Minnesota Vikings Pay Big For Bernard Berrian

After only four years in the league- all with the Bears in Chicago- and a Super Bowl under his belt, Bernard Berrian is taking his game to division rival Minnesota. Despite never topping 1,000 yards or scoring more than six touchdowns, the Vikings dished out a hefty 6- year, $42 million contract with roster and signing bonus incentives raising the value up to $58 million.

Fantasy owners should know not to pay similar value for Berrian in their drafts. Despite being a talented receiver, Berrian has consistently been plagued by dropped balls, which usually doesn't just go away after four seasons. A move to a team featuring Tavaris Jackson as the starting quarterback is also a hit to Berrian's value. Last season, Berrian amassed 951 yards and five touchdowns, which made him a serviceable No. 3 receiver or flex play option. He surpassed his previous career high of 51 receptions with 71, averaging 59.4 yards per game, though his yards per catch dipped from 15.2 to 13.4. Point being is that Berrian is a good receiver but $58 million better buy a bit more if it was my team.

Berrian should step in as a nice complement to Sidney Rice, who is an intriguing prospect in his own right. With the Vikings being a run-first offense, Berrian may be hard pressed to repeat his 71 receptions from a season ago. Until Tavaris Jackson or another quarterback proves they can make consistent plays in the passing game, Coach Brad Childress will lean heavily on star running back Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor taking advantage of their massive offensive line. Look for Berrian to split attention with Rice in the passing game and post similar numbers to those in the inept Bears offense. 2008 Projections: 68 receptions, 945 yards, and six touchdowns.

Last Season the Vikings passing attack ranked 28th in the NFL with only 171.6 yards per game. Jackson, in his second year out of Alabama State, started 12 games and finished with a completion percentage of 58 percent and a touchdown: interception ration of 9:12. Bobby Wade, who led the team with 54 receptions for 547 yards, should drop to third on the depth chart entering the season. Sidney Rice should get ample opportunity to showcase his talents after showing flashes late last season. Rice had four big games last season, catching a touchdown in each. In those games he averaged 4.5 receptions, 69 yards and a score. Rice should emerge as an important cog in this offense. 2008 Projections: 59 receptions, 714 yards, six touchdowns.