TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY

Unlike a year ago when the Vikings were extremely active in free agency, there has been little movement this year.

The Vikings made a strong push to land wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh but that did not happen and the team did not sign a player from another roster during the opening days of free agency. The Vikings also lost Matt Birk to the Baltimore Ravens after he spent 11 seasons in Minnesota.

The Vikings opened the new league year by trading for Houston quarterback Sage Rosenfels and then re-signing tight end Jim Kleinsasser. They began entertaining Houshmandzadeh last Saturday but ultimately the top-rated wide receiver on the market picked Seattle. The Vikings also let go of two of their own players, releasing Gus Frerotte and linebacker Vinny Ciurciu.

TEAMS NEEDS

1. 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.

2. Center: Matt Birk's departure means the Vikings can either turn to John Sullivan or perhaps move right guard Anthony Herrera to center. The team also could try to sign someone but the market doesn't have much to offer at this point.

3. Wide receiver: The Vikings made a run at free-agent T.J. Houshmandzadeh but lost out to Seattle. The team obviously would like to upgrade at this spot, perhaps because of concerns about Sidney Rice's ability to remain healthy.

MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.

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.

--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 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.

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

--S Darren Sharper has been a 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 the 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.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered)

--DE Otis Grigsby (not tendered as RFA) was impressive in training camp but did little during the season.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--DT Fred Evans (tendered at $1.01M with seventh-round pick as compensation) was the primary backup to Pat Williams at nose tackle. Evans is considered to be an ascending player.

--FB Naufahu Tahi (tendered at $1.01M with no compensation) took over as starting fullback in 2008. Tahi was set to visit the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--FB Heath Farwell: UFA; $7.75M/2 yrs, $3.25M SB.

--CB Charles Gordon: Potential RFA; $535,000/1 yr plus incentives.

--TE Jim Kleinsasser: UFA; $9M/3 yrs, guarantee unknown.

--DE Jayme Mitchell: Potential RFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--QB Sage Rosenfels (trade Texans).

PLAYERS LOST

--C Matt Birk: UFA Ravens; $12M/3 yrs, $6M guaranteed.

--LB Vinny Ciurciu (released).

--QB Gus Frerotte (released).

--RB Maurice Hicks (released).