Kevin Seifert

  (2:00 PM)

OK gang, here we go....

John R (Atlanta, GA)

Knowing that the new rule under the CBA requiring 90% minimum spending of the 120 million salary cap does not kick in until the 2013 season, do you see the Bears being highly or slightly active in the upcoming free agent market? If so, which position and players (specifically WR) do you envision them targeting? They are roughly 20 million under the cap but historically have been penny pinchers. Keep up the great column!

Kevin Seifert

  (2:01 PM)

Well, they did make the choice to roll over about $7.7 million from last year's surplus, and that's a voluntary move. So the guess is that they're going to spend some money. A good bit of it could go toward Matt Forte and other players whose deals are nearing completion, but I would imagine they'll at least pursue a free agent WR.

Smeagol (fishing)

We know the size of the contract that Matt Forte turned down, but have you ever heard anything about the size of the contract that he actually wanted? And if you have, were his demands reasonable?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:02 PM)

The reports are that he turned down a four-year deal that included $13 million or so in guaranteed money. The indications are that he sees himself closer to the Adrian Peterson-Chris Johnson class of player. That would mean guarantees of well over $20 million on a longer deal.

Dan (MI)

Stafford should have been a pro bowler and no we will not let it go.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:02 PM)

Understood. Thanks for the heads up.

Steve (Orlando)

Why must you and most of the rest of ESPN hammer us with "experts" like Chris "all about me" Carter (he of zero sportsmenship on the field) reporting on classless fools like Randy "I'd rather belittle people for fun" Moss (he who learned well from Carter)? Thanks.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:03 PM)

Understand where you're coming from. But in this case, Cris has a pretty unique perspective of having been a teammate of Moss and a longtime observer of the league. What he says on this issue, at least, matters.

Argyle (My office)

Sorry I'm so early. Ok, first question: Do you think GB will take Driver up on his offer to take less money in order to stay with the Packers, or they just cut him lose? Second Question: If you are a GM in need of a QB do you take a healing Peyton Manning or take a risk on Matt Flynn?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:05 PM)

If the Packers want Driver back, you would think it would be at significantly less money. The question is whether they want him back or if they think his return would block the growth of younger players like Randall Cobb, Tori Gurley, etc. As for QB, I would be pretty wary of a quarterback who has taken so long to return from a neck injury. Unless I'm in a position like the Vikings in 2009, when they felt they were a veteran QB away from the Super Bowl, I'm really cautious on Manning.

Darren (Toronto)

If Scott Linehan directs the Lions to have another great offensive season in 2012 like they had in 2011, you have to believe he is going to get another shot at NFL head coaching job (kind of like Mike Mularkey did). My question is this, are any of current Lion assistants viewed as possible replacements so that they don't have to change offenses? Shawn Jefferson?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:07 PM)

A lot of people around the league have respect for Jefferson, so you would have to consider him an internal candidate. Otherwise, Schwartz might have to look outside the organization. Recent trends have suggested a background in working with quarterbacks is the best route to being an OC. Jefferson is the Lions' WR coach.

Lacy (the internet)

Kevin, my husband thinks I'm crazy because I said I would signup for a 1-way mission/trip to Mars. Would you not jump at that chance? I mean it's MARS!

Kevin Seifert

  (2:08 PM)

I hear it's a little chilly at night. But I will allow this little glimpse: Long before I set my sights on being the NFC North blogger, I hoped to be on the first manned trip to Mars.

Jared (Fargo)

Who is making the better case to eventually get a second contract from the Lions, Aaron Berry or Alphonso Smith?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:09 PM)

Based on the way they finished 2011, I would say Berry.

Every NFCN poster (ESPN)

Latest news on the Stadium?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:10 PM)

Wednesday is the deadline for the Vikings to inform the NFL if they plan to relocate for 2012. That isn't expected to happen, and for the moment things seem stalled out while everyone re-adjusts to the Metrodome site.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

What's your take on how productive Randy Moss can be if given another shot by the Pats or another NFL contender?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:11 PM)

If he somehow has regained the physical skills he either lost or refused to use in 2010, he could be a force in 2012. But the real question is whether anyone would give him a chance to demonstrate that, given all of his well-documented baggage. You have to be the most elite of the elite players to have teams put up with some of the things Moss has done in his career.

Jeremy (Denver, CO)

Which NFC North team would benefit the most from signing Avril? It seems all of them are interested.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:13 PM)

Not sure if anyone has reported that all four teams are interested, but you could make an argument that he could fit in as a 3-4 LB for the Packers and that the Bears could use more consistent pass rushing opposite Julius Peppers. But I happen to think the hole Avril would leave with the Lions is bigger than what he would fill elsewhere.

