They can have him

One of the things I crave during football's long offseason is real activity from the Vikings.

I don't mean OTAs. I don't mean stories speculating about how much a Viking player is going to improve. And I don't mean a player publicly setting unrealistic goals for himself.

What I'm looking for is news where the Vikings have acquired a player or drafted a player or added a new coach to the staff. I want tangible results that make me feel the Vikings are getting better.

That craving is what makes me check website after website during the free agency period to get the latest information on any player the Vikings are pursuing – even if that player probably won't make the Vikings better in 2010.

Which brings us to the Vikings pursuit of LaDainian Tomlinson, who at this point in his career probably doesn't bring anything other than name recognition to anyone he plays for.

Traditional rushing statistics show Tomlinson's total rushing yards, yards per carry average, and total number of runs of 20 yards or more have gone steadily downward since 2007.

Non-traditional stats, like those used by Football Outsiders also aren't encouraging when it comes to Tomlinson.

Of the 50 NFL running backs with at least 100 carries in 2009, FO ranked Tomlinson 42nd.

FO's receiving stats also show some depressing data considering Tomlinson would likely be a third-down back for the Vikes, taking playing time away from Adrian Peterson – a player who isn't considered a strong receiver or pass blocker at this stage in his career.

However, the website ranks Peterson 9th among 51 running backs with at least 25 passes thrown their way in 2009. I'd say that's pretty good. As for Tomlinson's ranking as a receiver – not so good. He's ranked last. So I hope Tomlinson's pass blocking is outstanding.

I know it doesn't sound right to say that Albert Young or Ian Johnson have more to offer the Vikings in 2010 than Tomlinson, but based on Tomlinson's performance the past two seasons, that is what I believe.

I look forward to him signing with the New York Jets.

The Vikings defensive line
The Vikings have re-signed reserve defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy.

I once read a comment on a football website talking about being wary of the large defensive tackle who suddenly gives effort (usually in a contract year.)

That seems to fit Kennedy, who got himself in shape last year for probably the first time in his career and ended up having a pretty good year with limited snaps.

Still, I think this is a good signing by the Vikings. It isn't for big money and if Kennedy doesn't play well, the Vikings can give his snaps to somebody else with minimal effect on their payroll down the road.

Of more importance for the Vikings defensive success in 2010 are the rumors that Ray Edwards is going to get signed to an offer sheet by an NFL team other than the Vikings.

I've been a fan of Edwards for two seasons now and losing him would not please me.

On the other hand, if the extra first round pick the Vikings gained from another team signing away Edwards allowed them to make a trade for a quarterback who could be the team's long-term starter, that would take the sting out of it for me.

I just don't think that long-term starter is available in the upcoming draft.