- Didn't we try to get smoot at one point? This defense was solid, so some of these players might help us out significantly - pros/cons? Each year, NFL teams jettison a handful of players under contract. Although no decisions have been communicated, the Vikings seem likely to release quarterback Brad Johnson and cornerback Fred Smoot by the end of this month. Both players have roster bonuses due in March, and Smoot also would have a $2.7 million base salary if he remains with the team. The futures of tight ends Jermaine Wiggins and Jim Kleinsasser also are being evaluated. Kleinsasser, who caught seven passes in 2006, is scheduled to make $2.9 million in base salary during the 2007 season. Meanwhile, ESPN has speculated that safety Dwight Smith and offensive lineman Mike Rosenthal also are candidates for release. Unrestricted free agents The Vikings have not held substantive discussions with any of their top three free agents -- linebacker Napoleon Harris, receiver Travis Taylor and receiver Bethel Johnson. All three appeared poised to test the market. A handful of second-tier free agents, including defensive tackle Ross Kolodziej and safety Tank Williams, could be candidates to return.
smoot is the type of player that is still young, yet his humbers seems to be on the decline...it could be a credit to the porous pass D in Minnesota, or it could be a credit to not having Champ to mentor him anymore...having champ also makes it easier for CBs, knowing that there is a good chance the ball may be coming to your side instead...Smoot is a talent, there is no denying that, however would he be able to put up good numbers if joining the jets, that would be the question...my guess is no, but maybe Mangini can make a man out of him
I think Smoot would be a good signing, but I see him more of a #2 cornerback, a very good one, but not a #1. We already have a great #2 in Dyson, we need a #1 going into the season. Smoot would be good if we cannot get Clements or Samuel though. Another interesting guy from that list is I saw Napoleon Harris is a free agent. His size is perfect for a 3-4 OLB, and coming out of college he ran a 4.55 40 yard dash, so he is definitely fast enough. He could be a good signing, he used to be great in Oakland (where I think they ran the 3-4 there) but has declined a bit. He is still young, and he has a ton of potential to go back to his Oakland form, he could be a good, small, signing.
I don't know how these mega CBs would fit in our system. That Patriots model is having a dominant front 7 and having CBs that can tackle. Smoot is still going to command a lot of money, and I don't think we'll target him. I'm more inclined to think that we'll look at a CB in the later rounds of the draft.
If Smoot underperformed in Minnesota with Winfield, Sharper, and Dwight Smith starting in the secondary I don't want anything to do with him.
If the Jets are in the market for a solid TE to use in 2 TE sets, Wiggins or Kleinsasser could fill that role.
Wiggins and Baker would be nasty. Sign him. Wiggins came from NE before MINN so maybe Mangini makes a move, I hope so.
i wouldnt be surprised if smoot ended up back in washington i know they will sign clements...b/c thats who they want...and that means that's who they will get, but seeing as washington tends to go overboard every year...it would make sense that they do something ridiculous like signing smoot/clements i know they are the worst cap team right now, but come free agency they will make cuts and restructure and some how end up being a big player in the market i know they have rogers and springs...but it just wouldnt surprise me to see them cut springs and take in smoot b/c of past success and decent market value to a position they always have injuries at heck if freeney hits the market...i wouldnt be surprised if they cut as many players as it would take to get him a contract to outbid the bucs or whoever might be a good thing for us...b/c that might mean portis is more readily available but maybe this will be the year they learn from there mistakes
Smoot just talks a big game.....he cant cover an elite WR...and more than likely would want big $$.....i'll pass
