quote:

ORIGINAL: TJSweens

quote:

ORIGINAL: ratoppenheimer

'According to Over the Cap, Rudolph’s cap figure for the 2021 season is almost $9.5 million. If the team were to designate him as a post-June 1 cut, they could save $8 million while having to eat a $1.5 million dead money hit. With Irv Smith Jr. having come on towards the end of the season and Tyler Conklin making an impression over the final few games of the year in Rudolph’s absence, an unwillingness to restructure his deal likely means the end of Rudolph’s time in purple.'...the daily norseman

B-bye!

quote:

ORIGINAL: bohumm

quote:

ORIGINAL: Pager

quote:

ORIGINAL: bohumm

The Vikings are middling until they strike lightening, probably more than once. The alternative path is building toward a goal 2-3 years out (at a minimum); the idea that they can plug enough major holes (at least 2 IOL spots, third corner, second safety, DE, DT, third receiving option) while papering over others is not a plan, it's a (faint) hope. This is especially true with no second-rounder this year and serious cap issues.

Working against a strategy that can deliver a true contender in three years are the facts that the leadership appears to think they can rebuild on the fly while staying competitive---a clear path to remaining a middling franchise in the long run---and also appears to not actually mind too much being a middling franchise. It seems fine with the Wilfs to make the playoffs every other year without much hope of being competitive beyond the conference semi-finals (or more likely the wild-card round).

As long as the Wilfs are the owners, middling is probably as good as it gets.

I think Wilfs have been above average owners, willing to spend money. There's a balance between providing too much or too little rope when it comes to GM/HC. I don't judge them too harshly right now (yet).

Last year's draft is still looking pretty impressive (way to early to say def). If we have a similar draft, with returning players like Hunter/Pierce, and continued player development. HUGE IFs, but if that came together, I could see this team competing. We were 7-9 and almost beat Seattle on the road.

My biggest concern is talent recognition and team building. Losing my faith. With the way Ezra stepped in and provided an upgrade and other examples, are we utilizing the talent on the team? Or staying with underperformers too long? FO also completely misread with the Yannick, probably Rudy, Barr, etc.

I think there's no issue with their willingness to spend, which is welcome, but they need to spend it well, and that's where we seem to have trouble. I also agree that they're above average, but that seems to be their ceiling unless the team catches lightening and they're good or very good. None of those things get you to a Super Bowl, though, much less a Super Bowl win. I think the Wilfs are 7-10 win owners, occasionally a little better and occasionally a little bit worse. They botched---in my estimation---the extensions for Spielman and Zimmer, who in turn botched the Cousins extension....and I like Cousins more than most on here.

If they were players, the Wilfs would just miss out on the Pro Bowl in their best years, but gain selection as alternates for the really good players on really good teams who make it to the Super Bowl. That basically sums up the Vikings franchise as a whole for all but four years of their entire history.

quote:

ORIGINAL: bohumm

quote:

ORIGINAL: Pager

quote:

ORIGINAL: bohumm

The Vikings are middling until they strike lightening, probably more than once. The alternative path is building toward a goal 2-3 years out (at a minimum); the idea that they can plug enough major holes (at least 2 IOL spots, third corner, second safety, DE, DT, third receiving option) while papering over others is not a plan, it's a (faint) hope. This is especially true with no second-rounder this year and serious cap issues.

Working against a strategy that can deliver a true contender in three years are the facts that the leadership appears to think they can rebuild on the fly while staying competitive---a clear path to remaining a middling franchise in the long run---and also appears to not actually mind too much being a middling franchise. It seems fine with the Wilfs to make the playoffs every other year without much hope of being competitive beyond the conference semi-finals (or more likely the wild-card round).

As long as the Wilfs are the owners, middling is probably as good as it gets.

I think Wilfs have been above average owners, willing to spend money. There's a balance between providing too much or too little rope when it comes to GM/HC. I don't judge them too harshly right now (yet).

