Sharper Likely Gone

It appears as if the Vikings have very little interest in retaining safety Darren Sharper. Per NBC Sports, Sharper said, "My first wish was always to stay where I was. If it's not in the plans, I'm looking forward to free agency and being able to be utilized in a way that suits what I can do. I know I can help a team win."

The Vikings are not believed to have offered Sharper any contract and there are rumors swirling that he could wind up with the Saints or the Patriots. He is the active NFL leader in interceptions, but was only able to muster one last year, which is the lowest tally he's had since his second season in 1998 with Green Bay.

Sharper appeared to have lost a step last year and was frequently caught out of position and beaten by WR's and TE's. The writing may have been on the wall when the Vikings signed S Madieu Williams to a big contract last off-season and then proceeded to trade up in the draft to select S Tyrell Johnson with their first pick.