Harrison and Runyan are the latest rumored to be potential Viking free agents

July 8, 11:24 PMMinnesota Vikings ExaminerJoseph Oberle

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It's July and not a moment too soon. Training camp is near and for the Vikings that means a resolution to the Brett Favre situation and finally some certainty about who will be playing quarterback. I will "stick my neck out" and say that I believe it will be Favre, despite the fact that former 49er (et. al.) wide out Jerry Rice said recently that the "Favre experiment could backfire." Yes, and the Vikings could win the Super Bowl. Those are two of the possible outcomes of the signing of Brett Favre. No one knows how it will turn out, but that hasn't stopped anyone from speculating on it. Rice or even former Vikes QB Fran Tarkenton for that matter.

So be it. That is what the offseason is for. Speculating on who's available, and where will he go and how will he do. In fact, there has been more speculation recently surrounding the Purple. The Vikings have been mentioned as possible destinations for free agent offensive tackle Jon Runyan, who had microfracture surgery on his knee and is said to be ready for action later this month.

In addition, it was rumored that former Indianapolis Colts wide out Marvin Harrison has interest in coming to the Vikings, but only if they sign Favre. (Perhaps he should have a confab with another famous wide out as to whether that is worth it or not. On second thought, Harrison is probably the reason why Rice doesn't want the Vikings to sign Favre because he wouldn't want Marvin to catch a bunch of touchdown passes and threaten his records--but I digress.)

For my money, get Runyan done and let Harrison stay retired. Runyan, if healthy (where have we heard this before?) would make a great addition to the offensive line. It would give Phil Loadholt a chance to learn and progress without being thrown right into the fray, taking on the pressure of having to protect a legend and block for an All-Pro running back. Runyan's experience would be a great help with the center position on the line being turned over to second-year man John Sullivan. Runyan is a free agent from Philadelphia, so Vikings coach Brad Childress is sure to be familiar with him--he would make a good fit.

I have loved watching Peyton Manning throw passes to Marvin Harrison. They have been a great combination over the years, and it stands to reason that Harrison wouldn't want to come back and have just anyone throwing him passes. But in the later years, Harrison has suffered injuries and has really experienced a slowdown in his production, giving way to Reggie Wayne as Manning's go-to-guy. First of all, I don't believe Harrison is that interested in playing for anyone--why else would he leave the Colts? And I am not sure this very "quiet man" would be out there making demands of a team he has never even been affiliated with.

The Vikings have improved their receiving corps with the addition of Percy Harvin to go alongside Bernard Berrian, Bobby Wade and Sidney Rice. I am not sure that the aging Harrison, who seemed to have lost a step last season, would be much of an upgrade. Favre, or whomever is going to be throwing passes for the Vikings this season, has plenty of weapons.

Then again, I could be wrong, and not signing Harrison could backfire. But then I am just speculating.