Vikings Sign Sean Hickey, Jason Whittingham
- The Vikings announced the signings of tackle Sean Hickey and linebacker Jason Whittingham.
Kevin Williams To Retire
Longtime standout defensive tackle Kevin Williams has signed a one-day contract with the Vikings and will officially retire as a member of the organization Thursday, Matt Vensel of the Minneapolis Star Tribune was among those to report.
Williams, 35, spent the vast majority of his career in Minnesota, which selected him ninth overall in the 2003 draft. The former Oklahoma State Cowboy stayed with the Vikings through the 2013 season and racked up six Pro Bowl bids, five first-team All-Pro selections and 60 sacks with the club.
“I had a great time with the Vikings and appreciate them giving me a chance,” Williams said in a statement. “They drafted a small town kid from Arkansas and the organization, the city, the whole state really, helped raise me into a man. I appreciate them for that and look forward to coming back and doing some things with the team.”
[RELATED: Vikings’ Phil Loadholt retires]
After departing Minnesota, Williams played two more seasons – one in Seattle and another in New Orleans. Williams was solid depth for the 2014-15 NFC champion Seahawks, totaling 30 tackles and three sacks in 16 regular-season games (eight starts). He once again played every game last year, this time starting 14 and amassing 32 tackles and a pair of forced fumbles for the Saints, though he failed to record a sack for the only time in his career. Still, Williams’ work in his final campaign earned him a quality ranking at Pro Football Focus (subscription required), which placed him 33rd among 123 qualifying interior defenders.
As a free agent, Williams perhaps could’ve caught on with another club looking for D-line depth, but he’ll instead walk away after 13 NFL seasons. In regards to Williams’ exit, Vikings owner Zygi Wilf said, “Kevin Williams was an established team leader when we bought the Vikings and his presence was crucial to our success. His consistency and durability makes him a Viking for the ages. We wish Kevin and his family all the best as they enjoy retirement.”
Williams appeared in 203 of a possible 208 regular-season games and logged 193 starts with 525 tackles, 63 sacks and nine forced fumbles. PFR wishes him the best in his retirement.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
The Beat: Darren Wolfson On The Vikings
With the season fast approaching, we’re chatting with journalists from around the league to gain insight on each team’s offseason and how those moves will impact the season ahead.
Today, we continue the series by discussing the Vikings with Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News and 1500ESPN. You can follow Darren on Twitter @DWolfsonKSTP and check out his podcast here.
Zach Links: The Vikings made Harrison Smith the highest-paid safety in the NFL when they inked him to a five-year, $51MM+ extension this offseason. Do you think that will prove to be a smart deal for Minnesota in the long run? 
Darren Wolfson: I do. At 27, he’s still in the prime of his career, and his work ethic is elite. The behind-the-scenes words on him are all incredibly positive. I can’t recall hearing a bad word about Smith. He can play close to the line scrimmage, or dominate in coverage. If you just look at the tangible numbers, he’s the only player since 2012 with 300+ tackles, 5+ sacks, 10+ interceptions, and 4+ interceptions returned for touchdowns. Go beyond those numbers and use analytics, and he grades out to be a top-3 safety in the entire NFL. By the way, he’s been able to dominate with a revolving door at the safety spot next to him.
Zach Links: In March, few would have believed that Laquon Treadwell would fall outside the top 20 and be the fourth wide receiver to come off the board in the draft. Do you think Treadwell will ultimately prove to be the best WR in the 2016 class? Where do you think the ceiling is for him?
Darren Wolfson: Best? I’m leaning towards saying no. But I think he will help a team that so desperately needs it in the passing game. I think he’s a good match for QB Teddy Bridgewater with Teddy’s strengths lying in the short to intermediate routes. His measurable show that he lacks top-end explosion and speed. That’s why I hesitate to say he’ll prove to be the best. What he appears to be good at is stopping on a dime in the middle of the field. He gets off the line of scrimmage well, per scouts I’ve talked to and Vikings personnel, and I’d wager that he’ll be able to create enough separation from DBs to be a useful weapon.
Zach Links: Aside from Treadwell, which Vikings rookies are you most excited about?
Darren Wolfson: Second round pick Mackensie Alexander has an unbelievable back story, which makes him easy to root for. Most scouts I talked to thought he’d go late first, so to get him at pick No. 54 seems like a steal. Keep in mind that head coach Mike Zimmer, 2015 first round pick Trae Waynes aside and I wouldn’t give up on him, is a genius when working with cornerbacks. Zimmer’s lengthy history speaks for itself. I keep hearing good things about tight end David Morgan, who they grabbed in the sixth round. I’d wager on fifth round pick, linebacker Kentrell Brothers, making the team. He can help out on special teams. The most publicized draft pick, sixth round receiver Moritz Boehringer, would benefit greatly from a year on the practice squad.
