2017 Vikings Free Agency Signings Thread

[YikesVikes]

Murray split time with two other backs in Oakland, so I think he has much more upside in rushing yards. I'm especially interested in his superior pass blocking skills which ranked him 3rd in the NFL last year. While not a prolific pass catcher, he has enough ability to keep defenses honest.

Thiel could make up to $27 million over 3 years with incentives. $11 million is guaranteed.

He had 266 the year before and barely broke 1000. He's average. He didn't split in 2015 and still was average.

[Rhodes Closed]

He had 266 the year before and barely broke 1000. He's average. He didn't split in 2015 and still was average.

Average at running, good at everything else, is all we need. We need someone who can do it all. Not a stud who can only run i-formation to cost us $87 million dollars. Which would you rather take, a worker who does one thing excellently, but sucks at everything else, or a worker who is average at everything?

[dkoby]

****Maybe we are dumb because we are in 3rd and 9 in the first place.
Mostly because our 12 million dollar 2down back put us into 3rd and 9 and now Matt Asiata and Or Jerrick, who both block and catch better than AD are the ones trusted to get those jobs done.*****

Wait, you're blaming AP for us being in 3rd and 9? How is that his fault? I'm pretty sure none of our backs had 100 yards rushing in a game last year. We bring in a less explosive guy who also has questionable hands and I'm supposed to be excited?

He is way overpaid. Point blank.

[Pondering Her Percy]

****Maybe we are dumb because we are in 3rd and 9 in the first place.
Mostly because our 12 million dollar 2down back put us into 3rd and 9 and now Matt Asiata and Or Jerrick, who both block and catch better than AD are the ones trusted to get those jobs done.*****

Wait, you're blaming AP for us being in 3rd and 9? How is that his fault? I'm pretty sure none of our backs had 100 yards rushing in a game last year. We bring in a less explosive guy who also has questionable hands and I'm supposed to be excited?

Once again, he had 74 catches the last 2 years. How does that warrant "questionable" hands?? And like I said, what does Adrian Peterson have to offer us other than his name, fumbles, injuries, 2 downs, not being able to run out of the gun, etc?? Please enlighten me what this guy has to offer at this stage in his career?? You've done nothing but complain about Murray but have yet to say why Peterson is a better option. It's an improvement. There were no better backs out there that had the durability and age like Murray. No less we're probably drafting one too.

So yeah, you should be excited about a younger back coming in here. Better than what we had and can carry a load if we need him to.

[Pondering Her Percy]

Average at running, good at everything else, is all we need. We need someone who can do it all. Not a stud who can only run i-formation to cost us $87 million dollars. Which would you rather take, a worker who does one thing excellently, but sucks at everything else, or a worker who is average at everything?

Well said!

[cmoss84]

Looks like we're getting Murray at 3/15. He's a good back...not great, but good. I remember seeing him rip off a couple really impressive long runs, and then disappear for a while. Maybe as he matures he becomes more consistent. He also had 12 TDs last year. I don't mind the signing...a committee of Murray/McK/rookie will be quite nice.

[Pondering Her Percy]

Kid is a class act. Pretty cool to know that a guy that I played against for two seasons in high school is now playing for the Vikings. This is what Murray said regarding the #28:

There wasn't a thought in my mind to try and wear or ask for the #28. I have too much respect for AP and so much respect for what he's done and what he means to this organization. Many people don't know, but I wore the #28 as a kid because of Fred Taylor who played for the Jaguars at the time. When AP came onto the scene and Fred retired, he was my reason for keeping #28. I want to say to Vikings fans: I'm not here to replace #28, he's irreplaceable. I'm not here to be #28, there's no one like him. I ask that you accept me for the player I am and know that I'm here to give you all I got and to win #skol

[Pondering Her Percy]

Looks like we're getting Murray at 3/15. He's a good back...not great, but good. I remember seeing him rip off a couple really impressive long runs, and then disappear for a while. Maybe as he matures he becomes more consistent. He also had 12 TDs last year. I don't mind the signing...a committee of Murray/McK/rookie will be quite nice.

Agreed 100%

[CbusVikesFan]

Whether you like Murray or not, have to admit the Vikings are being proactive. I think Murray will be an asset to this team. We need a running back that is versatile.

[YikesVikes]

Once again, he had 74 catches the last 2 years. How does that warrant "questionable" hands?? And like I said, what does Adrian Peterson have to offer us other than his name, fumbles, injuries, 2 downs, not being able to run out of the gun, etc?? Please enlighten me what this guy has to offer at this stage in his career?? You've done nothing but complain about Murray but have yet to say why Peterson is a better option. It's an improvement. There were no better backs out there that had the durability and age like Murray. No less we're probably drafting one too.

