Carter to Join Ring of Honor

One of the Vikings objectives for the month of July is to re-sign Cris Carter -- and then let him retire.

For the last couple of months, word has circulated that the Vikings might be interested in signing a veteran wide receiver to do the job Cris Carter was doing prior to last season.

It now looks like Carter will be the guy they sign. VU has been told one of the team objectives heading into training camp is to sign Carter to a ceremonial contract, let him retire as a member of the Vikings and schedule a jersey retirement for the home opener Sept. 14 vs. Chicago.

With the retirement of his No. 80, Carter would become a member of the Ring of Honor, which is a team hall of fame.

Such signings are not uncommon for stars who will go into the NFL Hall of Fame as a player for one team, even though his final playing action was with another. For example, RB Roger Craig ended his career with the Vikings. However, before leaving the game, he signed a contract with the 49ers and then retired as a member of their organization.

Such a move would be fitting, since Carter will become the first player of the "post-Purple People Eaters" era to go into the Hall of Fame as a Viking.