Vikings 2008 Free Agency Guide

A look at the players signed, to be signed, and the stories surrounding the possibilities on the NFL's 2008 free-agent and trade markets.

2008 Transition/Franchise Values | Free-Agent Terms

VikingUpdate.com "Free Agent" Story Search

FREE AGENCY DATABASE

Overall Rankings | By Position | 2007 Team | Signed Team | College | Name
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C
DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

VIKINGS FREE-AGENT STORIES

THE BOOK ON: Madieu Williams | Derrick Pope | Thomas Tapeh
Ellis Wyms | Bernard Berrian | Benny Sapp | Dallas Sartz

Defense Gets Attention in Second Wave | Players Encouraged by Signings
Farwell Signs Tender | Vikings Sign Sapp
Berrian Embracing Role, Teammates | Creative Contracts Help Cap
Boulware Looking for Fresh Start | Vikings Sign Safety, DT
Assessing the Possibilities | Frerotte Visits Vikings
Vikings Sign Wyms, Sartz | Vikings Re-Sign Ferguson
Veteran QB on Vikings' Radar | Dolphins Get Jones
Vikings Sign Pope | Still Searching for Backup QB
Caplan Chat Transcript | Cornerback Still an Option
Two Free Agents to Visit | Cornerback Could Move On
Wyms Talks Continue | Berrian Deal: Market Price or Overpaid?
Lurtsema's Reaction: Free Agents | Decision on DT Coming Soon?
Linebacker Lined Up for Vikings? | Kearse Talks Vikings, Titans
Vikings Patient in DE Search | Richardson Flies to Jets
Vikings Calm Hicks' Apprehension | Tank Signs with Patriots
Kearse Could Be Coming | Adam Caplan Chat Transcript
Vikings Second Fiddle with 'The Freak' | Tapeh Scouting Report
Adam Caplan's Week 2 NFL Free-Agent Blog
Analysis: Trade the Best Option Now
LB Thomas Signs with 49ers | Vikings QB Possibilities
Farwell Excited by Tender | Analyst Breaks Down Defensive Targets
Film Buff Analyzes Free-Agent WRs | Porter Confounds Cosell
Adam Caplan's Week 1 NFL Free-Agent Blog
Tonight's The Night | Dwight Smith Takes Less in Detroit
Holcomb Released | Top-Notch DE in Vikings' Siights
Adam Caplan Free-Agent Chat Transcript | Trade Market Coming on Strong
Second Safety in Vikings' Sites | Lurtsema's Free Agent Takes
Williamson Heading to Jacksonville | Vikings Free-Agent Notebook
Pre-Free Agency Action Continues | Fitzgerald Staying Put
Vikings Interested in Veteran Safety? | Vikings Cap Number Jumping Up
Agent Updates Berrian's Status | Williamson Trade Fluid Situation
Smith Appreciates Early Release | More Aggressive Free Agency?
Veteran WR on Vikings Radar? | Spielman Talks Free-Agent Philosophy
Tags, Terminations Flying Fast | Smith Released
Spencer Johnson Talks Free Agency | Free Agency Heating Up
Veterans Continue Being Cut | New Blood in Free-Agent Market
NFL Contract Movement Heating Up | Whitaker Could Wait
NFL Free Agent Notes | Teams Begin Releasing Veterans
LB Thomas: Free Agency Up in the Air | What's With Walker?
Fitzgerald Sounds Like a Cardinal | Johnson Has Favorable Contract
Chad Johnson Voices Frustration | Berrian Coming Off Board?
Ferguson's Free Agent Desires | NFL Free Agent Notebook
Dilemmas in McNabb Trade | Losman Salary Makes Sense
Scott an Option Again | Pennington Trade Could Create Questions
Trade Winds Blowing? | What Would Anderson Cost?
Doss Talks Free Agency | Thomas's Mixed Feelings on Free Agency
Richardson Retirement Not Likely | Walker on Vikings' Radar?
QB Shopping Not Easy | Personnel Notebook
Jackson Doesn't Get Strong Commitment | Pennington Most Logical Option?
QB Options Many, Not Great

VIKINGS FREE AGENCY 2008 (updated from the start of the free-agent period to the start of training camp in July)
RATING SYSTEM Viking Update ranks its FREE AGENTS with the following guidelines based on our assessment of the players: = All-Pro quality player, player deserving but league depth at position keeps player back. = Would start for most teams, elevated growth/fringe All-Pro. = Starting quality, average to slightly above average player. = Solid to serviceable player, backup for most teams. = Roster bubble long-shot, special teams only type contributor, no defined role in position.
Unrestricted Free Agents
Mike Doss	S		Unsigned
Robert Ferguson	WR		Signed a one-year deal with the Vikings worth about $1 million with additional incentives of about $600,000.
Spencer Johnson	DT		Signed a five-year, $17.5 million contract (with $6 million in guarantees) with the Buffalo Bills.
Mewelde Moore	RB		Signed a three-year, $4.95 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Tony Richardson	FB		Signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets with an $830,000 base salary.
Darrion Scott	DE		Unsigned
Dontarrious Thomas	LB		Signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers.
Ronyell Whitaker	CB		Unsigned
Tank Williams	S		Signed a one-year contract with the New England Patriots with a base salary of $605,000.
Restricted Free Agents
Heath Farwell	LB		Signed a one-year, $1.475 million tender.
Released
* Feb. 27: Released quarterback Kelly Holcomb * Feb. 20: Released safety Dwight Smith.
Signed
* March 25: Signed cornerback Banny Sapp to a one-year contract. * March 20: Signed safety Michael Boulware to a one-year contract. * March 20: Signed defensive tackle Kenderick Allen to a one-year contract. * March 18: Signed defensive tackle Ellis Wyms to a one-year contract worth about $1 million. * March 18: Signed linebacker Dallas Sartz to a one-year contract. * March 14: Signed linebacker Derrick Pope to a one-year contract. * March 4: Signed running back/kick returner Maurice Hicks to a three-year contract. * March 1: Signed wide receiver Bernard Berrian to a six-year, $42 million contract with $16 million in guarantees. * March 1: Signed safety Madieu Williams to a six-year, $33 million contract. * Feb. 29: Signed fullback Thomas Tapeh to a five-year, $6 million contract. * Jan 2: Re-signed guard Brian Daniels, wide receivers Joel Filani, Martin Nance and Justin Surrency, cornerback Dee McCann and running back Arkee Whitlock to futures contracts.

RECENT VIKINGS FREE AGENCY

2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002