Pre-lockout talks with the Vikings about Sidney Rice's future were positive, agent Drew Rosenhaus said Saturday, but the Pro Bowl wide receiver is still expected to explore free agency. But despite the Vikings publicly expressing interest in signing Rice long term, negotiations never got that far before the old Collective Bargaining Agreement expired in early March. The team did not offer a contract, only discussing the possibility of one. The non-offer could have more to do with Vikings' conservative approach to the uncertainty of the lockout than willingness to pay Rice, who received a first-round tender from the team that would pay roughly $3 million next season. The tender might or might not stick depending on the parameters of the new CBA. "The Vikings have been good to him," said Rosenhaus, while in Minneapolis for a charity event for the Jack Brewer Foundation. "There's just so many factors that will take place once the lockout is lifted." Source: Pioneer Press
The Vikings would be stupid to let him get away. I know the Pats would love for that to happen though.
