The Minnesota Vikings are still evaluating their roster and what lies ahead this offseason before making a determination on whether or not they will use the franchise or transition tag. Wide receiver Sidney Rice and linebacker Chad Greenway are the most likely candidates. Rice is a bit of an enigma. He was a one-hit wonder in 2009 with Brett Favre but missed nearly all of last season following delayed hip surgery. Greenway has emerged as one of the team’s better defensive players, but he’s not yet at a Pro Bowl level even if the team considers him as such. “We're going through that process," vice president Rick Spielman said, according to Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "I think you tie that into your whole process, on whether you're going to utilize that franchise tag or not. But anything from any type of roster moves or franchise tag or anything like that, we'll probably not buckle up here until another week or two. We've always done a very good job keeping our core young talent. I'm sure as we finalize this thing that those guys we want to have back on this roster, and we want to keep our youth and our guys on this roster. I'll just leave it at that." Source: National Football Post
Hard for 4-3 OLBs to make the roster when they have to compete with 3-4OLBs and everyone goes "OOoooooooohh! Sacks!"
gays say that too. I would tag greenway and let Rice test the market because he isn't worth the money of the tag.
I'd franchise Greenway. He's a complete backer. Rice had one productive season when Favre was productive. They have Harvin and I believe are still paying Berrian might as well use him with whoever is the QB there.
Every indication Greenway has given is that he wants to stay. I don't think there is any danger of losing him so long as a fair deal is given. I'd argue that Favre benefited from Rice more than the other way around. Berrian offers nothing at this point, and hopefully will be cut. I'm hoping Rice is franchised, and then a deal worked out if he can stay healthy. If Rice is gone, receiver becomes a huge need as Harvin is most effective in the slot.
rice was like 4th or 5th on the depth chart when favre signed...he was nobody other than an occasional deep threat for jackson down the right sideline. favre made him what he is/was that year at least...i think hes a good player but do you really think hes worth top 5 money? no freaking way tag greenway
In the past, he mostly saw situational action, because he was frequently dinged up, but he was third at lowest when Favre signed. There was just Berrian, Harvin, Rice, Wade, Reynaud, Greg Lewis, and Jaymar Johnson. Wade was cut right around the time Favre signed, and Lewis was signed to replace him. I believe Johnson saw action in only one game, and Reynaud was for returns only. He definitely needed someone who could get the ball with in his reach Favre did throw lots of tremendous passes, but he also threw lots like these, where Rice just took it away YouTube - Sidney Rice Highlights 2009 YouTube - Sidney Rice Highlights 2009 I don't think he is worth top 5 money yet, but for one year, if it means keeping him rather than losing him, I'm all for it.
