Looking for an update on the Vikes

[Scoot]

Can somebody give a complete list of the acquisitions and losses that the Vikes have made since the season has ended?

[Fish Head]

I don't know that it's 100% complete, but here is what I know-

We lost: Randy Moss, Chris Claiborne, Chris Hovan, Terrance Shaw, Larry Ned and Cory Withrow.

We added: LB-Napoleon Harris, DT-Pat Williams, CB-Fred Smoot and S-Darren Sharper.

We also have the 2 first round picks. 7th and 18th overall.

[Stratosman]

Also lost/released: Rhett Nelson, Kenny Clark and Derek Ross

[buzzsaw]

We also just signed Travis Taylor away from Baltimore... he is a tall lanky receiver who I believe played for the Florida Gators.

[Stratosman]

Didn't here that one yet. That's a good sign too, I think he was the 10th overall pick in 2000, his numbers were good with the Ravens, should be even better with our offense. I think he was also the Ravens all time leading reciever in catches.

[Eric Wettschreck]

What happened to Hovan? Did we release him, trade him, or just let him walk away pouting?

[buzzsaw]

I may have spoken too soon on the Travis Taylor signing... they said something about it on KFAN and now I have not heard anymore about it on ESPN or the fan since.... ?????? Hope I wasn't jumping the gun guys!

[Down to Earth]

Hovan is an Unrestricted Free Agent, I the Vikes have no intention of offering him a contract. I think the writing was on the wall during the season when the Vikes actually had him on the inactive roster a few weeks.

[Down to Earth]

Buzzsaw,

I think you can make it official. This is from Fanball.

Vikings: Taylor signs for No. 3 role

THE NEWS

The Vikings have taken their first step toward addressing the gaping hole at wide receiver that was created by the Randy Moss trade. The team announced the signing of free agent Travis Taylor on Tuesday, according to the Star Tribune. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Taylor, who spent the last five years with the Ravens, missed six games last year due to an assortment of injuries. The No. 10 overall pick in the 2000 draft finished the season with 34 receptions for 421 yards and no touchdowns.

OUR VIEW

Taylor won't make anyone forget Moss, nor do Vikings' officials expect him to. In fact, he won't even enter training camp as a starting receiver. The current plan is to feature him as the No. 3 wideout behind starters Nate Burleson and Marcus Robinson. Of course, there is a better chance of the original Beatles reuniting for a tour than there is of Robinson surviving a full season without injuries, so we expect Taylor to start at some point. The five-year veteran more or less recruited the Vikings during the offseason due to his desire to play with quarterback Daunte Culpepper.

[buzzsaw]

Thanks Down to earth! I just heardit again... thanks for all the good info!

[Fish Head]

Taylor signed a 2 year contract this afternoon. It looks like Hovan might be signing with the Giants. So far they are the only team that has any interest in him.

[bucketmouth64]

With the Taylor signing as their # 3 receiver, Kelly Campbell probably won't be back. Remember his drug thing that got him arrested. Tice won't have nothing to do with him now. Probably doesn't want any distractions for the upcoming season. Wouldn't surprise me if Campbell signs with Miami since Linnehan is there. I still think Vikes will get a stud receiver in the draft. If Robinson has a so so year he won't be back after next season. Poor Plexico still can't find a team...what an overrated, egomaniac, WR.

[mklem24]

I just saw today that Campbell agreed to the Vikings tender offer -- I believe he was a restricted FA -- and they tendered their offer prior to his arrest(what an (Contact US Regarding This Word)) and it's up to him to accept or not -- funny after his arrest he didn't visit any other teams??? It's for the minimum - like $675K -- but my guess if the Vikes pick up another receiver in the draft like many are predicting - Campbell as you said - will not be on the team next season.

[MJR]

Brad Johnson signed a 4yr and Corey withrow signed a 1 year.

[Fish Head]

Where did you hear Brad Johnson and Corey Withrow signed? I can't find any info on it anywhere.

[Stratosman]

ESPN: Brad Johnson signed a 4 year 6mil contract with the Vikes for the #2 role.

[GullGuide]

Wow, looks like we have a good back-up for a few years at least.

With Winthrow signing, that up's the odds that the narc is Hovan.

[buzzsaw]

He is correct!!!! Here is the skinny from ESPN:

Minnesota Vikings: Brad Johnson made his choice of teams after touring a handful of cities and has opted to sign with the Vikings.

Johnson, 36, agreed Wednesday to a four-year, $6 million contract that includes a $1.2 million signing bonus and a $2.2 million total payout in the first year. Johnson, who visited the Seahawks on Tuesday, chose the Vikings over Seattle and the Bears.

For Johnson, the chance to return to Minnesota intrigued him. An 11-year veteran, he was a ninth-round draft choice of the Vikings in 1992 and spent seven seasons with the team. He then moved on to the Redskins, and finally won a Super Bowl for the Bucs in 2002.

-- John Clayton, ESPN.com senior NFL writer

Withrow signs one-year deal: Unrestricted free agent offensive lineman Cory Withrow, 29, has signed a one-year contract to return to the Vikings. It is believed that Withrow will receive the minimum base salary of $540,000 for 2005 with the opportunity to earn some incentives.

Withrow, signed as an undrafted college free agent in 1999, started five games in 2004,when Pro Bowl center Matt Birk was sidelined. For his career, he has 64 appearances and six starts.

[Fish Head]

You guys are good. I was just able to confirm it.

Do you remember how we happend to get Dante Culpepper? With drafted him #11 overall with the draft pick we received from Washington for Brad Johnson. I'd say that trade worked out well.

[MJR]

Fowler is going to win 3 more games his first year than Red.

Hovan is for sure the Narc, in a month he will come out about it in a desperation move to get some team to sign him.

I am so glad they signed Johnson, Testaverde was their next choice.

[GullGuide]

I think that it the biggest reason he hasnt been signed yet, other than he can't play.

Who would want to sign someone who has already squeeled on one coach, what's to stop him from squeeling on them? He broke a sacred rule, what goes on in the locker room stays in the locker room. He'll be lucky to get a job as a towel boy for an arena league team.

[Down to Earth]

I think the only contract Hovan would be able to sign now is with Vince McMahon and the WWE Enterprise.

[so haaad]

I think that since Gus left, signing BJohnson was a good move. He isn't a deep ball passer, but he isn't a bad back up guy. If our LB's and DE's can step up, our defense is going to be very very good.