Free Agent Blizzard

Here is how I rank the Vikings' top off-season priorities:

1. Wide Receiver
2. Quarterback
3. Safety
4. Defensive End

Playmaking pass catchers trump every other need on the team. At the very least, the Vikes need backup quarterbacks for Tarvaris Jackson, and they could bring in somebody to compete for the starting job. Safety shot up the list as a need when the Vikes cut Dwight Smith. Many would rank DE as a higher priority; I think that the Vikings could "get by" with Darrion Scott, Ray Edwards, Brian Robison, and other cheap guys at DE, while they couldn't just "get by" with anything they currently have at wide receiver, backup quarterback, or safety. Oh, they should definitely try to upgrade the DE personnel; I just don't see it as a desperate need like WR, QB, and S are.

Links
Kelly Holcomb is gone (Pioneer Press). Well, 0-3 as a starter, that was certainly not worth it.

The Ragnarok details Madieu Williams.

To answer the Daily Norseman's question, yes, I think Sage Rosenfels is worth a 3rd round pick, but only if the Vikes aren't able to fill the backup QB position without giving up a draft pick--which, frankly, they should be able to do. I guess I'm changing my answer to no.

Isaac Bruce, anyone? Man, I'm desperate (Football Outsiders).

But no, David Givens isn't the answer to any question (SI).

People really want Bernard Berrian (PFT). Mr. Berrian, Tarvaris Jackson is probably a better passer than either Vince Young or whomever the 49ers throw out there at QB.

Cold Hard Football Facts has some historical stuff on championship games and game-winning drives. Eli Manning has something in common with Bobby Layne (let's just hope Manning doesn't end up allegedly costing his team a win because he gambled on the outcome and tries to throw a touchdown to beat the point spread rather than simply going for the win with a field goal, then getting traded that week, then still making the Hall of Fame because the selectors have an odd way of viewing "character").

The Starting Five comments on Minnesota's departed stars.

End Zone Buzz looks at the NFC North teams' needs.

Stop Mike Lupica writes about some sports blog conflicts. Sometimes I consider just up and starting a feud with another sports blog, but I don't.

Roy S. Johnson praises Chris Paul. The great state of the Point Guard position is going to be on full display in the Western Conference playoffs this year, as folks like Paul, Kidd, Nash, Parker, Williams and more go against each other. It's going to be fun.