Chip Scoggins
One local franchise invited a cornerstone player to unpack his bags and stay awhile. Another team across town pushed a cornerstone player out the door.
One team is trying to maximize its opportunity to win a championship. The other team is engaged in a substantial roster reconstruction.
Dueling emotions greeted two significant developments within hours of each other on Tuesday: Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs signing a long-term extension and Twins second baseman Brian Dozier being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Vikings fans had reason to celebrate. Twins fans better hope Falvine's plan doesn't belly-flop.
If evaluated by an emoji, one move gets a thumb's-up, the other a frown.
The Vikings locked up another core player by signing Diggs to a five-year, $72 million extension. General Manager Rick Spielman and salary cap magician Rob Brzezinski continued to maneuver deftly around financial parameters in order to keep a valuable piece from reaching free agency.
The organization's ability to retain star players who are in their prime while also handing quarterback Kirk Cousins a historic $84 million contract serves as a case study in savvy cap management.
Linebacker Anthony Barr's contract situation remains unresolved on the team's checklist. It's unclear if Diggs' deal will affect Barr's extension talks, but there might be enough money left in the coffers.