Vikings Almost Finished with Free Agency

With a couple of low-level signings expected this week, the Vikings could well be done with free agency until after the draft.

The Vikings continue to close in on a couple of contracts for free agents, but, for the most part, the feeling is that, barring a player like WR Oronde Gadsden accepting a low-ball offer, the Vikings could well be done with free agency until after the draft.

The Vikings, who remain about $16 million under the salary cap, signed QB Kevin Thompson, last seen with the Browns, to a one-year deal to compete with Shaun Hill for the No. 3 QB spot.

Other than that, the team remains in contract talks with TE Hunter Goodwin, who is now expected to re-sign with the team instead of accepting an offer to back up Doug Jolley with the Raiders.

If Goodwin is signed, it will likely end the need for the team to draft a QB or TE later this month and reduce the number of draft-day needs for the team -- allowing team draft heads to focus on other positions to fill -- defensive tackle, safety, wide receiver and depth at running back, cornerback, linebacker and along both lines.

While the team has been successful in the first phase of free agency, don't be surprised to see the team get back into activity following the draft as well as after June 1, when player demands among the unsigned will likely drop significantly.

TUESDAY NOTES
* Rumors continue to circulate that the Vikings will make a strong push for DE Vonnie Holliday if he remains available after the draft. However, it's unlikely he will still be on the free agent board. Holliday, who looks unlikely to return to the Packers, is mulling over offers from the Chiefs and Cardinals and has also had contract discussions with the Seahawks and Eagles. The odds of him being available after the April 26-27 draft would seem remote at best.
* Former Vikings DT Darius Holland is very close to signing with the Redskins, according to a VU source in Washington.
* Tickets for the Vikings annual draft party at Winter Park for April 26 go on sale today. Tickets are $10 each. For more information, fans can call 612-33-VIKES.