Once former Vikings running back Robert Smith turns in his retirement papers, any day now, the Vikings will have a couple million in cap relief. Today marks the start of another round of free agency in the NFL.

The 2001 NFL final "offseason" roster trimming officially begins today, as teams start the process of releasing high-priced veterans to create more cap room and other teams like the Vikings find themselves with some more room under the cap thanks to the Robert Smith’s delayed retirement announcement.

VU has been told the Vikings will have about $2 million of cap money to invest in players beyond what is needed to sign rookies to contracts. While Dale Carter is one of the sure cap casualties to come by the weekend when the league reinstates him after a one-year suspension for violating the league’s drug policy, there are several players that, if they’re willing to sign for cheap money, could be available.

Looking for a veteran backup QB? Trent Dilfer, John Friesz and Rick Mirer — who the Vikes considered before signing Bubby Brister last year — are available to wear a ball cap and watch Daunte Culpepper.

Looking for a pass-catching fullback to complement Jim Kleinsasser? How about Kimble Anders or William Floyd. There’s even a chance Antowain Smith could be the short-yardage back the Vikings haven’t had since Leroy Hoard went away, but he’ll likely get a better offer from another team.

Not convinced the Vikings won’t bring in a veteran left tackle to have as insurance with the loss of Todd Steussie? Not to fear, several are available, including greybeard Bruce Armstrong, the Jets Jason Fabini, Miami’s Tony Jones and Washington’s Andy Heck.

Looking for depth at linebacker? How about veteran Cornelius Bennett or volatile Bryan Cox or former All-Pro Eric Hill or former Packer George Koonce or Ken Norton or Chris Slade or even Bryce Paup being brought back for another look.
How about defensive line? The Vikings have a slew of young guys, but no grizzled veterans with some experience to teach them on the fly. Former Vikings Brad Culpepper and Henry Thomas remain unsigned, as does former Rams front man D’Marco Farr and the oft-mentioned Cortez Kennedy, who can’t seem to find anyone to pay his demanded salary.

Most important to Vikings fans is cornerback, where Carter is the rumored top selection, but Willie Shaw’s personal experience with James Hasty in Kansas City makes him a darkhorse selection. But, if neither of them can be signed, all is not lost. There still former Lion Kevin Abrams, Terrell Buckley, Eric Davis, Darrien Gordon, Darryl Lewis, Phillippi Sparks and Tyrone Poole. Any of these guys would be an upgrade over last year.

And the names we’ve mentioned don’t take into consideration the 10 to 20 players of name recognition that are going to get released in the next day or so. There is talent out there that can be had cheap. It’s time for the Vikings to make some wise investments to fill in the remaining holes and get onto the business of winning ball games in 2001.

FRIDAY NOTES
* Don’t discount some of those waiver wire picks. The Vikings got Randall Cunningham and Jeff George as backups from free agency, as well as much of what made up the team’s defense last year.
* Waivers doesn’t always mean the end of a career. The Vikings paid $100 in 1990 to the Philadelphia Eagles for a player the Eagles waived. That player? Cris Carter. Nuff said.