So yeah, you should be excited about a younger back coming in here. Better than what we had and can carry a load if we need him to.

74 catches in the last 2 years is not something to write home about. He is in a pass happy offense and he should have more. His catch per target ratio is much lower that AP, who you believe can't catch. Murry can't run out of the gun either. That's the point. At this stage in their careers, AP is still a better overall back than Murray.

I know it's fashionable that when a player leaves the Vikings we pretend that they suck and we over emphasize their flaws but this is ridiculous. The same is said for when someone joins the Vikings, they become the savior we always needed. The fact of the matter is we overpaid for Murray by giving him 5 million a year.

The sad part about this is that I don't care if we bring AP back or not. I wanted an improvement to our running game from 2016. This moves the bar a smidgen for a premium price. Just filling spots isn't the answer. Filling them with players that make sense is how decent teams become great teams. Even ESPN has mentioned how odd our offseason has been. Yet, in the land of Purple shades... you're jumping up and down in delight.

[YikesVikes]

Whether you like Murray or not, have to admit the Vikings are being proactive. I think Murray will be an asset to this team. We need a running back that is versatile.

Busy =\= productive. We've been busy in Free Agency.

Edit: My mistake as he said Proactive. I can agree with him on that accord.

[Rhodes Closed]

Busy =\= productive. We've been busy in Free Agency.

He said PRO-active. Not Productive (but I assume you already know that).

We won't know the results until the season starts.

Secondly, 5 million is not overpaying. That's pretty average for someone with his talents if you ask me. "Hey, you can run, you can block, you can catch, AND you can do it all in several formations! Here's the average wage that most running backs are getting!"

Christ, you act like he's complete ####.

[YikesVikes]

Average at running, good at everything else, is all we need. We need someone who can do it all. Not a stud who can only run i-formation to cost us $87 million dollars. Which would you rather take, a worker who does one thing excellently, but sucks at everything else, or a worker who is average at everything?

What is he "good" at?
Catching = Average
Blocking = Yes, given they have a top 2 line making blitz pickups easier.
Running = Average
Elusiveness = Nope
Creativity = Nope

At 5 million a year, we are paying premium RB money.
My Preference for that type of money would be signing Deangelo Williams. Despite his age, he was proven to be a capable back. Through 2 games last season he was leading the league in rushing. He also catches out of the backfield very well at a higher clip. Now he wouldn't be given a 3 year contract obviously but instead a 2 year contract. I would then draft his replacement in this super deep draft.

[YikesVikes]

He said PRO-active. Not Productive (but I assume you already know that).

We won't know the results until the season starts.

Secondly, 5 million is not overpaying. That's pretty average for someone with his talents if you ask me. "Hey, you can run, you can block, you can catch, AND you can run in several formations! Here's the average wage that most running backs are getting!"

Christ, you act like he's complete ####.

I read it as productive. Mistakes happen.
There are only 9 rbs making more than 5 million a year...so no that isn't the average wage (but I assume you already know that )

I'm acting like a (not sure censured so I will assume it rhymes with witch) because I disagree. Silly me, I thought this was a discussion board. Do me a favor, block my posts if my disagreeing with you gets the old VS' in a bunch. From this draft, Freeman could easily fill his role and be available in the 3rd or 4th round.

[Rhodes Closed]

What is he "good" at?
Catching = Average
Blocking = Yes, given they have a top 2 line making blitz pickups easier.
Running = Average
Elusiveness = Nope
Creativity = Nope

At 5 million a year, we are paying premium RB money.
My Preference for that type of money would be signing Deangelo Williams. Despite his age, he was proven to be a capable back. Through 2 games last season he was leading the league in rushing. He also catches out of the backfield very well at a higher clip. Now he wouldn't be given a 3 year contract obviously but instead a 2 year contract. I would then draft his replacement in this super deep draft.

So your answer is: Let's get someone who's even older than Adrian Peterson because a 27 year old with a lot of upside isn't good enough, AND who will be wanting starting position and higher pay.

Again, average is perfectly fine here. We don't need Barry F'in Sanders behind us. After all, his contract is voidable after this year. We have a strong RB class and Jerrick McKinnon. If all goes well, he won't put a dent in our cap space. What is it about this transaction that's so deplorable?

By the way, you said over $5 million. How many are being paid in the 3-6 million range. Most starting NFL Running Backs.