Premier Big Guy - Run Stuffer Pat Williams Signed

[Rick]

They signed Pat Williams to a 3 year contract for 13 million. This is one good defensive lineman.

Williams is one of the leagues' premier run stuffers and was among the top defensive lineman available this offseason.

He adds some much needed bulk to the Vikings' defensive line, which automatically moves the linebacking corps and fellow defensive tackle Kevin Williams up a notch.

Maybe and this is a big maybe - more importantly, signing such a high-profile player may be an indication that the Vikes will be legitimate players in this session of free agency instead of sitting on their money and doing nothing with their cap space.

[Born2Fish]

I agree totally. With big Pat in the middle along with Kevin the vikings have one of the best(if not THE best)tackle combo in the league. And yes if they are for ONCE gettin off their rears and spending the money they should, A dramatic turn around isn't out of the question. Lets just pray that the signing of williams isn't the only splash they make.

[Eric Wettschreck]

This was a great signing. Pat Williams IS a defensive line. Maybe other players out there will say,"OK, they are serious, I'll play there."

[MJR]

I tell you what if we spend the cap money we could be pretty good next year. With Williams, Williams, Udezi, and Spencer Johnson we have a pretty solid d-line. Winfield and the supposed upgrade with Harris at LB, and assuming we pick up another D player with the #7 pick, that would be 7 solid d players and maybe even 8 if you count Chavous. I would like to see them sign Wiggins and Burress and I think we will be on our way. There are a couple of good CB's available through FA right now that would be a considerable upgrades. Time will tell I hope whatever is going to happen with the sale happens quick as I think the vikes definately are in a position to considerably upgrade thier team if they take advantage of it.

[james_walleye]

I just read a couple news tidbits on ESPN's NFL wire that said Burress's agent says hes very interested in coming too MN and playing with Culpepper.

[Captain B.R.K]

Yeah, that's right.....but only last for like a day!

Now reports are saying the Vikes aren't interested in making a big push for Burress. To bad because he is a big receiver that Culpepper could throw a toss up and BIG B would come down for it! He would give the a decent threat with Burelson and Robinson on the other side.

With their 1st round draft pick- they'll pick up a receiver....they've spent the last 2-3 years drafting defense.

Just you wait and see--they'll do it!!

[Pig_sticka]

If they dont pickup a decent WR they wont do anything this year. Burleson is a 2nd wide reciever not a 1st.

Burress would be a huge addition, and think they can still draft another reciever. we would have a great 3 punch at wide reciever, that we haven't had since Moss, Carter, and Reed. And then if Wiggins came back the offense would be even greater than last year.

[cybermuskie]

I hate to say it guys and gals, but I think Red is going to hose us over again! We needed the sale to have been over once free agency started. You can see it how he is trying to stick Fowler or whoever with the signing bonuses. They already lost one free agent due to that. The only reason we got Williams is the bumped up his signing money. They are now reporting that Burress is alot like Moss off the field. So they say the Vikes aren't hot after him. The Vikes could have a heck of a good team by now if the dished out some cap money. All the problems comes back to Red being cheap! Like how's he ever going to spend $625 million! Personally I don't think Fowler is going to be much better,but we'll see!

Take it easy, and if it's that easy take it twice!

[Stratosman]

They will pick up a reciever, they are not deep enough without one. I disagree about Burleson however. I think he has the talent to be a #1 and he will have a breakout year this year. His stats for last year were 68 receptions for 1006 yards and 9 td's. And that was at the #2 spot, if he was featured he could have Moss like numbers.

[cybermuskie]

Here's what KFAN's site is saying...

"Vikings finalize deal with Smoot

The Vikings and free-agent cornerback Fred Smoot agreed Tuesday to a six-year deal, the FAN has learned."

[Captain B.R.K]

Burleson does not have blazin' speed and is not a #1 wide out......plain and simple! We need a Mike Williams or a Burress as targets for Dante on the BIG O!

[Stratosman]

I still disagree, Burleson had better numbers than Buress did last year, even though Buress played only 11 games. Just wait and see. Not that I don't want them to sign another WR, just that Burleson has shown he has what it takes. Even if they draft Mike Williams, I would bet that Burleson will be our #1 WR until Williams wins the spot. My 2cent. Heck, Buress is #2 in Pittsburg to Hines Ward.

[Pig_sticka]

Burleson did that as a number 2 reciever though

Thats why he is good in that position, he is facing number 2 backs and he was open cuz of Moss. Now put all the focus for recieving on him and he wont be as productive.

That is where the number 1 reciever they need to pickup comes in.

[Stratosman]

I disagree again. I wonder who carried the recieving load for us when Moss was injured for 5 games? It wasn't crack smoker Campell.

[Quickstrike]

no-one but culpepper carried the load, what was their record during that time again. i really like burleson but i agree we need another name to open things up for him.

[Stratosman]

We do need another name, that I agree with hands down, but saying he isn't and can't be our #1 receiver is untrue. Our record sucked but not because of lack of offense, we still averaged a high point total those 5 games, our defense lost all of those games for us, two on last second field goals I believe after we had just taken the lead the previous possesion.

I agree with the fact that we need another good reciever on the other side of the field, just not that Nate can't be our #1. I do hope we draft Mike Williams, he could be awesome. It seems we are making the moves on defense through free agency maybe setting the stage for an offensive #7 pick?