Heading into the start of free agency tonight,the Vikings' top five needs in my book are:
1, Quarterback.
2, Defensive back.
3, Offensive line.
4, Backup running back.
5, Defensive line depth.
Quarterback won't be addressed in free agency or via trade, unless, of course, one of the 2.4 million trade rumors about Donovan McNabb actually turns out to be true and he ends up being dealt to Camp Chilly. And for that to have a chance of happening, Brett Favre would have to make a decision before the State Fair.
Defensive back would be the next logical position to beef up ASAP. At cornerback, Antoine Winfield isn't getting any younger, Cedric Griffin is dealing with a blown-up knee and Benny Sapp is a free agent.
The Vikings can't sign an unrestricted free agent until they lose one. And even then, they can't pay more than what they paid the guy who lost.
But the Vikings can sign players who are released from their contracts by other teams. One such player that just became available is Cardinals safety Antrel Rolle . The former first-round draft pick, who's only 27, was dumped rather than given a $4 millionbonus due to him.
Rolle wants the $8 million the Cardinals would havehad to pay him this season. That would make him the highest paid safety in the league. The Cardinals want to payhim about $6 million, so no doubt Rolle will shop arounda little to see what's out there.
And what's out there is a Vikings team that lacks playmakers at safety and depth at corner.Rolle played corner during his first three years in the league.
No, Rolle isn't thebest safety in the league. But he does have12 interceptions and four touchdowns in his five-year career.He alsostarted for the Cardinalsin the Super Bowl two years ago.
He'd be a guy I'd at least look intoas a possible player who can take an alreadygooddefense to another level.
As for the other positions of need:
. At offensive line, the Vikings need a dominant run blocker ateither right guard or center. I'm not convinced John Sullivan is the longtermanswerat center. They also could be in need of a backup guard/tackle in a hurry. If Artis Hicks leaves via free agency, he takes with himone roster spot that could back up all the guard and tackle positions very well.There are veterans to be had that are unrestricted free agents. But the Vikings are restricted in their ability to sign them. If they wanted to make a big splash, go after the Saints' Jahri Evans. A 26-year-old All-Pro right guard might be worth giving up a first- and a third-round draft pick when one is selected 30th in every round.
. Backup running back. It would take some serious persuading before I'd sign anyone 30 or older, unless it was to re-sign Chester Taylor. Otherwise, I'd wait a while before addressing that need.
. Defensive line. I'd also wait to see how the draft shakes out at this position.