Mike (Buffalo Grove, IL)

How is the Vikings stadium issue still not solved after 13 years? Who out there has heard all the arguments and still hasn't made up their minds yet?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:14 PM)

The landscape continues to change, including site and financial proposals. And the fact of the matter is that there was never any urgency to solve it before now because of the long-term lease. And now that relocation doesn't seem to be an option for 2012, at least, there isn't immediate urgency to solve it now.

bgood (dc)

It won't happen but wouldn't it be fun to see Calvin in the slot, Pettigrew and Scheffler at the TE, and R. Moss on the outside. Talk about match up issues.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:15 PM)

Ha. I will say that Moss loved Scott Linehan in Minnesota and had some of his most productive years with him. But that's a fantasy football proposal, at least for now.

Mike (Buffalo Grove, IL)

I know we are all concerned about the Lions against the cap in 2012, but by doing some tricky math to get under the cap in 2012, could they be making the issue more difficult in 2013 and beyond?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:16 PM)

Absolutely. That's why I always say that a team can always make the cap work for this year. It's what you do to yourself in future years that has to be accounted for. There are some new tricks with the new CBA, and I think we're all still catching up on them.

Jeremy (Denver, CO)

We know that Forte and Finley are likely to be tagged, but is anyone else in the North going to be tagged this March?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:17 PM)

It's not out of the question for the Lions to franchise Cliff Avril. I can't think of anyone from the Vikings who would fall in that category.

Frank (Minneapolis) [via mobile]

Kevin, what are the realistic chances the Vikings sign Stanford Routt?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:18 PM)

He's got a pretty extensive list of visits set up, and the Vikings aren't one of them. So there's the first clue....

Smeagol (fishing)

People keep linking Vincent Jackson to the Bears. Is there a reason for this, outside of the fact he is a good receiver? Is he friends with Cutler, or something?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:19 PM)

No obvious link like that. The Bears could use a big downfield receiver and will have a fair amount of cap space if they want to use it. Jackson is arguably the best of that class who could be available.

Eminem (Detroit)

Tom Lewand in a conference call with season ticket holders today said the Lions are currently talking contract ext with Calvin Johnson & talking to the agents of Backus,Tulloch,Wright

Kevin Seifert

  (2:20 PM)

I saw that. It would be more newsworthy if he said they weren't talking to one of those guys. They at least have to find out what it's going to take, even if ultimately they can't give everyone what they're looking for. Tom Lewand has a tough job this offseason.

Marc (St. Paul)

Any truth to the rumor of the three teams contacting Moss's agent being the Viking, Titans and Raiders - who were looking for the money Randy stole from them?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:21 PM)

Will you be here all week?

Al (Wausau, WI)

Kevin, which players do you feel the Vikings will most likely let go to help their salary cap situation? Hutchinson? Shiancoe? Others?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:22 PM)

Shiancoe will be a free agent, so they could just let him walk and plug in Kyle Rudolph if they choose to. Hutchinson might be willing to take a pay cut. I think he's still got something left. But you could also see a youth movement where the Vikings also let E.J. Henderson go.

Jalky (Dodgeville MI)

What, aside from the nonsensical nostalgic romantic sentiment of a certain segment of the fan base, is the logic for the Pack keeping Driver at the expense of guys like Gurley and Borel? The younger guys contribute on special teams, have upside potential, and won?t stunt the development of players like Randall Cobb. Based on his record Thompson is aware of the fact that Jordy and Jones have contracts expiring in three years and will begin to develop replacements now rather than wait until he is caught in a Mike Neal/Jenkins moment. Am I missing a reason to keep Driver (or Hines Ward etc) over viable 23-year old talent?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:24 PM)

The biggest argument would be if they feel that those guys don't have a good chance to be even what Driver was last year: A reliable fourth receiver who could have been more productive than he was if he got more playing time. Driver is a proven commodity. Gurley and Borel are the opposite. That said, the only way to develop and ultimately get production from young players is to play them.

Internet police (INSIDE YOUR COMPUTER)

Pull over and fix your auto update.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:25 PM)

Why, what's going on?

Bryan (Springdale, AR)

It says you are stopping by to chat about the NFL, so chat about the NFL, not the division you think everyone is interested in.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:26 PM)

It also says I'm the NFC North blogger. My insight into the other divisions is even less proficient than what I know about this one.

