Getting set to leave for the NFL Scouting Combine later today but first wanted to post an item that appeared in the paper this morning. That's the fact that Vikings executives will meet with the representatives for their free agents while they are in Indianapolis. Many of these talks will take place Friday. The combine provides a perfect place for teams and agents to meet because so many attend the event.

The Vikings' most interesting discussion figures to take place with Ken Sarnoff, the agent for running back Chester Taylor. Taylor is set to become an unrestricted free agent at 11:01 p.m. on March 4. While the Vikings certainly would like to keep the valuable third-down back, Taylor also might want to test the market to see what he can get in terms of money and playing time elsewhere.

By all accounts, Taylor likes it in Minnesota but he also knows he is going to be stuck behind Adrian Peterson. The two provide a very nice 1-2 punch but another team (Seattle? Detroit?) might be willing to give Taylor a nice offer. There had been talk the Vikings might put a franchise tag on Taylor, meaning he would have been guaranteed $8.2 million for next season.

That seemed like a long shot to me -- I just couldn't see a backup running back getting that type of money -- and indeed it appears that won't happen. The two-week period for teams to designate 2010 franchise and transition players ends at 3 p.m. on Thursday.

The Vikings other potential unrestricted free agents include offensive lineman Artis Hicks, defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy, wide receiver Greg Lewis and cornerback Benny Sapp.

The combine opens today and runs through next Tuesday.

We'll be in Indianapolis starting this evening and going through Sunday. Check for updates on the blog throughout the day Thursday through Sunday and we'll also provide updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/juddzulgad. I'll also be attempting to file video updates on a daily basis. Wish me luck on that one.