Kevin Seifert

  (2:00 PM)

Hi everyone... thanks for gathering here in mid-February to talk... football! Specifically, the NFC North. Let's get right to it.

Joe (Detroit)

Vikings suck.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:01 PM)

I'll pass it along next time I see them.

Jeff (Nashville)

I think the Packers showed over the last 8 games of the season that they are pretty legit. Not asking for predictions already, but I have to think they have the edge in the division if every team were to return the same players next year. Thoughts?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:02 PM)

Well, you're right ... it's way too early for that. I'll say this: If Brett Favre doesn't return to Minnesota, and the Vikings don't replace him with a high-caliber veteran, I think the Packers would be the division favorites in 2010.

Biggy (Washington, NC)

Mike Martz! Mike Martz! Now, what WRs do you think the Bears will target to complement the system?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:03 PM)

I'll be interested to see if they go after Torry Holt, given his success in St. Louis with Martz. But for the most part, I think Martz likes Earl Bennett as one of his outside guys and Devin Hester in the slot. It's also likely they'll use Matt Forte a lot in the passing game as well.

ken (Redondo Bch)

Are the vikings going to move to LA, and do you think the Vikings will draft a QB.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:03 PM)

I doubt it, and they better.

Barry (Omaha)

Kevin, big Packer fan here in Nebraska. I think the Pack are only a few pieces away from a big run next year. Any free agency rumors out there?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:04 PM)

The Packers have been so reluctant to test the free agent market in recent years. This year's market isn't going to be populated with a ton of talent because of the new uncapped rules, so there seems to be even less of a possibility that the Packers would step out and make a bold move as there usually is.

Mitchell (Omaha)

Kevin-love your blog, that being said I was hoping for some insight on the Packers not getting Nick Collins long-term deal done. He is arguable their best defensive player behind Charles Woodson and certainly a playmaker and pivotal part of the defense. I want Nick Collins signed sooner than later, do you see this happening soon?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:07 PM)

Thanks Mitchell ... Big Omaha contingent today! The Packers have never seemed to be in a rush to sign Collins, partially because he falls in the unique category that will allow them to protect him for an additional year. They can require him to play under a restricted free agent tender if they want. So while I think they like him and want him to continue playing in Green Bay, they don't have a business urgency to give him a big deal now.

Craig (Braintree, MA)

Is money the number one consideration for Chester Taylor? It seems that most of the teams that are rated possibilities for him are not expected to be in the playoffs next year.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:08 PM)

Often that's the case in free agency. The teams that are most desperate for new talent are the ones coming off poor seasons. That will only be exacerbated by the new rules this year. One of them prohibits teams that finished in the top eight last season from signing a free agent unless they lose one.

Brit (SD)

Do you think Brett will come back this season? Also, do you think he should?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:10 PM)

I'll start by saying there has to be a caveat to predicting anything about Brett Favre's future: He's not always predictable. With that said, I think it's much easier to make a rational argument that he should come back than it would be to say he should remain retired. I'll get into this more on the blog Wednesday, but the precedent is there for him to skip training camp and still have a great year. Why would either side not want or allow that to happen again?

Paul (Denver)

Do the Bears go "all in" in free-agency by trying to nab Peppers? They're clearly in a win-now mode, and DE is their biggest hole

Kevin Seifert

  (2:11 PM)

Considering their lack of draft picks, it should definitely be an option they consider. Playing the end in a Tampa-2 defense offers all sorts of sack opportunities.

Chad (Green Bay)

With Johnny Jolly's trial coming up, do you think that gives the packers more of a reason to sign pickett so they can move raji to DE if Jolly cant make it back in time?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:13 PM)

It would be hard to base your personnel plan on the potential of jail time and/or suspension, especially in this case, which has already been dismissed and re-entered since it started. But I understand what you're saying. My general thought is the Packers wouldn't have to spend money on Pickett because they drafted Raji, but they might at least consider the flexibility it would give them.

Wayne (Maryland)

What's the biggest thing holding up a new CBA? What could possibly be taking up so much time?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:14 PM)

The short version is there is that everyone considers the "real" deadline to be next year ... after the 2010 season. Until there is urgency, there is no incentive for either side to get a deal done.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Hey Kev, can you believe AP hasn't fumbled in three weeks?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:14 PM)

Ouch.

Eric (Washington DC)

Who do you see the Lions pursuing on the free agent market? The last time they went after a big name (Dre Bly) it didn't really work out so well, so it makes me somewhat nervous.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:15 PM)

That's one of many reasons I don't see the Lions making a big splash in free agency this year. I see them pursuing complementary guys, not a big-time name.

