The Star Ledger and msnbc.com are both reporting that Ladainian Tomlinson had decided to play for the New York Jets instead of the Minnesota Vikings. It has also been reported that he will make this announcement either later today or on Monday. Is this good news or bad news for the Minnesota Vikings? Tomlinson’s numbers have definetely have declined over the last couple years and the injuries have accumulated. Only time will tell if the Vikings are better off without Tomlinson. It was reported that the Jets offered more money to LT but it was not reported if that was the deciding factor. So where do the Vikings go from here to find their second string running back? Brian Westbrook is still available. Will the Vikings take a look at him? One would think that he would have been the first option considering his versatility. There could possibly be some questions concerning the health of Westbrook. So the Vikings need to start the process over and get a viable backup for Adrian Peterson. Maybe they already have one. Could Albert Young or Ian Johnson finally get an opportunity, or both?

Paul Gantner

The Minnesota Vikings knew that Chester Taylor would get a lot of attention in free agency. Unfortunately, it happened to be a divisional rival that Taylor will be playing for, the Chicago Bears. Taylor or any other player cannot be blamed for taking advantage of a financial situation. It cannot be said of Taylor that he was not loyal to the Vikings by signing today with the Bears. Chester Taylor, with the help of his agent, did what he thought would be best for him and his family. Thanks Chester Taylor for four great years with the Minnesota Vikings. You are a class act on and off the field and you will be missed.

Paul Gantner

It is being reported by several media outlets that Adrian Peterson not only wants Brett Favre to come back for one year, but for two years. When asked about it Peterson had this to say, “I hope he comes back for another year or two, gives us another two years. I think we could win back-to-back Super Bowls. I’d take one. But the talent we have on both sides of the football with Favre — just the talent we have on offense, defense all phases — I feel like we can go as high as we want.” One must respect the optimistic opinion of Adrian Peterson. Peterson went on to say, “You never know with Favre what he’s going to do. That’s good that he didn’t take too many big hits throughout the year. The last game he kind of took a couple of big hits (in the NFC Championship Game loss in New Orleans) to remind him this is what it’s all about. But hopefully we can get him back and go on this run again and complete it this time.” Unlike Green Bay, there is no doubt that the Viking fans and players/coaches want Favre to return. Lets hope that Brett Favre will return with the Minnesota Vikings for at least one more season.

Paul Gantner