Zach Links: Cordarrelle Patterson has been a source of frustration for Vikings fans and fantasy owners alike. Is 2016 the year that the talented wide receiver puts it all together, or will he be overshadowed by the team’s other talented WRs?
Darren Wolfson: I need to see it to fully believe it. But GM Rick Spielman and others with the Vikings have been singing Patterson’s praises all offseason, probably more so than any other player. Looking at Patterson’s tweets, it certainly looks like he’s busting his butt and realizes that this is likely his last chance to get meaningful snaps. Being in a contract year can serve as great motivation – the Vikings declined to exercise his fifth-year option. His route-running needs work. But whether on end-arounds or in the return game, when he has the ball in open space, the skill-set is extremely visible. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner will have to tweak some things and find different ways to get Patterson the ball.
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Corey Wootton Announces Retitrement
Veteran defensive end Corey Wootton took to Twitter on Tuesday morning to announce his retirement from the NFL. 
Wootton, 29, spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Bears before joining the Vikings for the 2014 season. In 2015, he signed on with the Lions in an effort to continue his tour of the NFC North. While he has never been an every-down player, Wootton saw 22 starts and totaled 10 sacks during his final two seasons with the Bears. In Minnesota, he came off the bench and recorded just a single sack in 2014. Last year, he was released by the Lions prior to the start of the season.
Wootton becomes just the latest NFL player to announce his retirement this week. On Monday, former Packers, Vikings, and Dolphins wide receiver Greg Jennings announced his retirement from the NFL and so did Vikings offensive lineman Phil Loadholt.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Vikings’ Phil Loadholt Announces Retirement
Vikings offensive lineman Phil Loadholt has informed the team of his plans to retire. Loadholt has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons so while news of his retirement is somewhat surprising, it does not come as a shock. On Monday afternoon, the Vikings issued a press release confirming the news:
“I first want to thank the Wilf Family for the wonderful opportunity they gave me seven years ago. There’s a lot of people to thank – Rick Spielman, Rob Brzezinski, George Paton, Scott Studwell and all the personnel people. My head coaches – Brad Childress, Leslie Frazier and Mike Zimmer. My position coaches – Pat Morris, Jim Hueber, Jeff Davidson, and Tony Sparano. The entire Vikings support staff and most important – the Vikings fans and my teammates. This chapter in my life is closing and I look forward to seeing what the next one brings. I’ll always love this game and the opportunity to do something I dreamed about since I was seven years old. But, my body is telling me it’s time to hang up my cleats.”
Loadholt, 30, was placed on IR in each of the previous two seasons, playing in just 11 total games. In 2014, a torn pectoral ended his season after 11 games. In 2015, he tore his Achilles’ tendon, ending his season before it could even begin.
Back in March, Loadholt accepted a pay cut in order to stay with the Vikings. The new deal was supposed to give the tackle a $2MM base in 2016 with up to $3.5MM through incentives, demonstrating that Loadholt was willing to bet on himself after a year away from live action. Before the two major injuries, Loadholt missed only one game from 2009-13. Loadholt suited up for 15 contests in 2013 and graded out as a top-five tackle by Pro Football Focus’ standards.
Loadholt now retires after playing six seasons in the NFL, all of which were spent with the Vikings. In total, Loadholt appeared in 89 games and started every single one. We here at PFR wish Loadholt nothing but the best in retirement.
Loadholt’s retirement was first reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Greg Jennings To Retire
Wide receiver Greg Jennings has announced his retirement from the NFL after 10 seasons. 
[RELATED: Vikings’ Phil Loadholt To Retire]
Jennings became a free agent in March when he was cut loose by the Dolphins. The 32-year-old Jennings was widely expected to be a cap casualty this offseason, as the results of his first season with the Dolphins was wholly uninspiring. He posted career-lows in nearly every statistical category, catching just 19 passes for 208 yards and one touchdown. After terminating the final year of Jennings’ two-year contract, Miami saved $4MM on its salary cap while incurring $1.5MM in dead money.
The Kalamazoo, Michigan native appeared in all 16 regular season games for the Dolphins last season but it was clear that he was not as sharp as he had been in previous years. Jennings saw a career low in targets (36) and receptions (19), totaling just 208 yards and one touchdown.
