While the Vikings receive applause for the free agent signings of wide receiver Bernard Berrian, safety Madieu Williams, fullback Thomas Tapeh and kickoff return specialist Maurice Hicks, there are still people from California to the Carolinas who believe the franchise hasn’t solved two vital needs, quarterback and defensive end.
The 2006 Chicago Bears proved it’s not impossible to make the Super Bowl without a quarterback, but NFL history makes a strong case. A pass rushing defensive end who can harass a quarterback like a school yard bully chasing smaller classmates is among the most highly prized of NFL players (see Super Bowl champion New York Giants).
While the wait-and-see label is on Tarvaris Jackson as he prepares for his third season as a pro, Purple eyes could be gazing toward Cleveland where the Browns re-signed Derek Anderson, but there’s an assumption by some that Brady Quinn will eventually be the starting quarterback. Anderson, 24, threw 29 touchdown passes last season while Jackson, also 24, had nine.
The Browns are without early round draft choices this year including the first round. You wouldn’t need a referendum in Minnesota to send the Vikings’ first and second round picks to Cleveland for Anderson.
There’s certainly no doubt that the Vikings will enter training camp with at least one new quarterback after releasing journeyman Kelly Holcomb. At minimum, an upgrade in backup help to Jackson is needed.
For multiple seasons the Vikings have been looking for improved play at defensive end. Better pass rushing has been a particular need. Knee surgeries for Erasmus James, Kenechi Udeze’s leukemia, and the possible free agency departure of Darrion Scott has clouded the defensive end picture beyond what was expected a year ago.
The NFL’s free agent class of defensive ends this year was rated “A-” by Sporting News last week. The Vikings pursued Justin Smith of Cincinnati without success. If improvement isn’t made through free agency, the college draft might help. Defensive end is a position where rookies can make an immediate impact.