Minnesota Vikings sign Javon Walker
With a depleted receiving corps involving injuries to Sidney Rice and migraine problems for Percy Harvin, the Vikings signed Javon Walker to make up for what has seemingly been recently lost to their team. Walker will now be reunited with his former quarterback in Green Bay, Brett Favre. The deal is for one-year and the salary is unknown as of now.
Minnesota showed some desperation with signing the 31-year-old, who has not shown any signs of greatness since the 2006 season. Walker tore an ACL in 2005, this coming after he sat out mini camp in search of a new contract. Furthermore, his relationship with Favre deteriorated after Favre criticized Walker for not showing up.
The Denver Broncos gave Walker a new deal at five years worth $40 million. Walker had only one productive season after his injury, in 2006. He caught 69 passes for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns.
He was released in 2008 and then signed with the Oakland Raiders, who gave him an even bigger contract at six years worth $55 million. After two seasons lacking production in Oakland, he was released this past March and is considered washed-up by many experts.
With the Vikings signing Walker, you have to think that the supposed feud between Walker and Favre has melted over and is in the past. The team would have never brought in a receiver Favre didn’t want. Plus, the two still made a great duo. In 2004, Walker enjoyed his most productive season with Favre and the Packers catching 89 passes for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns. Walker primarily lost his abilities to separate from defenders due to injuries sustained. He hasn’t been the same in recent years.
The Vikings will hope that Walker and Favre can rebuild their chemistry and that Walker can fill in as the receiving corps recovers. The Vikings hope that Harvin and Rice will be ready for the season opener in New Orleans, but nothing is certain.
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