This is a tough offseason for the Minnesota Vikings. That's even before they learned about the size of LT Bryant McKinnie's bar tab. Several starters are potential free agents, depending on the new CBA, and they have to find a new franchise quarterback.
So I was surprised that they placed the franchise tag on LB Chad Greenway. As they explain at Daily Norseman, Greenway's a guy who's always around the ball and is great in coverage. His tag will cost around $10 million, and it's expected that this is just a move to keep him exclusive while they work out a long term deal.
Most observers expected the Vikings would use their franchise tag on WR Sidney Rice, who may be a free agent depending on the terms of the new CBA. He's a bit too fragile, and reminds me a bit too much of WR Javon Walker (talented, but always injured), for me to believe he's a franchise receiver. I'm really surprised they'd be willing to let DE Ray Edwards go. Maybe Edwards wouldn't react well to be named the franchise player.
Did the Vikings make the right call here with the franchise tag?