Zulgad: Boone proves an expensive mistake, Vikings made right move releasing him

[purplefaithful]

The Vikings signed free-agent Riley Reiff this offseason to play by Boone and the expectation was the left side of the line would be shored up. But Reiff missed significant time in training camp because of a back injury suffered on the first day.
As for Boone, it appeared as if he was having trouble adjusting to the Vikings’ zone running scheme and soon there were whispers that his roster spot could be in jeopardy.
Jettisoning Boone seemed unlikely given he was due $6.6 million this season, including $3.4 million in guarantees, but it was odd when he was replaced by Nick Easton in the second quarter of the Vikings’ third preseason game as many of the starters remained. Boone also had missed the Vikings’ second exhibition in Seattle because of an apparent knee injury.
On Saturday, the Vikings decided despite the money Boone was owed, and the fact he carried a $6.7 million salary-cap hit for this season, his subtraction from the 53-man roster would be best for all sides.
Boone was cut after one season and, according to the Star Tribune, after he declined the team’s request to take a pay cut. Even if he had accepted the salary reduction, there’s no guarantee he would have kept a starting job that’s now expected to go to Easton with rookie third-round pick Pat Elflein starting at center.
While the decision will be an expensive one for the Vikings, Boone’s release reportedly will cost Minnesota $3.4 million in dead money, it’s the right move.
http://www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2017/0...releasing/

[Guest]

Being outspoken when you are a key starter is OK, but taking that approach when your play is being questioned isn’t always such a good idea. NFL teams will tell you that they are able to tune out distractions but for the most part this isn’t true. Boone seemed like a guy who easily could have turned into a distraction if he wasn’t starting and was turned into a high-priced backup.
Spielman likely had some explaining to do when he informed owners Zygi and Mark Wilf that he wanted to release the Vikings’ high-priced acquisition of a year ago. But it was a better idea to admit now that signing Boone was a mistake than it would have been to have an expensive and miserable veteran sitting on the bench for the entire season and hoping each day that he didn’t erupt.