Vikings Message Board.Com

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

Pondering Her Percy wrote:

Mothman wrote: 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 wrote: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 wrote: 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 wrote:

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

HardcoreVikesFan wrote: 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 wrote: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.

Pondering Her Percy wrote: 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.

Mothman wrote: 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).

Mothman wrote: 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.

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

Mothman wrote: 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.

frosted wrote: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.