On Friday the Minnesota Vikings added defensive end Kenechi Udeze to the reserve non football illness list, officially ending any chance of him suiting up for the 2008 season. The move also shows compassion from a Vikings management team that has faced scrutiny in the past for their treatment of some players - specifically last season when they docked wide receiver Troy Williamson a full game check for missing a game due to a death in the family. The story gained national attention and the Vikings later agreed to pay him for the game he missed. By placing Udeze on the non football illness reserve list, he will still be guaranteed his $807,000+ salary for 2008. This will allow Udeze to fully focus on winning his battle with leukemia.
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Vikings fans can finally rest easy as NFL.com is reporting the Purple has reached a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs to send the league’s sack leader to Minnesota for the 17th overall pick in Saturday’s draft along with 2 third round picks (73rd and 82nd overall).
Adding Allen should make the Vikings defensive line one of the league’s most formidable, as Jared Allen will join Allstars Kevin and Pat Williams. The only question mark surrounding Allen is his past substance abuse problem. He was suspended for two games in 2007 for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He has since sworn off alcolhol completely and hopefully plans to turn over a new leaf in Minnesota. The Vikings have had problems with other players violating the league’s substance abuse policy in the past. Several years ago Koren Robinson was released by the Vikes before the season started after he was arrested for drunken driving.
Jared Allen led the NFL in sacks in 2007 with 15.5, and he also amassed 67 tackles, three forced fumbles and 18 pressures, while playing in only 14 games. This includes a monster game against the Vikings last year where he delivered a whopping 2 sacks, 9 tackles and a forced fumble on Adrian Peterson. Allen is 26 years old.
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After staying the weekend in Minnesota and skipping a scheduled trip to visit the Tampa Bay Bucs on Sunday, Jared Allen is still waiting on a deal. So far we know Allen wants to play in Minnesota, and the Vikings are willing to fully compensate him. The only hangup in the deal is what the Chiefs will get in return. The latest RUMOR is that the Vikings are offering the 17th overall pick and the first of two 3rd round picks in the 2008 draft, plus a 2nd round pick in the 2009 draft. Although it is a hefty pricetag to land last year’s sack leader, the Vikes would still keep a 2nd and 3rd round pick in the upcoming draft which would allow them to fill other holes - possibly offensive line, wide reciever or quarterback.
Allen led the league in sacks in 2007, with 15.5, despite being suspended for two games due to violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
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The Minnesota Vikings 2008 regular season schedule has finally been released and it looks like it will be an exciting for the Purple. Notable games include:
Week 1 - Monday night at Green Bay
A perfect scenario for the Purple. The Vikes will have an opportunity to show the world just how much the Packers are going to miss #4 by going into Lambeau on the first Monday night game and bringing Aaron Rodgers down to earth.
Week 2 - at Home vs. the Colts
The Vikes get their first real test of the season against a full powered Indy team that is a perennial powerhouse. The Colts should have a healthy D-line and receiving corps that will really test the Purple on offense and defense.
Week 5 - Monday night at New Orleans
Adrian Peterson and Reggie Bush square off on Monday night in front of a national audience. #28 will have a chance to show off his moves and compete against another young superstar running back.
Week 13 - Sunday night vs. the Bears
The Vikings and Bears will mix it up again this year with another night game. Last year, the Purple had great success running the ball vs Chicago and this game will give them a chance to continue their ground dominance over Bears on Football Night in America.
Week 17 - at Home vs. the New York Giants
The Vikings slaughtered the eventual Super Bowl Champion G-Men in their 2007 meeting. This year, the Vikes and Giants will mix it up again in the final regular season game. This game could ultimately have huge playoff implications much like the Giant’s final regular season game in 07 where they squared off against the Patriots on national television. This is a matchup to keep an eye on!
Click Here to see the full Vikings 2008 Schedule
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Add Carl Eller to the list of Vikings’ recent arrests. The 66 year old former Viking was pulled over in North Minneapolis by police who observed him driving suspiciously.
Eller refused an initial breathalyzer and apparently injured a Minneapolis police officer in a minor scuffle. Carl Eller was previously convicted of a DWI in 2006.
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It looks like The Vikings have reached an agreement in principle with former Rams backup quarterback, however an official announcement has not been made. The Vikings are hoping to have the deal with the former purple backup cemented by the end of the weekend so that Frerotte can participate in the team’s upcoming minicamp activities.
Frerotte played with the Vikings in 2003 and 2004, and saw significant playing time when he filled in for the injured Daunte Culpepper, throwing for 690 yards with 7 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Frerotte is 36 years old.