Last year's draft is still looking pretty impressive (way to early to say def). If we have a similar draft, with returning players like Hunter/Pierce, and continued player development. HUGE IFs, but if that came together, I could see this team competing. We were 7-9 and almost beat Seattle on the road.

My biggest concern is talent recognition and team building. Losing my faith. With the way Ezra stepped in and provided an upgrade and other examples, are we utilizing the talent on the team? Or staying with underperformers too long? FO also completely misread with the Yannick, probably Rudy, Barr, etc.

I think there's no issue with their willingness to spend, which is welcome, but they need to spend it well, and that's where we seem to have trouble. I also agree that they're above average, but that seems to be their ceiling unless the team catches lightening and they're good or very good. None of those things get you to a Super Bowl, though, much less a Super Bowl win. I think the Wilfs are 7-10 win owners, occasionally a little better and occasionally a little bit worse. They botched---in my estimation---the extensions for Spielman and Zimmer, who in turn botched the Cousins extension....and I like Cousins more than most on here.

If they were players, the Wilfs would just miss out on the Pro Bowl in their best years, but gain selection as alternates for the really good players on really good teams who make it to the Super Bowl. That basically sums up the Vikings franchise as a whole for all but four years of their entire history.

quote:

ORIGINAL: JT2

quote:

ORIGINAL: bohumm

quote:

ORIGINAL: Pager

quote:

ORIGINAL: bohumm

The Vikings are middling until they strike lightening, probably more than once. The alternative path is building toward a goal 2-3 years out (at a minimum); the idea that they can plug enough major holes (at least 2 IOL spots, third corner, second safety, DE, DT, third receiving option) while papering over others is not a plan, it's a (faint) hope. This is especially true with no second-rounder this year and serious cap issues.

Working against a strategy that can deliver a true contender in three years are the facts that the leadership appears to think they can rebuild on the fly while staying competitive---a clear path to remaining a middling franchise in the long run---and also appears to not actually mind too much being a middling franchise. It seems fine with the Wilfs to make the playoffs every other year without much hope of being competitive beyond the conference semi-finals (or more likely the wild-card round).

As long as the Wilfs are the owners, middling is probably as good as it gets.

I think Wilfs have been above average owners, willing to spend money. There's a balance between providing too much or too little rope when it comes to GM/HC. I don't judge them too harshly right now (yet).

Last year's draft is still looking pretty impressive (way to early to say def). If we have a similar draft, with returning players like Hunter/Pierce, and continued player development. HUGE IFs, but if that came together, I could see this team competing. We were 7-9 and almost beat Seattle on the road.

My biggest concern is talent recognition and team building. Losing my faith. With the way Ezra stepped in and provided an upgrade and other examples, are we utilizing the talent on the team? Or staying with underperformers too long? FO also completely misread with the Yannick, probably Rudy, Barr, etc.

I think there's no issue with their willingness to spend, which is welcome, but they need to spend it well, and that's where we seem to have trouble. I also agree that they're above average, but that seems to be their ceiling unless the team catches lightening and they're good or very good. None of those things get you to a Super Bowl, though, much less a Super Bowl win. I think the Wilfs are 7-10 win owners, occasionally a little better and occasionally a little bit worse. They botched---in my estimation---the extensions for Spielman and Zimmer, who in turn botched the Cousins extension....and I like Cousins more than most on here.

If they were players, the Wilfs would just miss out on the Pro Bowl in their best years, but gain selection as alternates for the really good players on really good teams who make it to the Super Bowl. That basically sums up the Vikings franchise as a whole for all but four years of their entire history.

The spending of money is irrelevant. There is a minimum cap, and it doesn't make a dent in our owners bottom line.

We have a GM and HC that don't understand modern day football. They do understand how to retain a great job.

Ahmad Bradshaw, Shane Vereen, Damien Williams, Jonas Gray, Mike Bell, Sony Michel, Ronnie Hillman, LeGarrette Blount all have been top RB's on Super Bowl winners in the last 15 years. And this year it will be Fournette, Jones, Williams or Helaire. Are any of them even close to as good as Cook? You realize it doesn't matter?
We're still chasing Larry Csonka. Well, we have the right coach for that job.