While things didn’t go as planned in Miami, Jennings will be remembered for the quality seasons that he enjoyed in his prime, particularly with the Packers. From 2007 through 2011, Jennings averaged 1,108 yards and nine touchdown grabs per season for Green Bay. In 2010 and 2011, Jennings earned Pro Bowl nods for his exceptional play. More importantly, Jennings helped the Packers capture a championship ring in 2010. After the 2012 season in Green Bay, Jennings joined up with the rival Vikings and delivered two productive seasons.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
NFC North Notes: Packers, Matthews, Peppers
The NFL is looking into whether Packers linebackers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers used performance enhancing drugs, but team president and CEO Mark Murphy says that the organization has not been looped in on theAl Jazeera investigation as it pertains to its players.
“The league is pursuing that,” Murphy said, according to Michael Cohen of the Journal Sentinel. “I know there’s been some resistance from the NFLPA about the credibility of some of the sources there. But I don’t think we know much more than that.”
Matthes, Peppers, and the other players cited in the infamous Al Jazeera documentary have denied any wrongdoing. The league is planning to interview all of the players named in the December doc, but the union is resisting on grounds that it will set a precedent going forward.
Here’s more from the NFC North:
- Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com previewed the Lions‘ cornerback group heading into training camp. Of course, Darius Slay, Nevin Lawson, Quandre Diggs, and 2015 third-round pick Alex Carter are locks for the 53-man roster. After that, Johnson Bademosi, Darrin Walls, Ian Wells, Crezdon Butler, Charles Washington, Adairius Barnes, and Keith Lewis are all fighting to make the cut. Bademosi should be there thanks to his special teams skills. Meanwhile, both Walls and Butler offer veteran experience and could also make a case for sticking around in September. For a complete look at the Lions’ roster, check out their depth chart on Roster Resource.
- In looking at the Vikings‘ running back depth chart, Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune notes that fullback Zach Line could be in danger of losing his spot to Blake Renaud, a converted collegiate linebacker. Renaud spent the 2015 season on the team’s practice squad, a sign that they hold him in high regard even as many teams have moved away from the fullback position.
- Earlier this week, the Bears signed veteran guard Amini Silatolu.
Dennis Green Dead At Age 67
Former Vikings and Cardinals head coach Dennis Green has passed away, as Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. Green was 67 years old. 
Green, who played running back at the University of Iowa, began his coaching career as a college assistant after a short playing stint in the CFL. Green climbed the college ranks in the 70s and got his first NFL break in 1979 when he became the 49ers’ special teams coach. After that, he returned to the NCAA to serve as Stanford’s offensive coordinator and as head coach at Northwestern. After returning to the 49ers as wide receivers coach and a two-year run as the head coach at Stanford, Green was hired as the Vikings head coach prior to the 1992 season.
Green, who was only the third black head coach in NFL history, guided the Vikings to the playoffs eight times in his ten seasons at the helm and only saw a losing record in 2001, his final season in Minnesota. After ten years of dealing with the NFL grind, Green spent two years as a broadcaster with ESPN. He returned to football in 2004 when the Cardinals hired him as head coach. Unfortunately, Green did not enjoy the same on field success in Arizona as he did in Minnesota and he was dismissed after the 2006 season.
In total, Green went 113-94 as an NFL head coach and his teams posted a combined 97-62 record with the Vikings. Putting his accomplishments aside, Green will be remembered as a fantastic motivator and all around great person. We here at PFR extend our condolences to Green’s friends and family.
George Edwards A 2017 Head Coaching Candidate?
- Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin are among the NFL assistants who could be candidates for head coaching jobs next offseason, Mike Sando of ESPN.com writes (Insider subscription required). Both play-callers have been interviewed for a number of gigs in the past, but despite both having success at various stops, neither has ever been hired for a head job. Other options who could expect phone calls next year are the Colts‘ Rob Chudzinski, the Buccaneers‘ Mike Smith, and the Vikings‘ George Edwards, per Sando.
Bengals To Sign Rashaun Simonise
The Bengals will sign wide receiver Rashaun Simonise, according to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN (via Twitter). The Canadian wide receiver was one of six entrants in today’s Supplemental Draft and became a free agent after he went unselected. Of course, the other five players in this year’s “second chance” draft also went unselected.
In 2015, Simonise made some noise when he racked up 1,079 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in eight games in his junior season at the University of Calgary. However, he was recently declared academically ineligible for the upcoming season, which led him to enter his name into the 2016 Supplemental Draft. Since the end of the ’15 season, the 6’5″ receiver has been staying in football shape and even had a brief stint with the Chicago Eagles of the Champions Indoor Football League.
As shown on Roster Resource, Simonise will now look to battle with the likes of Brandon Tate, rookie Cody Core, Jake Kumerow, Mario Alford, James Wright, and Michael Bennett for one of the team’s final wide receiver spots.
The Vikings showed some early interest in Simonise, Wolfson notes, but they did not make it to his pro day or make an attempt to sign him today.