KEVIN O’CONNELL – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Cutting ‘Hit Man’ May Fit Vikes’ Plans

Posted on March 12, 2023March 15, 2023 by David Shama

The Vikings are parting with veteran players and the movement could be aimed at more than getting under the NFL salary cap for 2023. The bigger goal in having a restructured roster might be to have a lot of salary cap room going into 2024. Next year the Vikings could be chasing some high-profile free agents and are expected later this year to strike a mega contract extension with superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

The Vikings, who remain several million dollars under the cap, have already released pricey veterans Eric Kendricks (linebacker) and Adam Thielen (wide receiver). Rumors persist that another valued veteran will be gone soon, safety Harrison Smith, “Harry the Hit Man.” His departure would put the Vikings under the cap, saving about $7.3 million, per Overthecap.com. Another option could be Smith taking a pay cut, something it’s believed Thielen wasn’t willing to do.

Some Vikings starters, regardless of whether they’re free agents, are potential targets for release in coming days as general manager Kwesi Odofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell reshape the roster and payroll. They have also released third-year cornerback Cameron Dantzler, often a starter.

The second-year GM is a deep thinker and his moves are difficult to forecast. He seems unlikely to get pigeonholed into predictably and likes having flexibility.

The Vikings have reportedly saved about $16 million in cap room and could gain another $5 million if they part with linebacker Jordan Hicks, a former NFL executive told Sports Headliners. That would move the Vikings close to the NFL salary cap number of $224.8 million.

But the Vikings could certainly create more space for the future. Tight end Irv Smith, an unrestricted free agent, looks expendable after last fall’s acquisition of T.J. Hockenson. “I tend to think he (Smith) could probably get a better deal elsewhere because of the money they’re putting into Hockenson,” said the source who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Dalvin Cook photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

Running back Alexander Mattison, a career sub but impressive performer, is another free agent the Vikings must make a deal with or lose. He would be a cheaper option than star Dalvin Cook whose future in Minneapolis has drawn speculation about whether he’s willing to accept a big pay cut. “They’re not going to be able to keep them both,” the authority said.

The Vikings also must deal with the free agency of center Garrett Bradbury. The former NFL GM who spoke to Sports Headliners believes the Vikings might be more interested in Browns free agent Ethan Pocic. “That’s a tricky one (keeping Bradbury). I think they’d probably like to get a little bit more physical type center.”

A free agent the Vikings seem certain to bring back is expensive defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson. His current salary is $10,500,000 per Spotrac.com and at 29 he is a valued stopper on the defensive line. Another veteran free agent on defense who seems likely to return is Patrick Peterson who plays cornerback, a position the Vikings are thin at and likely are targeting in the draft or other form of acquisition.

Curiously, linebacker Za’Darius Smith, who earns over $9 million and had an impressive first half of the season in 2022, has asked the Vikings to release him without explanation. Although the Vikings could reportedly save about $12 million against the cap, it’s not believed they want to lose the talented edge rusher.

“That’s a really tough call,” the source said. “It’s going to be determined (by) what the medical people feel his prognosis is. Is this going to be a chronic situation with that knee and his other issues that he’s had with his back? I don’t know. I am just surprised that he has come out publicly saying he wants to be released. That may indicate they’re trying to get him to take a pay cut , too.”

NFL teams have until Wednesday to be under the salary cap, so the immediate hours ahead are sure to bring Vikings news. Teams are allowed to start talking with free agents tomorrow and players can be signed starting Wednesday.

One high profile free agent, quarterback Lamar Jackson, seems unlikely to draw interest from the Vikings. “I would be shocked if that happens,” the Sports Headliners source said. “They wouldn’t want to give up the two first round picks (required). I don’t think they would want to give him $230 million fully guaranteed. And I think one of the problems for Lamar in this whole situation is having missed 11 games the last two years, including the playoff game last year.”

Worth Noting

Such sad news yesterday about the death of Bud Grant. I will write in detail about the legendary Grant later in the week.

The Vikings have five draft slots in the seven round 2023 NFL draft, as of now. They pick at No. 23 in the first round, No. 24 in the third round, No. 17 in the fourth round, No. 25 in the fifth round, and No. 34 in the sixth round.

Among division rivals, the Packers have picks in every round including four in the seventh. The Bears, with the No. 9 first round selection, have choices in every round including three in the second, and two each in the fourth, fifth and seventh. The Lions have no picks in the fourth or seventh rounds but two each in the first, second and sixth rounds among their draft slots.