Sean (Philly)

Given their situation, do the Vikes trade their number 1 for McNabb if they hear that Favre is done? Also, what happens to Chester Taylor? I would love to see him in Philly, but the Texans probably need him the most.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:17 PM)

I don't know. Favre has "retired" in each of the past two seasons around this time before changing his mind. If he announces his "retirement" again, would you bank on him sticking to that? And would you give up a No. 1 pick if you thought he might change his mind? Those are the issues the Vikings must consider. Part of me thinks the better play would be to bet on him changing his mind.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:17 PM)

As for Taylor, I think the Vikings are going to make a run at trying to re-sign him before he hits the market.

Mark (Scranton)

If the Vikings lose Taylor or any free agent do you see a backup for EJ as a possibility(Antonio Pierce?) and what are the odds that Sharper could be back in purple?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:20 PM)

No chance of Sharper returning. I think it was established that he wasn't a good fit for their scheme. As for a backup to E.J., I bet the Vikings consider Jasper Brinkley the likely replacement for E.J. if it comes to that.

Jason (Seattle)

Should/Will the Packers franchise tag Kampman? Do you think he'll be able to recover after the injury/d-allignment switch?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:22 PM)

I really don't think so. The franchise number for a linebacker is $9.68 million. It's fully guaranteed as soon as it's signed. Would the Packers want to pay Kampman that much? I really doubt it. This is a tough situation to figure out, but I'm not sure if a franchise tag would be the answer.

Rocky (Minny)

Doesnt the Brett Favre situation really seem to hurt the possiblity of McNabb ending up in Minnesota? I mean, chilly's not gonna know if favre is coming back til august, why waste a first round pick to get mcnabb if you think favre might come back anyways?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:22 PM)

My point exactly.

carter (baton rouge)

who will the lions draft for their first pick?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:23 PM)

Here's what we do know: If they keep the No. 2 overall pick, they'll get an elite defensive tackle -- either Gerald McCoy or Ndamukong Suh.

Jesse (Midland, TX)

Do you have anymore insight in Bobby DePaul being fired in Chicago? Things just seem like its a mess up there.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:25 PM)

Not a ton, but there is one obvious candidate to replace DePaul who only recently became available: Former Seattle president Tim Ruskell, who has a long history with Jerry Angelo dating back to their time in Tampa Bay. It's pretty unusual for a front office person to get fired in February. Usually those kind of shakeups occur after the draft. So something happened, either Ruskell's availability or something else, to speed up that normal timetable.

Awayne (INDY)

For negotiation purposes do you see a lot of lo-ball offers to FA with owners pleading poverty until a new CBA is signed?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:26 PM)

Either that or just not much interest in the free agents who are out there. But the owners are going to be fighting themselves in this one. Many are crying poverty, but every now and then a deal will happen that will make you think otherwise. Today, for example, Oakland gave kicker Sebastian Janikowski $9 million guaranteed as part of his new deal. Incredible.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Do you see the Vikings trying to tighten up the secondary via the draft or via the free agent route?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:27 PM)

I suppose it depends on whether they re-sign Benny Sapp, who will be an unrestricted free agent. Cedric Griffin's knee injury means he might not be ready to start the season, so the Vikings suddenly have a depth issue at what was once a position of strength.

Marc (Detroit, MI)

If you were the Lions GM who would you take? Suh or McCoy?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:28 PM)

I can't say I'm an expert in the differences between the two. But I did watch Suh in the Big 12 championship game. What a dominating performance. I don't think you can go wrong with either. For what it's worth, most media analysts seem to favor McCoy.

Josh (Iowa City, IA)

Besides the glaring O-Line issues the Pack had this year, what should be the second position they should target in the draft?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:29 PM)

I thought their secondary got exposed against Pittsburgh and Arizona. I know a good bit of it had to do with injuries, but like most teams, the Packers could use more depth at cornerback.

Adam (Juneau)

Any scheme is a good scheme if it pays well enough. Case and point, Sharper and the Vikes.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:30 PM)

Why would the Vikings pay Sharper premium money if they're not going to get premium production?

Zak (Oshkosh, WI)

If Taylor Mays falls to the Packers, what would the future hold for Atari Bigby?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:31 PM)

I wouldn't necessarily write off Bigby at that point. Mays is such a big prospect that some people wonder if he won't be some kind of hybrid linebacker/safety in the NFL. Dom Capers is certainly creative enough to come up with something like that.

