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So is it a coincidence that on the same day that a veteran receiver with extensive experience in the West Coast offense hits the market a free-agent receiver who played for one of the teams using that offense in 2007 suddenly re-signed?
We think not.
The Vikings have inked Robert Ferguson to a one-year deal 15 days into free agency, after Ferguson drew some interest from Chicago and Pittsburgh but visited neither city.
The move came in the wake of the release of receiver Darrell Jackson by the 49ers. Before one year in San Fran, Jackson spent his entire career in Seattle.
Ferguson’s deal is for one year and $1 million, with the ability to make up to $600,000 in incentives.
But Ferguson isn’t out of the woods just yet. The Vikes could still bring in Jackson, and decide between Jackson and Ferguson during training camp, or after the preseason.
Ferguson joined the Vikings in 2007 after spending six seasons with the Packers. He was a second-round draft pick in 2001.
Minnesota now has Bernard Berrian, Bobby Wade, Sidney Rice, Aundrae Allison, and Ferguson at receiver. Ferguson also is the first of the Vikings’ own 2008 free agents to return. Five have left, and three are still unsigned.
March 16th, 2008 at 8:07 am
Too bad they still don’t have a QB who can get these guys the ball.
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March 16th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Is Kurt Warner or Dilfer available? Jeff George? Anyone with a rifle arm and a year or two left in the tank.
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March 16th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Well that is somewhat incorrect…I’ve watched Jackson the last couple of years to gauge where he is at progression wise. His problem will not be getting the ball to the receivers down the field. He has an absoulute cannon for an arm. Where he needs to show improvment is Reading the Defense so he knows where to go with the ball.. and also to put a little touch on the ball when the situation calls for it. He just gets way to wound-up after about 3 seconds he hits the panic button and starts hopping around like a mexican jumping bean. If he learns to calm down abit, Identify the defensive formations, read the blitz,and do his checkdowns. All of these things are things that you should have in an NFL starting QB. Unfortunatly Jackson is learning through the school of hard Knocks. Not sitting on the sideline absorbing two solid years of practice like he should have. I think he could have gotten to where he should be if he played every game last year. But with injurys and poor proformance that didnt happen.. I would look to seeing him advance more this year.. with another training camp and preseason under his belt.. And with an improved receiving core.
Cliff
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March 16th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
When Jackson did make the right read and throw to the right guy, it seemed like the receiver would often drop the ball.
Ferguson had the same problem at the start of the year, but by the end of the year was very dependable. Re-signing him was a good idea.
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