The Vikings finally tipped their hand today when it comes to their stock of restricted free agents, only about 24 hours before free agency begins.

First, it was reported that cornerback Karl Paymah has been told he is free to seek work with another team and will not be tendered by the Vikings.  Paymah is somewhat of a quiet gaff for the Vikings front office in the 2009 season.  By signing the cornerback, they essentially erased any hopes of getting a 2010 compensatory draft pick for letting go of Darren Sharper.  Since Sharper was over 30 years old, the pick could not have been any higher than a fifth rounder, but considering how Paymah played during his one year with the team… I’d rather have the 5th rounder.

Next up is Ray Edwards.  The Vikings chose to tender Edwards at the first round level at a price tag of $2.5 million. 

Fred Evans received a second round tender that will make him $1.8 million in 2010, and the first question that comes up is why the Vikings felt they had to tender him at such a high level… but with no cap this year, fans won’t complain if Zygi decides to spend a little extra.

Tarvaris Jackson was tendered at the third round level of $1.2 million which is somewhat surprising.  I feel that the Vikings are so very impressed with the 2010 draft class that they are tempting teams to offer up a third rounder in exchange for Jackson.  I also feel that this is a fairly good indication that the Vikings are confident that Brett Favre will return, and thus Jackson is a bit more expendable.

Fullback Fahu Tahi was tendered at the lowest possible level, meaning the Vikings will have the right to first refusal but will not receive compensation should Tahi be allowed to sign with another team.  He was similarly tendered in this manner last season, and the Vikings used their right to match a contract offered to Tahi by the Bengals.

There is currently no word as to if the Vikings will tender Ryan Cook or Eric Frampton, their only other restricted free agents.

There also is very little word as to contract negotiations with players expected to become unrestricted free agents tomorrow evening.  Those players are Chester Taylor, Jimmy Kennedy, Benny Sapp, and Artis Hicks.