Go after Victor Cruz?

[Mothman]

This is exactly what I think will happen. I also add JC and JS into the mix of being able to improve. Not saying they’ll be pro bowlers, but they were both injured this year. It seems reasonable that if healthy their production will increase. As you said, it is all about Ponder’s development, but in December we saw flashes from JS as well as Ponder. Consistency is of course the elusive goal.

Simpson showed flashes of competence in December but he continued to cut routes off early, which was really frustrating. That said, I think he averaged 3 catches a game that month, which is better than he was doing prior to December.

I look at the roster for WR & TE and I think if they carry 6 WR there is room for maybe 1-3 new guys. 3 if Childs is done and they shed Jenkins and Aroma. I think they’ll retain JS and JW isn’t going anywhere. If Childs comes back, it comes down to who replaced MJ and DA. My guess is they’ll keep Jenkins as a role player.

I see room for 4 new WRs, which admittedly would be a lot. Sadly, I don't expect Childs to make the roster, although it would be nice if he came back strong. Burton and Aromashodu should be gone. Jenkins will either be gone or re-signed at a lower price. Simpson should be available for another one year deal at a low price. IF they re-sign him or Jenkins, I hope they face enough quality competition to really have to fight for an earn roster spots. I'd rather see the Vikes go in another direction.

Honestly, I'd be delighted if the Vikings began next year with Harvin, Wright and 3-4 good, new WRs. I think it's possible they could find upgrades over Simpson, Jenkins, Aromashodu and Burton and I hope that's their goal.

One name that hasn't been mentioned much is Chris Summers, a 6' 5" WR who was on the practice squad this year. Summers is a developmental prospect from a small school (Liberty) and he spent last spring and summer with the Bears. I don't think he has future star written all over him or anything but if I'm not mistaken, he remained on the PS all season so the Vikings may see him as a player with a chance to make the 53 man roster next season...

... then again, maybe not. I just thought I'd mention him as a player who may be in the WR mix next summer.

[J. Kapp 11]

Percy Harvin is a versatile, explosive playmaker on a football field. No doubt about it.

But I doubt there are two NFL scouts who would say he's a better RECEIVER than Victor Cruz.

I guess it all depends on what you want in a receiver. Not that it matters. Cruz isn't going anywhere.

[Tark10]

Been a Viking fan for 42 yrs. Also been a Giant fan for 42 yrs. Victor Cruz will be resigned by New York. He is also a slot receiver which isn't what the Vikes need. If any of you want to snoop, google New York Giants BBI (Big Blue Ineractive). It is a very good fan site independent of the organization. The Vikes had a chance to grab Vincent Jackson last year, and didn't. I've looked at the top free agent receivers and nothing excites me this year. A salary cap fatality or draft choice may be the best bet. I think Harvin is more gifted then Cruz. Keep him in the slot, and utilize all his skills. Draft a burner to stretch the defense. I'll be interested what Mothman thinks about this. I watched all the Giant games the last two years. Cruz is a young, gifted receiver, but a lot of that is because of Eli Manning.

[Mothman]

Been a Viking fan for 42 yrs. Also been a Giant fan for 42 yrs. Victor Cruz will be resigned by New York. He is also a slot receiver which isn't what the Vikes need. If any of you want to snoop, google New York Giants BBI (Big Blue Ineractive). It is a very good fan site independent of the organization. The Vikes had a chance to grab Vincent Jackson last year, and didn't. I've looked at the top free agent receivers and nothing excites me this year. A salary cap fatality or draft choice may be the best bet. I think Harvin is more gifted then Cruz. Keep him in the slot, and utilize all his skills. Draft a burner to stretch the defense. I'll be interested what Mothman thinks about this. I watched all the Giant games the last two years. Cruz is a young, gifted receiver, but a lot of that is because of Eli Manning.

My take on it is similar to yours. I think the Giants and Cruz are very likely to agree on a new deal before free agency begins and Cruz will remain with New York. Cruz could be a great addition to the Vikings and I believe he has the speed and skills to be very effective from the flanker position so theoretically, the Vikings could add him to their lineup, keep Harvin in the slot, and both players could thrive. However, even if Cruz his the RFA market, I seriously doubt the Vikes would spend a first round pick on him, re-sign Harvin and pay Cruz the kind of money he will command.

