2015 Offseason - Free Agent/Draft Tracker

[Pondering Her Percy]

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports the Vikings have reached out to free agent LG Mike Iupati.
The Vikings are dead-set on improving their offensive line, and Iupati is the biggest name available. He's reportedly seeking $8-9 million per year. Minnesota released LG Charles Johnson earlier this offseason and have no in-house replacement. Iupati could help stabilize to-date first-round bust LT Matt Kalil.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press

[Mothman]

If they can get him for considerably less than $8-$9 million a year, it might be a good move but if they can't get him down quite a bit from those demands, let some other team sign him. Lupati's a monster as a run-blocker but I've read again and again that his pass protecting skills leave a lot be desired and in Norv's offense, that's not good. the Vikes might be better off to seek a guard with a more balanced skill set.

Oh, and now Matt Kalil is a bust?

[slapnut19]

If they can get him for considerably less than $8-$9 million a year, it might be a good move but if they can't get him down quite a bit from those demands, let some other team sign him. Lupati's a monster as a run-blocker but I've read again and again that his pass protecting skills leave a lot be desired and in Norv's offense, that's not good. the Vikes might be better off to seek a guard with a more balanced skill set.

Oh, and now Matt Kalil is a bust?

to date kalil is a bust. and i'm pretty sure they know iupati's price that's why they are contacting him. 5 years 40-45 mil for an elite guard isn't that bad

[Mothman]

to date kalil is a bust. and i'm pretty sure they know iupati's price that's why they are contacting him. 5 years 40-45 mil for an elite guard isn't that bad

The point is he's an elite run-blocking guard. As a pass protector he's average if not a little below average and since pass protection has been the primary issue for the Vikes o-line, I think paying Lupati $8-9 million a year would be a questionable decision.

[slapnut19]

The point is he's an elite run-blocking guard. As a pass protector he's average if not a little below average and since pass protection has been the primary issue for the Vikes o-line, I think paying Lupati $8-9 million a year would be a questionable decision.

possibly, but you don't pursue top free agents and ask them to come down on their price. i've also read several places that his supposed pass protection issues had a lot to do with kaepernick being at center. he ran into a lot of sacks due to his scrambling and if he just stayed in the pocket he would have been fine. think 2013 with ponder and cassel. how much better did the line look with cassel simply staying in the pocket and getting the ball out on time.

[HardcoreVikesFan]

to date kalil is a bust. and i'm pretty sure they know iupati's price that's why they are contacting him. 5 years 40-45 mil for an elite guard isn't that bad

A bust doesn't make the Pro Bowl as a rookie - even if he was an alternate. A bust is player who doesn't produce at all or produces very marginally. We can all agree that Kalil hasn't played his best football recently, but he isn't a bust. I am more than willing to give him another season to prove that he can play.



As for our interests in free agency, I am happy. Iupati would be a huge asset if we are truly interested in signing him.

[slapnut19]

A bust doesn't make the Pro Bowl as a rookie - even if he was an alternate. A bust is player who doesn't produce at all or produces very marginally. We can all agree that Kalil hasn't played his best football recently, but he isn't a bust. I am more than willing to give him another season to prove that he can play.



As for our interests in free agency, I am happy. Iupati would be a huge asset if we are truly interested in signing him.

2012 was a lifetime ago for kalil. he's been one of the worst left tackles in the league for the past two seasons. i'm not sure how you can't call him a bust at this point. hopefully he turns it around this season because i suspect he will be playing for his second contract.

[Mothman]

possibly, but you don't pursue top free agents and ask them to come down on their price. i've also read several places that his supposed pass protection issues had a lot to do with kaepernick being at center. he ran into a lot of sacks due to his scrambling and if he just stayed in the pocket he would have been fine. think 2013 with ponder and cassel. how much better did the line look with cassel simply staying in the pocket and getting the ball out on time.

I didn't think the line itself looked much better at all but i understand the point.

Lupati seems to be widely viewed as an average-to below average pass protector and a superb run blocker. I just don't think it's wise to make a guy like that the highest-paid guard in the league.

Of course, if they plan on being a power-running team, it might make a lot more sense (especially if they feel confident Peterson will be playing for them in 2015).

[808vikingsfan]

I hope we sign Moore!!! Moore has been a stud when healthy however he had a very scary leg issue a little while back.....
Now that we have Harry playing the "in the box" safety role, Moore would be a great fit opposite of him. He was tied for the team lead in INTs last year with Denver so he obviously recovered from his injury ok. This would be a very good signing and considered our "splash" signing if you ask me. He's a monster hitter and a ball hawk back there.

Here are some highlights for you, college and pros. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LDDktKpaPA

At the end, Stevie Johnson gets in his face for that hit but it was a clean hit IMO. The guy got knocked out when he hit the ground. Moore hit him right in the chest.

Thanks for the link. Would love to see him in purple. He's also known for the 2013 playoff game vs the Ravens where Jones caught the 70 td pass over him with less than a minute left.

[vatusay]

Would much rather see Orlando Franklin in purple. He may come at a cheaper price also?

[VikingPaul73]

I didn't think the line itself looked much better at all but i understand the point.

Lupati seems to be widely viewed as an average-to below average pass protector and a superb run blocker. I just don't think it's wise to make a guy like that the highest-paid guard in the league.

Of course, if they plan on being a power-running team, it might make a lot more sense (especially if they feel confident Peterson will be playing for them in 2015).

Its a great point about AD. While I agree with the points you make here and the point PHP has been making about tying about so much $$$$ in the offensive line, I am torn. It is really exciting to think of the year AD could have next year after resting for a full and and replacing their weakest link on the OL with an outstanding run blocker.

[frosted]

The point is he's an elite run-blocking guard. As a pass protector he's average if not a little below average and since pass protection has been the primary issue for the Vikes o-line, I think paying Lupati $8-9 million a year would be a questionable decision.

I think a lot of the criticism for his pass protection is driven by PFF's grades for his pass pro - if we do sign him, then Zimmer and Spielman must think he's worth the money and I'll take their word for it.

sorrry for being a smart ####, I couldn't help myself.

In all seriousness, I haven't watched Iupati enough to have a good opinion on him.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Pondering Her Percy]

Would much rather see Orlando Franklin in purple. He may come at a cheaper price also?

YES! I agree 100%. If Iupati's asking price was cheaper, then I would be all for it but it's a lot of money to spend on a guy that isn't the greatest in pass protection.

[fiestavike]

The point is he's an elite run-blocking guard. As a pass protector he's average if not a little below average and since pass protection has been the primary issue for the Vikes o-line, I think paying Lupati $8-9 million a year would be a questionable decision.

Too much PFF.

[Mothman]

I think a lot of the criticism for his pass protection is driven by PFF's grades for his pass pro - if we do sign him, then Zimmer and Spielman must think he's worth the money and I'll take their word for it.

sorrry for being a smart ####, I couldn't help myself.

No problem. It was a well-timed jab.