Vikings D-League Team

[Loki]

Meaningful discussions on this bored have basically come to a standstill recently. All major free agents have been signed and draft opinions are pretty much set in stone. I thought this topic might help pass some time. NFL executive Troy Vincent brought up the idea of the NFL adding a developmental league recently. Personally I think this could be an excellent Idea but they would need to do it the right way. Some ideas I had for maximizing it's popularity and efficiency would be to hold it in the spring starting sometime in march or about a month after the Superbowl. This would give true fans of the game some form of football to watch year round. I would have seasons be short ending around the same time as the draft. Participation would be optional as some would wish to save their health for training camp, but those who did participate would get a chance to show their ability with reps they may not receive in camp. Not sure how many teams they could afford to have but I'd say at least 1 or 2 conected to each division for either a 8 or 16 team league.

Now to the discussion part of it. If Vikings did have D-League team what players that are free agents or recently cut from the team would you like to see play for that team?

[Loki]

1. Greg Childs - Chance to show if he's recovered from injury 100% and if he's the playmaker he was before injury

2. Tim Tebow - I can see why he doesn't make an NFL roster but he would be a perfect D-League fit. Good way to monitor his progress as a passer.

3. Rodney smith - Still on our team but is in battle with Lestar Jean to make the roster. would love to see him tear up D-League and lock up roster spot.

[3Deep]

More football to watch? Count me in.

[Eli]

Wouldn't a d-league have to play in the off season? I'm guessing the intent would be mostly for practice-squad level players to develop. But the NFL needs those players to practice and to fill out scout teams during the regular season. During training camp and the preseason they would want those guys with the team. So the season would have to be held something like May-July, during the height of NHL and NBA playoffs, as well as competing against MLB and a million other summer pursuits when it comes to putting people in seats.

To me, it just sounds like an expense that NFL owners won't want to incur, all to bring along maybe a handful of fringe players each season.

[akvikingsfan]

If I recall correctly they had something like this before, it was called NFL Europe. The attendance was typically in 17,000 people per game range. Of course if they did it in America there would be more interest. But I don't think it would finically benefit the league or owners.

[Mothman]

If I recall correctly they had something like this before, it was called NFL Europe. The attendance was typically in 17,000 people per game range. Of course if they did it in America there would be more interest. But I don't think it would finically benefit the league or owners.

Actually, what became NFL europe began as the World League of American Football and it didn't do well here, although perhaps if the American teams had been better or had been located in different markets, it would have been more successful.

The short-lived Orlando Thunder wore ridiculously bright neon-green uniforms!

[Eli]

I just read another article on this proposal and apparently the thinking is to create an actual minor league for the NFL, with games played in smaller cities in conjunction with the NFL season. Then players could be brought up or sent down as needed during the season, as in major league baseball. I'm not sure if that means each team would have its own minor league team or not, but that would certainly be interesting.

Coming in conjunction with some of the pot-stirring lawsuits in regard to compensating NCAA players (in several sports) I wonder if it could spell the end of the agreement the NFL has had in regard to avoiding the drafting of underclassmen and players out of high school.

[HardcoreVikesFan]

It is time the NFL has something other than just their professional league. The NFL is too big of a sport not to have some sort of second league.


I had my hopes for the USFL having success, but that league folded.


Just think of the revenue the NFL could generate if they had a summer league? They could make it consist of practice squad players, market veterans, and undrafted free agents. I think it would be exciting to watch.

[Loki]

I just read another article on this proposal and apparently the thinking is to create an actual minor league for the NFL, with games played in smaller cities in conjunction with the NFL season. Then players could be brought up or sent down as needed during the season, as in major league baseball. I'm not sure if that means each team would have its own minor league team or not, but that would certainly be interesting.

If they run it that way I'ts doomed before it even starts. No one will pay any attention to developmental players when NFL and fantasy football are in full swing. The difference between baseball and football is baseball can charge less because they play more games on a more frequent basis, Football has the problem of being a physical game, players play 1 game a week and they have to charge more to make up for it. Also if it was during the season you wouldn't send your roster or practice squad players to play in a game when you need them healthy. It makes more sense as an off season program for practice squad and on the cusp roster players looking to showcase talent in reps they don't get during the season.

Coming in conjunction with some of the pot-stirring lawsuits in regard to compensating NCAA players (in several sports) I wonder if it could spell the end of the agreement the NFL has had in regard to avoiding the drafting of underclassmen and players out of high school.

I never understood the whole deal with players wanting to be paid. Your a student and you get a priceless education to make as much money with as you want. You want to be paid to play football? just quit school and play in the AFL or CFL till your eligible for the draft. Anyone who would give up a college education along with a chance to play college football to play in an NFL summer league is a joke.

[S197]

Actually, what became NFL europe began as the World League of American Football and it didn't do well here, although perhaps if the American teams had been better or had been located in different markets, it would have been more successful.

The short-lived Orlando Thunder wore ridiculously bright neon-green uniforms!

I totally forgot about those uniforms. Somewhere Phil Knight is looking at that picture and salivating.

[Mothman]

I totally forgot about those uniforms. Somewhere Phil Knight is looking at that picture and salivating.

I'll bet that's true!

[oldskoolvikingfan]

1. Greg Childs - Chance to show if he's recovered from injury 100% and if he's the playmaker he was before injury

2. Tim Tebow - I can see why he doesn't make an NFL roster but he would be a perfect D-League fit. Good way to monitor his progress as a passer.

3. Rodney smith - Still on our team but is in battle with Lestar Jean to make the roster. would love to see him tear up D-League and lock up roster spot.

Brock Lesnar! JK

[Funkytown]

Go for it. At least it would revive Ponder's dream of being a starting QB

I knew something like this would be said. Knew it!

[Funkytown]

1. Greg Childs - Chance to show if he's recovered from injury 100% and if he's the playmaker he was before injury

I'd love to see that, as well.

[King James]

Go for it. At least it would revive Ponder's dream of being a starting QB

Ponder can still be a QB in the NFL, if a coaching staff shows some faith in him.