TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY

Brad Childress and other members of the Vikings coaching staff and front office have been spending long hours in meetings at Winter Park the past few weeks. Among the decisions that must be made are whether to make an attempt to bring back free agent center Matt Birk and safety Darren Sharper. Both likely will be allowed to walk. The quarterback position is another area of focus. Tarvaris Jackson has yet to prove he's worthy of being a starter in the NFL and the Vikings could look elsewhere for help. Among the team's potential is the Patriots' Matt Cassel.

TOP THREE TEAMS NEEDS

1. Quarterback: Tarvaris Jackson began and ended the season in this role but spent a large portion of the year on the bench as veteran Gus Frerotte ran the offense. The Vikings continue to look for stability at this spot and clearly are examining all options.

2. Right offensive tackle: Ryan Cook was the primary starter but found himself benched because of inconsistent play and penalties. Artis Hicks served as Cook's replacement but a triceps injury sidelined him. It's unlikely Cook or Hicks will be the starter in 2009. The versatile Hicks is considered more valuable as a backup.

3. Cornerback: The Vikings clearly would like to add some depth at this spot. Antoine Winfield will be entering his 11th season and the jury remains out on Cedric Griffin as a starter.

MEDICAL WATCH: RG Anthony Herrera continues to rehab after having shoulder surgery following the regular season.

--OL Artis Hicks, a versatile offensive lineman, had surgery on his injured triceps and is rehabbing.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--DT Kenderick Allen spent the season on injured reserve after injuring his right wrist during the Vikings' preseason opener. It would not be surprising if he does not return.

--C Matt Birk, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, likely will be allowed to sign elsewhere after 11 seasons with the franchise. John Sullivan, a sixth-round pick in 2008, could be Birk's replacement.

--S Michael Boulware spent the year on injured reserve after suffering a broken wrist during the preseason. Could return in a special-teams role in 2009.

--LB Heath Farwell, a valuable member of the special teams, missed the season after tearing his right ACL in the preseason opener. The Vikings' struggles on special teams in 2008 should increase Farwell's value.

--LB Napoleon Harris signed early in the regular season after middle linebacker E.J. Henderson was lost because of a foot injury. Harris, who had been let go by Kansas City before joining the Vikings, likely will be allowed to leave.

--OT Marcus Johnson, the lone remaining member of the Vikings' 2005 draft class, was a non-factor in 2008 and almost certainly won't be back.

--DT Jimmy Kennedy signed late in the season as insurance in case Kevin and Pat Williams were suspended by NFL for violating the league's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances. Kennedy could look for more security elsewhere.

--TE Jim Kleinsasser doesn't put up big stats but he is one of the NFL's best blocking tight ends. His workman-like approach makes it hard to believe the Vikings wouldn't want him back.

--CB Benny Sapp served as the nickel back after Charles Gordon suffered season-ending injury in early November. Vikings could look to upgrade at this backup corner spot.

--S Darren Sharper has been starter since joining the Vikings in 2005 but likely will be allowed to leave. Tyrell Johnson, a second-round pick in 2008, would be the leading candidate to replace Sharper.

--LB Dontarrious Thomas signed during season to add depth after Henderson was injured. The Vikings probably won't try to bring him back.

--DT Ellis Wyms proved to be a valuable backup to 3-technique Kevin Williams. He has expressed a desire to return.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--DT Fred Evans was the primary backup to Pat Williams at nose tackle. Evans is considered to be an ascending player and will be brought back.

--CB Charles Gordon suffered a gruesome ankle injury that ended his season in November. But he is expected to be ready to go by training camp. He was used on punt returns and as the nickel back before the injury.

--DE Otis Grigsby was impressive in training camp but did little during the season. He could be allowed to sign elsewhere.

--DE Jayme Mitchell suffered a torn left ACL in the Vikings' preseason opener. He had been slated to be the second-team left end and could compete for that role again in 2009.

--FB Naufahu Tahi took over as starting fullback in 2008. The Vikings likely will bring him back but also could look elsewhere for an upgrade at the position.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: None.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED: None.

PLAYERS LOST: None.