may trade _down_ out of the first round to pick up another 2nd rounder and additional picks? That would be bold. I don't see it, but who knows...