The Minnesota Football Coaches Association will induct Thielen and former Golden Gophers running back Darrell Thompson, now head of the Bolder Options nonprofit, into their Hall of Fame April 1 at the DoubleTree Hotel Minneapolis Parkplace. Other inductees are Terry Bahlmann, Marshall; Randy Kuchenmeister, Blue Earth; Chuck Ross, Underwood; Doug Ekmark, Park.

Saturday was a hockey lover’s dream with an estimated 40,000-plus total fans attending the two boys’ state tournament championship games in St. Paul, and men’s and women’s Gopher playoff games in Minneapolis.

Ticket tip for next year’s boys’ tournament. Buy tickets for the Class A opening day when a $20 general admission ticket gets you in the lower bowl.

The Big Ten will announce men’s hockey award winners tomorrow. The Gophers have finalists in five major categories including Player of the Year with Matthew Knies; Defensive Player of the Year, Brock Faber; and Goalie of the Year Justen Close. Logan Cooley and Jimmy Snuggerud are two of three finalists for Freshman of the year. Bob Motzko is one of three who could win Coach of the Year.

First baseman Christian Lee Encarnacion, among the players the Twins sent to the Reds last August for pitcher Tyler Mahle, is hitting .625 in spring training on 15 hits in 24 at bats!

Word from baseball spring training in the Fort Myers area is be prepared to pay $300 and up for a basic hotel room. And it’s not too soon to book lodging for a 2024 February-March stay in Southwest Florida.

The football Gophers will hold two open and free spring football practices, March 28 and April 4. Both practices are scheduled to start at 5:15 p.m., with locations to be announced. The free annual spring game begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 22 at Huntington Bank Stadium.

Happy Birthday to former Golden Gophers basketball captain Paul Presthus who turns 78 Thursday.

More good news: Mike Wilkinson, author of the Murray Wamath biography The Autumn Warrior, is resting at home after a long bout with pneumonia.

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Time Expired on Whalen Experiment

Posted on March 3, 2023March 3, 2023 by David Shama

Lindsay Whalen and Mark Coyle announced the right decision yesterday regarding Whalen stepping down as the University of Minnesota women’s basketball coach. Whalen had five seasons to make winning progress with the program and she was unable to do so.

On the street and among media there was a common view that Whalen was going to receive one more year to show she was the right coach for Minnesota. But Coyle is justified in moving on now from Whalen who had never coached before accepting the job at her alma mater.

The women’s program is capable of not only more on court success but coming closer financially to operating in the black. The program has never paid its own way, and now the disastrous season by the men’s basketball program has resulted in revenues being far less than the potential for that cash cow. Maybe Coyle, who waited too long to part ways with former men’s coach Richard Pitino and made an iffy hire in Ben Johnson, wanted to move on from Whalen and not wait a year when he could be dealing with change in the men’s program, too.

Whalen remains one of the most revered sports heroes in state history for her on-court play for the Gophers, Lynx and U.S. Olympic teams. The Hutchinson native had an emotional day yesterday and understandably chose at the last minute not to participate in a news conference with Coyle who described the departure of his coach as a mutual decision.

Maybe not. Whalen posted this on Twitter last night: “I will be ‘appearing’ and ‘showing up’ for a press conference in the near future. My sincere apologies for not being there today as I was overcome with emotion in the elevator on my way to the press conference. I am a human being.”

The season ended with a thud Wednesday afternoon. Playing in the opening game of the Big Ten Tournament—a home environment in front of supporters at Target Center—Whalen’s team lost to Penn State, another bottom feeder in the league who the Gophers had defeated twice earlier in the season.

It wasn’t a pretty loss. The Gophers trailed by as many as 18 points and struggled against a full court press. Minnesota rallied late in the fourth quarter before losing, 72-67, and the team received obligatory praise for its efforts from Whalen.

The Gophers finished the season with a record of 11-19. Their regular season conference record was 4-14. That landed Whalen’s fifth Gopher team in next to last place in the Big Ten.

Not an uplifting way to recognize 50 years of women’s basketball at the U.

Since taking over the Gophers Whalen’s teams never finished above .500 in the Big Ten, with the best showing 9-9 her first season. A legendary Final Four player for the Gophers, she never coached her team to the NCAA Tournament. Whalen’s three predecessors this millennium have all been more successful by far than she has been.

Whalen will stay with the department as a special assistant to the AD through April 12, 2025. That is the date her five-year coaching contract ends. It’s not known what her compensation will be in the new role.

Starting in contract year four (was to begin next month) her base salary was to be $574,761. Most recently she earned $547,391.

