Football season officially arrives 2/28/08 @ 11:01 p.m.

For those of you who think the football season starts when players report to training camp in August, shame on you. The football season officially begins Feb. 28th at 11:01 p.m. The season starts not with a throw, or a catch or another amazing run by Adrian Peterson, NO! It starts with the signing of the free agents.

The Vikings are sure to be players in this year's free agent sweepstakes. The Purple (more specifically Zygmund Wilf) have $30 million in the bank to spend on new studs.

Unlike past years when the Vikings have been spectators to the free agent frenzy, they are sure to be players this year.

With all that said, my open letter to Zygmund.

Dear Mr. Wilf,

Please don't move the team (sorry it's a reflex). Now that I've gotten out there, spend often and spend your money wisely. Visanthe Shiancoe was your big "get" last year, let's make sure you get a bigger "get" this year. In fact, let's get a couple big "gets."

Players should be lining up to play for the Purple now. Not because you're a great owner, or because Brad Childress is a mastermind, but because you have NFL's next big thing, Purple Jesus.

Yes, use Adrian Peterson to sell free agents on coming to Minnesota (it's better then the weather). Who wouldn't want to play with PJ. In fact, I would get Adrian on the phone at 11:01 p.m. Thursday night to all the guys you want on your squad next season.

Now that you have AD working the phones, who should he call? I'm glad I asked that question. Here's my list (in order the calls should be made):

1) WR Bernard Berrian. The guy caught 71 balls last year from 3 Bears QBs that might all actually throw left-handed. Berrian, Sidney Rice and Bobby Wade - better.
2) S Madieu Williams. He's the hitter you need in the secondary. Williams is also young and talented. I'm not sure if he'll get arrested as many times as Dwight Smith, but I'm sure he'll play just as well.
3) DE Justin Smith. Childress will love this guy. I tough SOB who won't dazzle, he'll just do his job.
4) DE Bobby McCray. Came on late in the year last year. Held down the end of the line for a very good Jacksonville front four.
5) WR Andre Davis. Solid receiver, even better kick returner. If you think Aundrae Allison is the answer returning kicks, I hope you like starting from the 20 yard line a lot. Davis might be too expensive.

That's the top 5 I'd like to see in Purple next year. Make sure Adrian has enough anytime minutes to get these deals done.

We'll discuss the draft in a couple weeks.
Until then, tell the bank to get ready for a substantial withdrawal.

Sincerely, Matt Lechner (Becky did not contribute to this posting)