I want my coach, and GM, under the same pressure and scrutiny as the players in training camp. The coaches and general managers have a history of failing upward.
How nice is that?

quote:

ORIGINAL: David F.

It's a damn shame we don't have him for this kind of money.


80. CB MACKENSIE ALEXANDER
Alexander’s career started slow, but he’s now posted three straight solid coverage grades, including a career-high 72.5 mark back in 2018. He signed a one-year deal with the Bengals and provided average play, grading at 60.4 overall to go with a 67.2 coverage grade. Alexander has played primarily in the slot throughout his career, and he’s in the group of available slot corners who are worth a look.

Contract Analysis: Alexander joined Trae Waynes last offseason in departing Minnesota’s secondary for Cincinnati, but unlike Waynes — who suffered an injury before the season — Alexander was able to get on the field in 2020. He continued to provide average to above-average play in the slot and will likely be facing a similar market.

Prediction: Bears sign Alexander for two years, $6 million ($3M APY): $3 million total guaranteed/fully guaranteed at signing.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

quote:

ORIGINAL: David F.

It's a damn shame we don't have him for this kind of money.


80. CB MACKENSIE ALEXANDER
Alexander’s career started slow, but he’s now posted three straight solid coverage grades, including a career-high 72.5 mark back in 2018. He signed a one-year deal with the Bengals and provided average play, grading at 60.4 overall to go with a 67.2 coverage grade. Alexander has played primarily in the slot throughout his career, and he’s in the group of available slot corners who are worth a look.

Contract Analysis: Alexander joined Trae Waynes last offseason in departing Minnesota’s secondary for Cincinnati, but unlike Waynes — who suffered an injury before the season — Alexander was able to get on the field in 2020. He continued to provide average to above-average play in the slot and will likely be facing a similar market.

Prediction: Bears sign Alexander for two years, $6 million ($3M APY): $3 million total guaranteed/fully guaranteed at signing.

I thought we didn't want "average play".

Couple guys I saw that might be in our price range. S Tartt and DT Rankins

quote:

ORIGINAL: David F.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

quote:

ORIGINAL: David F.

It's a damn shame we don't have him for this kind of money.


80. CB MACKENSIE ALEXANDER
Alexander’s career started slow, but he’s now posted three straight solid coverage grades, including a career-high 72.5 mark back in 2018. He signed a one-year deal with the Bengals and provided average play, grading at 60.4 overall to go with a 67.2 coverage grade. Alexander has played primarily in the slot throughout his career, and he’s in the group of available slot corners who are worth a look.

Contract Analysis: Alexander joined Trae Waynes last offseason in departing Minnesota’s secondary for Cincinnati, but unlike Waynes — who suffered an injury before the season — Alexander was able to get on the field in 2020. He continued to provide average to above-average play in the slot and will likely be facing a similar market.

Prediction: Bears sign Alexander for two years, $6 million ($3M APY): $3 million total guaranteed/fully guaranteed at signing.

I thought we didn't want "average play".

Couple guys I saw that might be in our price range. S Tartt and DT Rankins

For $3 million we'll take average all day long. That's value.

Ten players played CB for us in 2020. Only one had a rating higher than 'average' Mac Alexander. EDIT - Check that - two did. Dantzler and Hand. Hand didn't originally show up on my list because I had a minimum snap filter on.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

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ORIGINAL: David F.

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ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

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ORIGINAL: David F.

It's a damn shame we don't have him for this kind of money.


80. CB MACKENSIE ALEXANDER
Alexander’s career started slow, but he’s now posted three straight solid coverage grades, including a career-high 72.5 mark back in 2018. He signed a one-year deal with the Bengals and provided average play, grading at 60.4 overall to go with a 67.2 coverage grade. Alexander has played primarily in the slot throughout his career, and he’s in the group of available slot corners who are worth a look.

