Dealings with Panther have paid off for Vikings
Vikings' successful season built in part by working savvy deals with PanthersOffseason moves with Panthers aided rebuilding by Vikings.
Last spring, as both teams sought to rebuild their rosters from 2016 seasons that began with high hopes and ended in disappointment, the Vikings and Carolina Panthers engaged in a series of moves that functioned as a series of coincidental trades.
On March 9, the Panthers signed left tackle Matt Kalil to a five-year, $55.5 million contract that included $25 million in guaranteed money. The Vikings gave former Panthers tackle Mike Remmers a five-year deal worth $30 million March 10. That same day, the Panthers signed former Vikings wide receiver Charles Johnson. And on March 11, cornerback Captain Munnerlyn turned down an offer to return to the Vikings, instead opting to rejoin the team that drafted him and signing a four-year, $17 million deal with the Panthers.
The moves were part of busy offseasons for both teams, and as the two clubs meet at Bank of America Stadium this weekend, the Vikings are closing in on a first-round bye at 10-2 while the Panthers are in the hunt for a playoff spot at 8-4. But as players on both clubs prepare for reunions this weekend, it’s worth noting how adroitly the Vikings have navigated replacing players it appeared they might miss.
http://www.startribune.com/vikings-successful-season-built-in-part-by-working-savvy-deals-with-panthers/462924813/
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Those tempted to play the we-didn’t-need-him game with Kalil and Munnerlyn would be wise to remember the Vikings tried to re-sign both players. Few things in the NFL are as binary as they might seem, and for both players, Carolina might have had a lure that Minnesota did not: a chance for Munnerlyn to return to the city where he still has a house, and for Kalil, an opportunity to play with his brother Ryan and make a fresh start after five uneven years in Minnesota.
But in a season that’s been all about the Vikings’ ability to adapt, they will have a chance to clinch the NFC North title on Sunday against two players whose positions represented two of the team’s biggest question marks coming into the season.
As Kalil and Munnerlyn exchange pregame pleasantries with former teammates, it’s worth noting how capably the Vikings have replaced each of them.
Yeah, I'll fess up to thinking Welcome Matt was our best option in FA...glad to be wrong on that front...I did think that eventually Alexander would fill in for Captain after some hard learned lessons...I guess I was wrong there too as you hardly ever notice when Mac is on the field...I wonder if he pushes Trae for the starters spot next year, then assumes the slot when we go nickel...
@"BarrNone55" said: Yeah, I'll fess up to thinking Welcome Matt was our best option in FA...glad to be wrong on that front...I did think that eventually Alexander would fill in for Captain after some hard learned lessons...I guess I was wrong there too as you hardly ever notice when Mac is on the field...I wonder if he pushes Trae for the starters spot next year, then assumes the slot when we go nickel...I didn't think we'd be seeing this much of Newman to be honest. But more importantly, Mac Alex has made some big strides this year - at a really tough position.
Not sure if he's tall enough to handle the outside? Does lead to some discussion as to who has the higher ceiling? Waynes or Mac Alexander?
My reaction to Waynes in the nickel is, no. He is already a pretty good cover corner on the outside and getting better. There is too much going on when you play nickel. I do not want to complicate things for him. On the plus side, he has also become a really good tackler.
I hope Mac really embraces the nickel spot. We need him there. Newman can't play forever.
I worded that poorly...Mac starts in base, then when Trae comes in, Mac heads to the slot...
I was done with Kalil. Tired of the mediocrity from another top pick at Lt. Tired of the injuries as excuses but now I’m finally healed, followed by more poor play. The guy has an honesty problem and a seeming lack of motivation problem similiar to Mt McKinney. The Vikes got better as a team the day he left. Now the Panther fans are saying the same things we said for years about him.
I hope Griff schools him and exposes him for what he is.
@"BarrNone55" said: Yeah, I'll fess up to thinking Welcome Matt was our best option in FA...glad to be wrong on that front...I did think that eventually Alexander would fill in for Captain after some hard learned lessons...I guess I was wrong there too as you hardly ever notice when Mac is on the field...I wonder if he pushes Trae for the starters spot next year, then assumes the slot when we go nickel...Same here. Was hoping for Kalil signed to incentive laden contract with low risk. Glad we found a rock in Reiff.
I say overload the side Matt is on then the TE has to decide whether to help door Matt or block his own rusher. Griffen can go off on DM and cam can get used to eating turf all day long
@"Poiple" said: I was done with Kalil. Tired of the mediocrity from another top pick at Lt. Tired of the injuries as excuses but now I’m finally healed, followed by more poor play. The guy has an honesty problem and a seeming lack of motivation problem similiar to Mt McKinney. The Vikes got better as a team the day he left. Now the Panther fans are saying the same things we said for years about him. I hope Griff schools him and exposes him for what he is. I would beg to differ slightly. We got better as a team the day he left AND WE SIGNED REIFF.
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