There has been an abundance of speculation as to how the Vikings will eventually fill their void at the starting left guard position. Last year's starter, Charlie Johnson, was released this offseason and there is no heir apparent. Some say Iowa's Brandon Scherff or another draft pick would be the best fit, while others have pegged free agency as the team's best bet of finding a replacement.
But a roster transaction made by the Vikings on Tuesday raises another possibility, according to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. Mike Harris, who started the final five games of last season at right tackle, was re-signed by the Vikings on Tuesday and he suggested to Tomasson that he could be the team’s next starter at left guard.
"The job's open, and I'm going to compete for whatever I can get," Harris told Tomasson. "I want to start in this league. I feel I could move inside. I've been working on it."
A Case for Adrian Peterson to remain a VikingThe narrative around Adrian Peterson this offseason would suggest it's a near certainty the long-time Viking would soon become a former Viking. But with the 2015 League Year into its third week and the Vikings remaining steadfast in their desire to work something out with their star running back, NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal puts together a compelling argument that Peterson will indeed remain a Viking in 2015.
Citing the team's public commitment to Peterson along with the fact that other potential suitors have filled their needs at the position and/or are running out of cap space, Rosenthal says Peterson appears more likely to stay with the team with each passing day. He also wrote:
"If Minnesota guaranteed some of his 2016 salary, that would go a long way toward mending the relationship. And that's the most likely outcome here: A restructured contract in Minnesota that gives Peterson more security. The Vikings don't want this situation to drag out all offseason, and would love to get Peterson back on the field before workouts"
Free Agent CB Terence Newman visited Vikings this weekIt didn't take long for the Vikings to fly in DE Michael Johnson for a free agent visit once he was released by Tampa Bay. Despite an enlightening visit with his former coach – Mike Zimmer – and the Vikings, Johnson chose to return to Cincinnati.
Albeit with much less fanfare, as noted by the Star Tribune's Matt Vensel, the Vikings visited with another former Zimmer defender this week. Former Cowboys and Bengals CB Terence Newman was in town on a free agent visit, and the Vikings confirmed as much on Tuesday morning.
Wrote Vensel:
Newman, 36, was the fifth overall pick for the Cowboys in the 2003 draft. Zimmer was in Dallas when the Cowboys drafted Newman and coached him for four seasons there. In 2012, after Newman's play dropped from a Pro Bowl level, he reunited with Zimmer in Cincinnati and rejuvenated his career.
Vensel also noted that NFL Network reported Newman left Minnesota and was heading to New England for another visit.
Quick Hitters
Vikings LT Matt Kalil will participate in Action Day to End Violence Against Women at Capitol on Wednesday morning and afternoon.
ESPN's Mel Kiper has CB Trae Waynes pegged as the Vikings choice at No. 11 in his latest mock draft.
Wednesday's Pro Days: Baylor, Boise State, Boston College, Charleston Southern, Georgia, Louisiana-Monroe, Memphis, Michigan State, San Jose State, Temple, Virginia Tech and Western Kentucky