Worth Noting

St. Thomas is fast earning respect and attention for its success in Division I sports. With wealthy alums and admirers, it wouldn’t be surprising to see NIL become a bigger success with the Tommies than the Gophers.

The No. 1 ranked U men’s hockey team has a talented line for the ages in freshmen Logan Cooley and Jimmy Snuggerud, and sophomore Matthew Knies, but all three could be gone to the pros next season. Cooley might be the most likely returnee, with chances greatest that Snuggerud and Knies will leave.

Former MLB umpire and St. Paul native Tim Tschida speaks to the Capital Club March 8 at Mendakota Country Club. More information about the club is available from Patrick Klinger, patrick@agilemarketingco.com

Burl Oaks Golf Club is the Minnesota Golf Association’s Club of the Year for 2022. The Minnetrista course hosted the MGA Players’ Championship last year.

Minikahda pro Jeff Sorenson recently won the Pebble Beach ProAm at Pebble Beach and Spyglass, earning his 157^th career win in harsh conditions including cold, wind and snow.

Kaat, Carew & Oliva. Photo contributed by Marshall Tanick.

Rod Carew, Jim Kaat and Tony Oliva, a trio of Cooperstown Hall of Famers, entertained a recent crowd of about 500 at a Minnesota Breakfast Club gathering in Naples, Florida. The former Twins all played together including on the West Division championship teams of 1969 and 1970. Baseball’s efforts to speed up the game is welcome news to Carew who said he has lost interest.

Players earn a lot more now than when Carew, Kaat and Oliva played. MLB player salaries averaged a record high $4.2 million last season, per Front Office Sports.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell will give a video presentation at the 2023 Minnesota Football Coaches Association Clinic. The nationally admired annual clinic will again feature Gopher coaches including P.J. Fleck. Clinic dates are March 30, 31 and April 1 with more information available at https://www.mnfootballcoaches.com/

The U Athletic Department has suites available for the upcoming football season starting at $4,500 per game. The home schedule is attractive with games that include Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

Elite Ink is promoting a Kirill Kaprizov memorabilia sale that includes a signed $890 white jersey.

Taylor Heise and Grace Zumwinkle, Gopher forwards and native Minnesotans, are two of 10 finalists for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award given annually to the top player in Division I women’s college hockey.

Former Gopher Jamal Mashburn Jr., now at New Mexico, leads the Mountain West in scoring at 19.4 points per game. The Lobos, led by coach Richard Pitino, are 21-9 overall but only 8-9 in league games and are questionable to make the NCAA Tournament.

Former Viking Herschel Walker is 61 today.

I am speaking to the CORES lunch group about my column and career Thursday, March 9 at the Bloomington Event Center. Reservations can be made by emailing Jim Dotseth, dotsethj@comcast.net. CORES is an acronym for coaches, officials, reporters, educators and sports fans.

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Don’t Bet on Cook’s Future with Vikes

Posted on February 3, 2023February 3, 2023 by David Shama

Dalvin Cook has rushed for over 1,000 yards each of the last four seasons, but the 27-year-old may have played his last game for the Vikings as the club figures out how to manage the payroll. For 2023 the franchise is currently projected to be more than $24 million over the salary cap as allowed by the NFL.

A league insider told Sports Headliners he would move on from the player and what he said was an $11.8 million salary cap hit in 2022, and save $8 million in 2023. Cook is one of the more expensive running backs in the NFL and the source calls him a “luxury” that the team can no longer afford.

Cook, who has often been sidelined with injuries, has played a lot of football during his six-year pro career. He may no longer be the resource he once was. Last season he played in four more games than the year prior, but he had only 15 more carries and 14 more total rushing yards. His yards per carry of 4.4 was the lowest of his career.

The importance of running backs for the more successful NFL teams isn’t what it used to be. Some clubs aren’t paying high salaries to running backs including the 2023 Super Bowl Chiefs who start a seventh-round rookie. The Vikings could replace Cook with a running back by committee approach led by veteran Alexander Mattison who is three years younger.

Vikings’ all-world receiver Justin Jefferson, now approaching his fourth season, has emerged as the bell cow on offense, replacing Cook. “He’s not the guy anymore on offense,” said the source. “It’s Jefferson, and they gotta extend Jefferson. Get a new deal for him.”

The source, who prominently worked in NFL front offices in the past and remains knowledgeable about the league, isn’t optimistic the Vikings could generate trade interest in Cook. “If you could get a third (round pick) or something for Dalvin, that would be great but I don’t think they’re going to get it, and I think they’ll end up releasing him.”

