Vikings’ free-agent situation

The Vikings will look to add veterans to their roster this week, but they also have plenty of their own players to consider.

The Vikings have plenty of work to do this week, but here is a look at one leg of the roster-building process – their own free agents.



FRANCHISE PLAYER

LB Chad Greenway (re-signed).

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

WR Hank Baskett almost certainly will not return after catching only one pass for 18 yards in six games last season.

OL Ryan Cook has value because of his ability to play multiple positions on the line. A valuable utility backup.

DE Ray Edwards had eight sacks last season as the Vikings' starting left end. He has made it clear he won't return and it's believed the team will allow him to walk.

DT Fred Evans has never lived up to his potential with the Vikings and, after being active in half the games last season, it's expected he will depart.

S Eric Frampton is a backup on defense, but has value as a contributor on special teams and likely will return.

QB Tarvaris Jackson did not receive a tender when it appeared he might be a restricted free agent before the lockout. He will not return for a sixth season with the Vikings and reportedly has an agreement in place with the Seahawks.

LB Ben Leber has missed only one game in five seasons with the Vikings and provides leadership as a starter on the weak side. The issue is that he might be too pricey for the Vikings to retain.

WR Greg Lewis was active for 13 games last season, catching 17 passes for 197 yards. He is not expected to be back.

K Ryan Longwell has been extremely reliable since joining the Vikings in 2006 and should be helped by the fact kickoffs have been moved to the 35-yard line. Vikings likely will make a quick attempt to keep him.

QB Patrick Ramsey signed late last season because the Vikings were shorthanded due to injuries at the position. He will not be back.

WR Sidney Rice had an outstanding 2009 season (83 catches, 1,312 yards, eight touchdowns) but was limited to six games last season in large part due to hip surgery he had in the preseason. Might be offered more guaranteed money than the Vikings want to pay.

CB Lito Sheppard is not expected to return after spending one season with the Vikings and making two starts.

FB Naufahu Tahi did not receive a tender offer when the Vikings thought he might be a restricted free agent. Team could still look to bring him back at a reduced salary.

CB Frank Walker was signed after Cedric Griffin suffered a season-ending knee injury. Not likely to be brought back.

DT Pat Williams seemed destined to depart early in the offseason, but could return on a one-year deal given his familiarity with the system and the length of the lockout.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

S Husain Abdullah (tendered at $1.8M with second-round pick as compensation) took over starting role last season and tied for team lead with three interceptions.

LB Erin Henderson (tendered at $1.2M with no compensation) will return and could take over starting job on weak side if Ben Leber leaves.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

RB Albert Young had served as the Vikings' third running back; the team is not expected to make a move to retain his services.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

LB Chad Greenway: FFA; 1 yr, approximately $10M.

WR Jaymar Johnson: Potential ERFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

DE Brian Robison: Potential RFA; $14.1M/3 yrs, $6.5M guaranteed.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

WR Emmanuel Arceneaux: FA British Columbia-CFL; terms unknown.

PLAYERS LOST

QB Brett Favre (UFA; retired).