Bubby To Go Home?

By: Viking Update Staff

Date: 3/8/2001

It wasn't a surprise that the Vikings weren't overly excited about Bubby Brister returning to the team for 2001, but, with Brister looking for work and QBs going off the table quickly, he may find a job back where he picked up two Super Bowl rings. Who says you can't go home again? It's looking more like Bubby Brister may be taking that route. VU has learned that Brister met last week with former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan to clear the air about the rift that grew between them when Brister was benched to his shock in favor of Brian Griese.

The meeting went so well, we've been told, that Brister and the Broncos may rejoin forces in the coming weeks. With Griese recovering from surgery to his throwing shoulder and 2000 backup Gus Frerotte making the free agent rounds in the NFL, Brister and Shanahan could find themselves as partners in crime again.

Brister has said he has been invited back to the Vikings, but this time it would be as the No. 3 quarterback behind Daunte Culpepper and Todd Bouman.

THURSDAY NOTES * The Vikings lost of key behind the scenes member of the franchise Wednesday when Director of Research and Development Mike Eayrs took a similar job with Green Bay. Eayrs was one of the league's revolutionaries when it came to integrating computer technology into gameplanning, using computer imagery to get detailed photos to the sideline immediately and creating source material on opponent tendencies on offense and defense by using computer models to determine what the defense would do by formation and situation. Ravens coach Brian Billick, a computer genius in devising schemes under Eayrs system, was a big fan and, while names like Rudd, Randle and Williams may be more noteworthy to fans, the loss of Eayrs will be felt throughout the organization and be a big boost for the Packers.

* In other former Viking QB news, with the release of Troy Aikman, many believe that one of the several young, unemployed QBs will take his place. However, VU has been told Jerry Jones wants to bring Randall Cunningham back. Cunningham was able to void the 2001 portion of his contract and, with his rapport with the players on the Cowboys, he could be an early fit if the Cowboys try to develop and groom a replacement. The only other current offer on the table for Cunningham is from Billick's Ravens, who want him to be the No. 3 QB and groom youngster Chris Redman.

* Corbin Lacina is one of six guards the Arizona Cardinals are taking a look at, but he is on the Plan B list.

* The Vikings were one of several teams to send a scout to watch the workouts of 21 University of Wisconsin players, including running back Michael Bennett -- who some in the organization believe the Vikings might take on the first round if he's available.

* As of right now, the Vikings are $2.25 million under the salary cap, but need to reserve most of that for rookie signings. Unless Todd Steussie agrees to re-work his contract, the Vikings will be hamstrung in trying to bring in free agents, which lends more credibility th

-- Mark (Karch 222@aol.com), March 08, 2001