When word escaped that the Packers cut Middle Linebacker Desmond Bishop on Monday, it didn’t take the Vikings very long to make contact with his agent to set up a meeting. It is expected that Bishop will meet with Vikings coaches on Weds. to discuss possible parameters of a contract and to possibly work out for the Viking coaching staff. If all goes well, then the next step would be an intense physical by team physicians.
Before Viking fans get too excited, keep in mind that several teams including the Chiefs (who desparately need help at LB) have already made contact. The Vikings will likely have to move quickly in hopes that the former Packer doesn’t leave town without a deal in place. Because the team has limited cap space to offer, the chances of a deal are tentative.
If the team allows this to become a bidding war, Minnesota would likely lose out.
Bishop missed most of last season with a ruptured hamstring. The injury, concidered serious and possibly carreer threatening, causes concern for a player who depends on speed to play the position.
Bishops people are saying all the right things and insist the former Cal star is healthy and ready to go. However, despite the need and obvious upgrade, one has to wonder why the Pack would release him if he was 100%. One concern would be his salary of $ 3.46 million per. That’s alot of money for a player who may have lost a step. The Vikings do not have the same concern, as any contract they offer would be significantly less.
Stay tuned for updates as they come in.
*** See Bishops carreer stats below as well as a college scouting report from after his senior year at Cal. when he became the 18th pick in the sixth round of the 2007 draft selected by the Packers.
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