Jeff (Nashville)

Packers have to resign Wells, right?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:26 PM)

I think so. Who would play there if they didn't? I'm not sure anyone is ready to tap Evan Dietrich-Smith as the heir apparent. I guess it's possible to draft and immediately play a rookie center, but certainly it's not the ideal situation.

Cliff Avrill (Detroit)

Is my production based soley on my talent or the fact that I had big Suh getting double teamed alot allowing me to cause havoc.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:27 PM)

You've been a pretty productive pass rusher throughout your career, but there's no denying the impact of an attention-grabbing defensive tackle next to you.

Jeff (Nashville)

I always roll my eyes when people ask about Ted Thompson signing free agents...but I'm about to do just that. He's got to at least think about it this year, right?? That defense was terrible. Is there even anyone out there who would fit?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:29 PM)

Normally teams don't let good pass rushers become available on the free agent market. But the risk of using the draft as your only avenue for player acquisition is that it increases the possibility of missing out on an offseason need -- or reaching for a player based on position. TT doesn't usually do that, so unless he's willing to sign a free agent, he puts himself in a tight spot in the draft.

Ryan (WI)

Is there a chance (even the slightest of slight) the Packers release C. Woodson? I know they aren't incredibly deep at the position but he has a huge cap number and in on the decline.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:31 PM)

Would be a stunner. They can do what they need to do this offseason and still keep him at his current deal.

Bob (Albuquerque)

So Shaun Hill may be staying in Detroit, which as a Lions fan I take as very good news. What is your take on Drew Stanton - returning or moving on?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:32 PM)

Depends on what he wants to do. I'm not sure if another team would sign him to be their No. 2 quarterback, but I'm also not sure the Lions would want a veteran as their No. 3 quarterback. Usually you want a younger player in that role for both cap and development reasons.

bpalton (MPLS)

Kevin Seifert (2:25 PM)Why, what's going on?----There had been problems with the auto-refresh. Its good now.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:32 PM)

Glad to hear that.

Chester (Chicago)

Could Tice's previous relationship with Randy help chicago acquire him, is either side interested?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:33 PM)

Put it this way: Tice is in position to offer the Bears a first-hand account of Moss at his best and worst. Moss fits the profile of the type of player who could make their offense a lot better. But I couldn't tell you whether Tice's experience would spur him to lobby for Moss -- or keep away from him.

Dan (Minneapolis)

Assuming the Vikings Draft their Starting LT of the present and future in this years draft, which position on the O-Line do you see Charlie Johnson filling? Do you think they would prefer to let Hutch go or Herrera?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:34 PM)

The early speculation has suggested that Johnson could replace Herrera, with Hutchinson coming back for another year. But it's a little early for that.

Smeagol (fishing)

The cap rollover thing--is this something teams can do every year, or is it only for this year?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:36 PM)

It's new for this year because of the new CBA, but teams will be able to do it in future years as well. That's my understanding, at least. A lot of the finer details of the salary cap are still trickling out.

Glenn (Wisconsin)

There have been quiet rumblings among uneducated blog frequenters that the Lions should trade Cal Johnson for a bevy of talent and picks rather than renegotiating. Would this be the biggest mistake in the history of the franchise?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:37 PM)

It would be up there. The Stafford-Johnson connection is the best thing the franchise has going. They've got to build around that as best they can.

Jay (Kalamazoo)

If you are making the decision for the Lions, would you cut Vanden Bosch if it meant you could sign Avril? Avril is definitely the more productive player but Vanden Bosch brings a lot of intangibles to the table.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:37 PM)

I might see if Vanden Bosch would re-work his contract first.

Lance (Denver, CO)

Any possibility Vikings draft another 1st round QB? or do you think they are going to go with Kalil? I personally hope they are able to trade the pick and gather more picks - too many holes to fill!

Kevin Seifert

  (2:39 PM)

It all depends on the Rams, who are now a wild-card with a new coach (Jeff Fisher) and new GM (Les Snead). For all we know, Fisher will decide he doesn't trust Sam Bradford and wants a new quarterback. Or he might decide he doesn't like his current LT and draft Kalil. Hard to know. But no, I don't think at this moment that the Vikings would consider taking a QB at No. 3.

James ((IL))

What the chances of the Bears trading Lance Briggs?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:40 PM)

I'm not sure. Hopefully having a fresh front office perspective will help Briggs and the Bears work this thing out. The Bears don't remotely have a replacement for him if they were to trade him.

Reggie (Pville VA)

Should Dtown re-sign Kevin Smith with the injury problems to all of there other Backs

Kevin Seifert

  (2:40 PM)

Sounds like an easy decision to me. What's the downside?

