Sage Rosenfels, the newest Viking QB.
First of all, the trade for Sage Rosenfels reported first by Manimal is all but official now. According to multiple sources Sage is on his way to Minnesota for a fourth round draft pick this Friday. So it appears that with the trade for Rosenfels almost certain to go down on Friday, the Vikings may have seen the end of Gus Frerotte. For anybody wondering exactly who Sage Rosenfels is, here is a summary of his career so far:
Rosenfels is a 30 year old quarterback out of Iowa State University. Rosenfels began his career with the Miami Dolphins, but never started there, in 2006 Rosenfels became a member of the Houston Texans, and began to catch some people’s eye in 2007 when he played 9 games, and posted an 84.8 quarterback rating. Rosenfels has a career quarterback rating of 81.2, and he has thrown 30 touchdowns to 29 interceptions.
It is likely that there will be a quarterback controversy heading into 2009, as Tarvaris Jackson has posted a career quarterback rating of 76.5, and a touchdown to interception ratio of 20 touchdowns to 18 interceptions. Hopefully the Vikings can find solid play out of at least one of these quarterbacks next season, as it appears Gus Frerotte is on his way out.
Matt Birk in contract negotiations
Another move to look for as early as Friday, when Free Agency opens, is the possible re-signing of Center Matt Birk. According to sources, Birk and the Vikings are trying to get a deal done as we speak. The Vikings have stated that they are willing to make offers to Birk and free agent TE Jim Kleinsasser, but they have also stated they are willing to let Darren Sharper go. It appears Sharper is all but singed a contract to join the New Orleans Saints in 2009. The Vikings appear set to let second year safety Tyrell Johnson to take over for Sharper in 2009.
Another guy the Vikings have reportedly been looking at is Tennessee Titans Tackle Daniel Loper. Loper is a 4 year pro from Texas Tech, but has yet to start a game in the NFL. Loper however, has been a part of the Titans offensive line, as he has played in every game the past two seasons. The Vikings may be looking to sign Loper as someone to challenge Ryan Cook at RT. Loper could also be added for depth on the offensive line, as that is one of the Vikings’ thinner positions on the depth chart.
A future Viking? Daniel Loper
I have yet to hear of any really big moves the Vikings may make yet, but seeing how well last years free agents played this season, I would not be surprised if the Vikings surprise us with a major move. With the depth of Wide Receivers and Offensive Lineman in this years draft, the Vikings may look to the draft to add depth and talent to those positions.
NFL UPDATE: For all of you who like following Free Agency as much as I do, it appears that the Tennessee Titans Pro Bowl DT Albert Haynesworth will likely be signing a contract with the Washington Redskins when Free Agency begins on Friday. Another big name that could sign early is Ray Lewis, Lewis is reportedly thinking about signing with the Dallas Cowboys.
