The Vikings made it clear they had no intention of bringing back Tarvaris Jackson when they decided not to place a restricted free agent tender on the quarterback last March, meaning that when the lockout is over he's free to sign with any team.
Just in case Jackson didn't get the hint -- and he most certainly did -- the team also announced today that it was giving the first-round quarterback Christian Ponder the No. 7. That is the digit Jackson wore the past five seasons with the Vikings.
That's interesting because Jackson is the only player on the roster at the end of last season to have his number given to one of the 10 draft picks from this past weekend. Jackson wasn't the only Viking to not receive a tender as a restricted free agent.
However, wide receiver Hank Baskett (No. 19), running back Albert Young (No. 34), fullback Naufahu Tahi (No. 38) and defensive tackle Fred Evans (No. 90) did not have their numbers assigned to draft picks.
Cornerback DeAndre Wright had the No. 30 -- that was given to fifth-round corner Brandon Burton -- but Wright was on the practice squad. Jackson and Young finish the year on the injured reserve list.
This was on the previous blog as well but it's a list of the numbers assigned to the draft picks.
No. 7 Christian Ponder, QB
No. 82 Kyle Rudolph, TE (Who had it: No one at end of the season)
No. 99 Christian Ballard, DT (No one at end of the season)
No. 36 Brandon Burton, cornerback (No one at end of the season)
No. 75 DeMarcus Love, offensive lineman (No one at end of the season)
No. 30 Mistral Raymond, cornerback (CB DeAndre Wright, who was on the practice squad)
No. 63 Brandon Fusco, offensive lineman (No one at end of the season)
No. 57 Ross Homan, linebacker (No one at end of the season)
No. 92 D'Aundre Reed, defensive end (No one at end of the season)
No. 86 Stephen Burton, wide receiver (No one at end of the season)
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