The authority, speaking in an interview this morning on condition of anonymity, sees the Vikings also moving on from veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks as they figure out the salary cap that will be set at almost $225 million per team for 2023. They could also be intent on downsizing deals with wide receiver Adam Thielen and safety Harrison Smith.

Jefferson is likely to become the NFL’s best paid wide receiver, with his cap hit perhaps reduced by receiving a large signing bonus. The Vikings are also likely to extend quarterback Kirk Cousins who in 2023 will be in the last year of his deal expected to carry a salary cap hit of about $36 million.

If Cousins isn’t offered a one-year extension, it won’t send a positive message to the 34-year-old or the team. Last season he led the offense to eight comeback victories in Minnesota’s 13-win season.

The source quoted above doesn’t buy into fan interest for sending Cousins to the 49ers for either of two inexperienced quarterbacks (Trey Lance or Brock Purdy), plus perhaps a draft choice. “I think it would weaken the Vikings because I don’t think those guys at this stage of their careers are nearly as good as Kirk,” he said.

It’s believed that by extending Cousins, the Vikings could save about $15 million with the salary cap for 2023. That’s significant for a franchise looking for creative ways to stay within the cap.

The source expects either Ejiro Evero from the Broncos or Brian Flores from the Steelers to be the new defensive coordinator. He thinks head coach Kevin O’Connell wants to continue the 3-4 defensive scheme used by fired coordinator Ed Donatell but will be anticipating more blitzing and pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Schemes, of course, can be an asset but there is also consensus the Vikings need to upgrade their defensive personnel.

That includes a new deal to keep defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson and figuring out linebacker Za’Darius Smith. Smith was an elite sacks and tackles for loss performer for the first part of the season, but a knee issue changed his productivity.

Worth Noting

Gophers All-American center John Michael Schmitz plays in the 74^th Senior Bowl Saturday and will draw evaluation from NFL teams including the Vikings. Garrett Bradbury, the Vikings’ center who missed several games last year with back problems, is a 2023 unrestricted free agent. The NFL Network will televise the Senior Bowl from Mobile, Alabama, with game time at 1:30 p.m. central.

Evan Hull, the former Maple Grove all-state running back, will also play in the Senior Bowl after choosing to leave Northwestern. As a redshirt junior last fall he rushed for 913 yards on a 1-11 Northwestern team.

In the Rivals national listing of the top 150 prep basketball prospects for the class of 2023, Gopher signee Cameron Christie from Rolling Hills, Illinois is ranked No. 140, while another shooting guard, Taison Chatman from Totino-Grace, is at No. 40. Chatman is a verbal commit to Ohio State.

The Gophers’ other 2023 signee, Dennis Evans, the 7-foot-1 center from Riverside, California, is ranked No. 11 and only one prep center is rated higher.

Minneapolis native Chet Holmgren, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, was featured recently in a New York Times story. He is missing his rookie season while rehabbing from offseason foot injury. Author David Gardner reported Thunder coach Mark Daigneault gave Holmgren a book from a Holocaust survivor to help him cope.

Michael Fulmer, who the Twins acquired last season from the Tigers, remains an unsigned free agent after posting a 3.39 ERA with the two teams in 2022. The right-handed reliever could fill a need for the 2023 Twins but be aware left-handed hitters hit .337 against him last season while he held right-handed batters to a .188 average, per stats from Baseballreference.com.

Former Minnesota slugger Miguel Sano, released by the Twins last year, seems like a potential fit in Japanese baseball but is still hoping to catch the interest of an MLB team.

Cory Provus, Twins radio play-by-play voice who stays busy in the baseball offseason working football and basketball games for the Big Ten Network, is the latest guest on the Behind the Game public access TV program with co-hosts Patrick Klinger and Bill Robertson. The Chicago native, who has been with the Twins since 2012, is a graduate of the renowned S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C10RLkOnMQ

Jack Larson, the longtime GM at Xcel Energy Center, is no longer in that role, with Jim Ibister the interim replacement.

I am speaking to the CORES lunch group Thursday, March 9 at the Bloomington Event Center. Organizer Jim Dotseth will be sending out a meeting notification to past CORES attendees later in the month. Reservations can be made by emailing dotsethj@comcast.net. CORES is an acronym for coaches, officials, reporters, educators and sports fans.

Randy Shaver, the KARE-11 news anchor and former sportscaster with the station, has been tireless in efforts to encourage funding for cancer research including through high school football games (Tackle Cancer). His annual Rush to the Cure event will be June 4 and 5. https://randyshavercancerfund.org/events/rush-creek-golf-classic-gala/

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