Evan (Minneapolis)

Besides dealing with the cap issue, what do you think is the Lions biggest need this offseason? I would say running back, but with the return of Mikel Leshoure and Kevin Smith it doesn't sound that bad.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:43 PM)

The RB situation is up there, along with upgrading the secondary. I'll say this: Just because everyone says Best and LeShoure will be back doesn't mean the Lions should stop considering alternatives there. As far as Jahvid Best is concerned,c oncussions bring an unpredictable future for players. And an achilles tendon rupture is a tough injury for a running back to come back from. The truth is no one knows exactly how Leshoure will respond when training camp begins this summer.

German (Wiscansin)

Chicken or the egg for GB in the draft? Pass rush help via OLB/DE or secondary help via S/CB?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:43 PM)

Thinking pass rush help first...

Smeagol (fishing)

Do you think Megatron's agent steers him towards NOT negotiating a long term deal before this season? $22 million is a big chunk of change...

Kevin Seifert

  (2:44 PM)

The idea is the Lions would have to find a way to get him the same amount of cash but in a way that's accounted for differently under the cap.

VWCAU (Minneapolis)

Kevin,There seems to be a lot of misinformation floating around with regards to cap figures. A few Lions fans say that you and all the other media are referencing the same source that is wrong. Care to comment on this and your source of info for cap related stuff?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:47 PM)

It's not "misinformation." I've been pretty clear from the start that salary cap figures fluctuate, sometimes on a daily basis, this time of year. The numbers we used last week will absolutely change by the time free agency begins. But in the case of the Lions, I am 100 percent certain that Calvin Johnson has a huge cap number that it will be around $22 million for 2012. I'm also 100 percent certain that the Lions will be very tight against the cumulative cap number, which is projected to be around $120 million, give or take a few. People are looking for precise and set-in-stone numbers when in fact they don't exist at this moment.

Nick (Syracuse)

Should the Lions: A) See how Mikel Leshoure does next season, B) Wait and see how Kevin Smith works out, C) See how Jahvid best works out, or D) draft a running back first round? (Possibly LaMichael James?)

Kevin Seifert

  (2:49 PM)

The only way they draft a running back in the first round is if someone they value, say, in the top 10 of the draft is available at No. 23. Otherwise, I'm guessing they're feel that some combination of Best, Leshoure and Smith will be able to headline the position in 2012.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:49 PM)

OK everyone, a few more here.

Adam (Lake City)

Randy Moss thinks he still has what it takes to be as good a deep threat as C. Johnson. I applaud his confidence but think he is seriously overestimating himself(current self) and setting himself up to underachieve if he does return to the NFL. Your thoughts?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:50 PM)

The one thing about Moss is that he's spent his life out-stepping expectations. If anyone is capable of running at 4.3 at 35 years old, it's him. So I can't say with 100 percent certainty that he's physically done. That's part of his allure and why so many people have been talking about him this week.

Rob (Pittsburgh)

You're the gm (any given team) - Moss or Owens, or are neither worth it.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:51 PM)

I'd spend more time investigating Moss. Owens is older and had the ACL. ... Moss has never had injury remotely that serious.

Willow (Southside)

Is there not a way to build easily obtainable bonuses into contracts so that when the player reaches them, the teams can increase their cap the next year, I recall Floyd Reese discussing that a lot when he ran the Titans.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:53 PM)

Not sure about that, but there used to be a trick where teams would insert incentives into contracts that were impossible to attain -- like a star player getting 75 percent playing time on special teams. Those incentives would consume cap space in that season but could be rolled over to future years assuming they weren't met. There isn't really a need for that now because teams can roll their excess space over on its own.

Robert (KFAN Listener)

I miss your segments with Barriero. Will you be doing them again?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:54 PM)

Thanks. I'm now on with Reusse and Mackey over on ESPN 1500. You can probably guess why.

Adrian Peterson (Minnesota)

Hey Kevin, I need some advice: was I wrong to sign a long-term in Minnesota? Should I have stayed it out this season and then hit the market to try to go to a contender? Or should I stick it out for the rest of my career and try to make this team better and possibly a contender?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:55 PM)

Based on the timing of your knee injury, I would say you did the right thing.

Jalky (Dodgeville, MI)

I miss your coverage of the Packers in the Super Bowl. Do you think you will be doing them again at the ind of the 2012 season?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:56 PM)

If anything, last year showed us how hard it is to get back and why everyone should make sure they absorb the experience when they can.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:56 PM)

Ok everyone, thanks so much. Happy Valentine's Day....