OLB Erin Henderson

Erin Henderson was one of the best linebackers in the league last year, albeit only a two-down run stuffer. However, this season, he’ll get an every down role and could have the type of breakout season that gets his name mentioned with the best linebackers in the league. However, the linebacker franchise tag value (8.8 million in 2012) is inflated by the salaries of rush linebackers and thus non-rush linebackers rarely get tagged. After an offseason in which Curtis Lofton, Stephen Tulloch, and David Hawthorne got 27.5 million, 25.5 million, and 19 million respectively over 5 years, the Vikings are unlikely to commit 8.8 million or more to Henderson over just one season.

Likelihood: Very unlikely

DT Kevin Williams

This makes a lot of sense. Williams is aging, heading into his age 33 season in 2013, but he can still play at a high level so the Vikings won’t want to let him go. However, because he is aging, they could be wary about giving him too long of a contract with too much guaranteed money. The franchise tag, which is fairly inexpensive for defensive tackles (7.9 million in 2012), would be a good middle ground for the two sides and allow the two sides to discuss a long term deal.

Likelihood: Somewhat likely

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