[Eli]

I see room for 4 new WRs, which admittedly would be a lot.

Not going to happen. I assume you mean they keep Harvin and Wright and add four new bodies. I think that even if they added three it would be a lot.

I see one of the following as most likely:

+2 New
- Harvin
- Wright
- Jenkins
- Simpson
- cheap free agent
- 1st or 2nd round rookie draft pick
(and a late round rookie draft pick to the practice squad)

+3 New
- Harvin
- Wright
- Jenkins or Simpson
- cheap free agent
- 1st or 2nd round rookie draft pick
- mid round rookie draft pick

[Mothman]

Not going to happen. I assume you mean they keep Harvin and Wright and add four new bodies. I think that even if they added three it would be a lot.

I don't expect it to happen. I just see room for it and I'd like to see it happen because it's definitely feasible.

I see one of the following as most likely:

+2 New
- Harvin
- Wright
- Jenkins
- Simpson
- cheap free agent
- 1st or 2nd round rookie draft pick
(and a late round rookie draft pick to the practice squad)

+3 New
- Harvin
- Wright
- Jenkins or Simpson
- cheap free agent
- 1st or 2nd round rookie draft pick
- mid round rookie draft pick

That sounds realistic. If one of those scenarios proves accurate, I hope it's the second one. I'll be very disappointed if both Jenkins and Simpson are back next year.

[Dark]

Keep in mind that Childs will most likely be back next year as well.

[dead_poet]

Keep in mind that Childs will most likely be back next year as well.

I don't know about "likely" nor in what capacity.

[Mothman]

Keep in mind that Childs will most likely be back next year as well.

That would be nice but...

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Greg ... back010913

Bilateral patellar tendon tears are extremely rare in the general population. No NFL player has returned from the injury, although at least two -- running backs Cadillac Williams and Correll Buckhalter -- have returned from two separate patelar tendon tears.

I don't know how common bilateral patellar tendon tears are in the first place so maybe that statement is a little misleading, since there probably haven't been that many in the NFL in the first place. However, there's a chance Childs will never play in a regular season game for the Vikings.

The concern I have is this was the second time in two years that Childs tore the patellar tendon in his right knee and this time, he tore those tendons in both knees on a play where he was untouched. It leaves me wondering if he has a strong propensity for this particular injury. If he does come back, I sure hope he can stay healthy.

[Purple bruise]

Medical explanation for this injury and they are quite rare:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2723702/

[radar55]

I like Cruz ALOT and while Harvin is very talented he is developing some of the signs of becoming a primidona. His relationship with Frazier has been poor and its been rumored that he does not want to return so.........what about a straight up trade? No draft picks lost and IMO we can develope a slot guy to replace Harvin and get a quality down field threat without the attitude. I think that would work for both teams. Harvin would fit nicely in New York because they have Nicks on the outside, we resign Simpson cheaply as the other wide out and put Wright in the slot. Just a thought.

[Mothman]

I like Cruz ALOT and while Harvin is very talented he is developing some of the signs of becoming a primidona. His relationship with Frazier has been poor and its been rumored that he does not want to return so.........what about a straight up trade? No draft picks lost and IMO we can develope a slot guy to replace Harvin and get a quality down field threat without the attitude. I think that would work for both teams. Harvin would fit nicely in New York because they have Nicks on the outside, we resign Simpson cheaply as the other wide out and put Wright in the slot. Just a thought.

[vikeinmontana]

[radar55]

Interesting reply. I was simply sharing an opinion but I guess if it does'nt come from you it must not be worthy of discussion.

[Mothman]

Interesting reply. I was simply sharing an opinion but I guess if it does'nt come from you it must not be worthy of discussion.

Please, don't be so sensitive and there's certainly no reason to start slinging insults.The emoticon wasn't meant as anything personal. It was simply an expression of frustration. I don't care who brings up a subject or who comments on it. I'm just tired of the endless stream of "Harvin is a problem" thinking since it's based on minimal evidence and I've never understood the enthusiasm sports fans have for hypothetical trade talks. The odds that Cruz will be available to the Vikings at all are pretty slim and the odds of the Giants trading him for Harvin are even slimmer.