Anthony (Detroit)

Do you think it's possible Kampan comes to Detroit before the draft? If so I could see the Lions trading down from 2 and still ending up with Berry or Haden.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:32 PM)

I know a lot of people are hoping for that scenario, but the reality is Kampman is rehabilitating from a serious knee injury. How could anyone make a responsible investment in him before the draft? He won't be medically cleared by then. I would think the later the better with him.

Brit (SD)

Is it safe to assume Pat Williams isn't retiring this year or is it still to early to tell?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:33 PM)

Typically you hear about that right around this time. I think he was/is giving it serious consideration. As long as the Vikings know by the start of free agency (March 5), they'll be fine. So I wouldn't totally rule out something coming in the next two weeks on that.

Goose (Chicago)

How embarassed should the Bears be in hiring Martz, their 10th choice? These are the Chicago Bears, the most storied franchise in NFL history. DO we just have to wait until Virginia goes to see Papa Bear in Bears heaven before this changes at all?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:36 PM)

I don't think he was their 10th choice and I don't think they should be embarrassed. They were smart, in this case: They knew Martz wasn't being pursued by other NFL teams, so they took the opportunity to pick the brains of many other offensive coaches. Included in that group was the quarterbacks coach of the team that has won the past two division titles. In the end, it was a solid approach with a more-than-solid result.

Adam (Juneau)

Kevin, what are you most looking forward to this off-season?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:37 PM)

Not having to speculate about Brett Favre.Oh, wait....

Eric (Chicago)

Kevin, a little late to the chat...I completely thought that John Randle's inception into the HOF was a crock...he can't get in before Dent (I know, he just did)...but as much as I was watching MIN/CHI games or just MIN games for that matter, I saw a lot of Randle lining up as an end, not a DT...Dent HAS to get in soon, don't ya think?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:38 PM)

Here's what I think: Randle was a Hall of Fame player. So was Richard Dent. They finished with the exact same number of sacks in their careers (137.5). Randle did play some as an end, but he also played extensively as a tackle, a position from which traditionally is more difficult to get sacks. So I understand why the voters went with Randle over Dent. But I do believe Dent deserves to get in.

James (Detroit)

You have said if the Lions take Eric Berry they should move him to corner. Don't you think it's crazy to invest #2 pick money to a player and immediately change his position?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:40 PM)

I didn't say they should do that. I said the only way to consider taking him at No. 2 overall is if he could play cornerback. Otherwise, you don't take a safety that high. And you would have to believe he could play cornerback at an elite level. You have to meet all of those criteria in order to draft him there, in my opinion.

Bruce (Duluth)

What are the odds Colt McCoy will be wearing purple this year?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:41 PM)

Well, his injury at least makes him a candidate to fall to No. 30 overall. But I'm not yet convinced the Vikings see their long-term quarterback situation as direly (I think that's a word) as we do.

Awayne (INDY)

Does the Kevin Jones injury force the Lions to pick up a RB in rds2-4 of the draft,look at a FA or just gut it out with what they have?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:42 PM)

I assume you mean Kevin Smith ... I make that mistake all the time, too ... Anyway, I think running back becomes a big need for the Lions considering his knee injury. They'll need to look in the draft. I also wonder if they'll target Chester Taylor, who is a Detroit native.

justin (cherry hill, new jersey)

do u see the vikings going for a qb like mccoy or tebow and or do they go for a saftey like chad jones

Kevin Seifert

  (2:43 PM)

Maybe McCoy. Tebow isn't first-round material at this point. Beyond that, it'll be best-available player.

Ryan (South Dakota)

I understand what your saying with Mays and a potential hybrid in Capers system but don't the packers have bigger needs i.e. o-line to worry about before drafting a saftey that had a horrible senior year

Kevin Seifert

  (2:44 PM)

Perhaps, but I wouldn't say Ted Thompson is known for drafting strictly on need. If he likes a player, he'll grab him, no matter what position he plays.

James (Hickory, NC)

Which college QB do you think the Vikes would possible target this year? And which round do you see them trying for one? Thanks

Kevin Seifert

  (2:45 PM)

We've talked already on this chat about Colt McCoy. Another name to keep in mind, for a round later than the first round, is Cincinnati's Tony Pike.

charlie (DC)

Kevin, you didn't mention Aromashadu, based on the way he finished the year I thought he would likely be the other outside receiver. Do you have any insight on where he stands in the pecking order?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:46 PM)

His production at the end of last year obviously speaks for itself. And we know Jay Cutler likes throwing to him. But I also haven't heard Martz say much about him, and he's been talking a lot about a lot of things lately. To be determined.