Contract Analysis: Alexander joined Trae Waynes last offseason in departing Minnesota’s secondary for Cincinnati, but unlike Waynes — who suffered an injury before the season — Alexander was able to get on the field in 2020. He continued to provide average to above-average play in the slot and will likely be facing a similar market.

Prediction: Bears sign Alexander for two years, $6 million ($3M APY): $3 million total guaranteed/fully guaranteed at signing.

I thought we didn't want "average play".

Couple guys I saw that might be in our price range. S Tartt and DT Rankins

For $3 million we'll take average all day long. That's value.

Ten players played CB for us in 2020. Only one had a rating higher than 'average' Mac Alexander. EDIT - Check that - two did. Dantzler and Hand. Hand didn't originally show up on my list because I had a minimum snap filter on.

I think we need another outside guy. Gladney probably going to be full time slot.

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ORIGINAL: thebigo

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ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

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ORIGINAL: David F.

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ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

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ORIGINAL: David F.

It's a damn shame we don't have him for this kind of money.


80. CB MACKENSIE ALEXANDER
Alexander’s career started slow, but he’s now posted three straight solid coverage grades, including a career-high 72.5 mark back in 2018. He signed a one-year deal with the Bengals and provided average play, grading at 60.4 overall to go with a 67.2 coverage grade. Alexander has played primarily in the slot throughout his career, and he’s in the group of available slot corners who are worth a look.

Contract Analysis: Alexander joined Trae Waynes last offseason in departing Minnesota’s secondary for Cincinnati, but unlike Waynes — who suffered an injury before the season — Alexander was able to get on the field in 2020. He continued to provide average to above-average play in the slot and will likely be facing a similar market.

Prediction: Bears sign Alexander for two years, $6 million ($3M APY): $3 million total guaranteed/fully guaranteed at signing.

I thought we didn't want "average play".

Couple guys I saw that might be in our price range. S Tartt and DT Rankins

For $3 million we'll take average all day long. That's value.

Ten players played CB for us in 2020. Only one had a rating higher than 'average' Mac Alexander. EDIT - Check that - two did. Dantzler and Hand. Hand didn't originally show up on my list because I had a minimum snap filter on.

I think we need another outside guy. Gladney probably going to be full time slot.

I'm not good with that, unless we always have 3 CBs on the field. Or do you mean WHEN we go 3 cbs, Gladney moves to slot, other outside guy comes in. Maybe that guy is Harrison Hand?

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ORIGINAL: David F.

Rudolph says he hasn’t been used to his potential. What a prima Donna. It’s all about him. <sigh>. Divas - what are you going to do right?

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ORIGINAL: Trekgeekscott

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ORIGINAL: David F.

Rudolph says he hasn’t been used to his potential. What a prima Donna. It’s all about him. <sigh>. Divas - what are you going to do right?

He's old, slow...


Sure handed no doubt, but I will not miss the dump pass to Rudolph on 3rd and 8 hoping he will get those 8+ yards.

YAC was not his forte

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ORIGINAL: Trekgeekscott

And....Kyle Rudolph won’t be restructuring his contract again


I've already said it more than once. We've seen Rudy's last game as a Viking.

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ORIGINAL: ronhextall

Unless you have a QB that can stretch the field vertically from the pocket you are not winning anything in "today's NFL".

Look at the QB's that played last weekend, they all can do it.

Cousin's might be good enough but the margin for error from everybody else is a lot tighter than it is with a Mahomes, Brady, Rodgers, Wilson, and a few others. The problem is the lesser QB's are getting paid way more than they are worth so the roster can't be built to make up for the thinner margin of error.

Be interesting to see a team that is good on defense with lots of weapons on offense take somebody like Mariotta and offer him $10-$12 million a year instead of the $30+ million a year and try and win a Super Bowl like that. IMO you should have a QB truly worth $40 million a year or just pay a QB $10-$15 million a year.

Lamar Jackson isn't going to win anything until he can be effective from the pocket consistently. Sure, he can run around and be great entertainment but he better learn how to play from the pocket before old age or serious injury ends his playing days.