Erin

Henderson

The Jets also want to re-sign Henderson. Henderson was out of the league in 2014 but rejuvenated his career with the Jets this past year, grading out as PFF’s No. 14 inside linebacker despite playing just 232 snaps. He was top-nine against the run after displacing Demario Davis in sub-packages the final month-plus of the season. He’d likely play the MIKE spot in Oakland.

“Whats crazy is I’m not even asking for big money,” Henderson said. “All I want is respectable money for what I’m asked to do.” Two NFL sources have told 1500 ESPN Twin Cities the Vikings have “made clear” they want to re-sign Henderson, but they’re apparently waiting for his price to go down. According to Henderson, it won’t. “I’ve watched every single one of my games from last (year) 10 (times) over. I know what I’m worth.”

The two sides are reportedly at odds over the length of a potential deal. GM Rick Spielman hinted that the team will let Henderson establish the market on his own before submitting an offer.

Henderson, who’s only 25, is a favorite of the website Pro Football Focus for his run-stopping ability. While Henderson came off the field on passing downs all last season, he may emerge as an every-down linebacker with free agent MLB E.J. Henderson, Erin’s older brother, likely on the outs this year.

Minnesota is seriously interested in retaining Henderson to book end SLB Chad Greenway. The Vikings also need a new middle linebacker, although Jasper Brinkley is an in-house option. Henderson, just a one-year starter and two-down defender last season, shouldn’t command more than $3-4 million per year.

Henderson has “made it clear” he wants to stay in Minnesota, and it’s believed the Vikings could retain him at an affordable rate. Henderson, 25, graded out as an elite run-defending linebacker in 2011, per Pro Football Focus. He finished his first season as a starter with 70 tackles and two forced fumbles.

Impending free agent E.J. Henderson, turning 32 in August, is not expected to return to a rebuilding defense. Much like Henderson of 2011, Brinkley is a thumper in the run game lacking in coverage skills. He’s coming off major hip surgery in September. WLB Erin Henderson is also a free agent, leaving his future with the Vikes up in the air.

Both can hit free agency in 2012. Pushed around in his first two seasons as a starter, Sullivan has surprisingly graded out as Pro Football Focus’ third-best center this year. Henderson has excelled in run defense as a first-year starter. Still in their mid-twenties, both players would seem to be candidates for long-term deals.

Brinkley missed all of last season due to hip surgery, and then a large chunk of spring practices with related problems. Beat writer Tom Pelissero already expects Henderson to replace Brinkley in all nickel looks, kicking to “Mike” on passing downs. Henderson has some sleeper appeal in 2012 IDP leagues.

He’s week to week and has missed the last two games, with Marvin Mitchell filling in. Although Henderson is a proficient run defender, Minnesota’s run defense has held up fine. It limited Mikel Leshoure to 26 yards on 13 carries on Sunday. Leshoure’s long run went for 14, and he fumbled at the end of it.