Cap (Denver)

What is your sense about how well Cutler will be able to adjust to a Martz offense? The Bears' offense has been as simple as a one-piece puzzle lately, and I'm concerned that Martz will come with and make the office to complex for Cutler. Your thoughts?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:47 PM)

From an intelligence standpoint, there's no question Cutler can handle this offense. I suppose there is the possibility he could over-think it, but I don't think he'll be mentally overwhelmed. The bigger concern is whether the rest of the players will keep up.

Colt McCoy (Texas)

I am getting ready for the draft and all, do you think I need to find a good winter coat for living up in Minnesota?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:47 PM)

Maybe Red McCombs could lend you the fur coat he used to wear to the Metrodome.

Zack (Parts Unknown)

How big a role do you think that letting Chester Taylor leave would allow the Vikings to sign an outside free agent could factor in a decision to resign him or not?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:48 PM)

I think that's an interesting question. If there is someone the Vikings really, really want -- and I don't know who that would be -- they would in essence be making a "trade." They would let Taylor leave to create a space for the new player. I don't know if there is someone out there who would fit that bill, but it's an interesting and new dilemma for the top eight teams.

D.S. (Milwaukee)

Wouldn't you think it would be wise for the packers to maybe franchise Kampman, then possibly work out a trade. To simply let a player of his caliber leave to possibly land within the division I don't think would be wise.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:50 PM)

I understand that, but I think people are overlooking one facet of the franchise situation. The team places the franchise tag on a player and essentially offers him a 1-year contract worth the franchise figure. A player can sign it at any time, and then it becomes fully guaranteed. In the old days, that would be a prohibitive situation in the salary camp. But even without a cap, would the Packers want to put themselves in position to potentially pay Kampman nearly $10 million next season if he signed the tender? I don't think so.

Richard (West Virginia)

Do you see any NFC North team using their franchise tags this year and if so then on who

Kevin Seifert

  (2:52 PM)

No, I don't. I guess stranger things have happened, but we've already hashed through the Kampman situation. Would Minnesota franchise Chester Taylor at $8.156 million? Hard to imagine.

Buckley (San Francisco)

What is the deal with Adrian Peterson's hands? Does he suffer from small hands, just like Alex Smith? I mean, the guy can barely grasp a standard household ice cube tray or frozen burrito without it slipping out of his hands!

Kevin Seifert

  (2:52 PM)

Ouch. ... It's just lack of concentration, pure and simple. I don't think it's a physical issue at all.

Joe (MN)

Kevin, if a player retires are the Vikings allowed to fill that player through free agency? Since they were in the final 8.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:53 PM)

No. An unrestricted free agent on your team has to sign with another team in order for you to sign one yourself.

Kim (Wi)

Good afternoon Kevin, Do you see Ted resigning Atri Bigby?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:55 PM)

His situation is the same as Nick Collins: No urgency due to what appears to be an uncapped year on the way.

Anthony (Detroit)

I also just have a comment about the Lions and Kevin Smith. He was one of the most disappointing players to watch this season. A slight breeze knocks him down. I would hope the Lions would offer there 2nd round pick for Deangelo Williams. They could use that pick to replace Delhomme(McCoy or Pike). And I really doubt Moore is what the Panthers are looking for.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:55 PM)

He did play with two shoulder injuries for most of the year, but I agree there wasn't much progress from Year 1. That's why I think they have a definite offseason need at running back.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:56 PM)

Ok folks, one or two more questions.

Jeramie (Ames, Iowa)

Kevin... As you have documented for us and as we all know... Mike Martz does not believe in a TE's ability to run routes and catch passes. Could the Bears part ways with Greg Olsen? Do they begin molding him into an elite blocker? Or does he just float around in a void...?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:57 PM)

I took what Martz said about the blocking as a bit of schematic misdirection. There's no need to tip off what he plans for Olsen at this point in the offseason. Martz is a smart guy, and he's never had a tight end with Olsen's receiving skills. He would be well-advised to find a way to maximize them.

Dan (Mi)

What do you think of the DeDe Dorsey pick up.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:57 PM)

He wasn't good enough to be in the NFL last season, but he'll definitely get a shot in Detroit.

sam (gb)

is Tramon Williams capable as a future starter at cb?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:58 PM)

I think so, but then you have to look at the depth behind him this offseason.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:58 PM)

OK everyone, thanks so much. Glad we made it through a full hour this time. Chat with you next week.