Mothman wrote:
Interesting observation. I hadn't really taken note of that. You may be right about the draft too. Maybe Zimmer wants to complete a near-total overhaul of the LB corps and have the Vikes draft 3 starters in 3 years at LB.
Outside of really Greenway, this position has been an eyesore since Ed Mcdaniel was playing. The Leber/EJ/Greenway group wasn't terrible, but they were never great. Recall the horrors of the Foge Fazio era...
So at least from that long term perspective, a complete overhaul is not a total suprise. Up until really two seasons ago, LB was a constant discussion as a top draft need. This is really the first draft where that hasn't been a hot issue in at least 3 years.
The prove it deals are not without their merits. Say for example Loadholt returns to form and has a strong season. The Vikings have the option to up his contract or extend him at any time. A lot of risk/reward in these short deals is the goodwill the team has with these players. As much as Kalil is a goat, the team will have the goodwill with him of paying him his contract this season. They can say "we paid you well beyond what you'd get in the open market, now we are asking you to take a fair deal." Having already given Kalil his money, it isn't a stretch to think he might be more inclined to stay put. If they keep winning, that will make it even easier. Some guys are always going to be greedy and go after the big payday, but the reality is not ever player hits the open market and has a high demand. How many guys like that were there this season? Not many.
For the guys that could command top dollar, it probably behooves the vikings to extend ASAP. This is not uncommon though, most teams do this each year when their premium personnel are in a contract season.