Sidney Rice

The Vikings have lost free agent receiver Sidney Rice to the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle agreed to sign Rice to a 5-year $41 Million contract with $18 Million guaranteed. Rice was also aggressively pursued by the Vikings. Rice played just 6 games in 2010 with 17 receptions for 280 yards and 2 touchdowns. He missed much of the season recovering from a hip injury.

The NFLPA voted in favor of owners collective bargaining agreement Monday ending the 4 1/2 month old lockout. This ends the longest lockout in league history. The NFL owners receive a larger revenue share in this agreement but players receive more compensation for retired players, a new rookie wage scale, and less required practice time.

The NFL lockout is expected to end this week and possibly Thursday. The end of the lockout will also signal the beginning of free agency next week. The Vikings will likely need to re-sign receiver Sidney Rice or to sign a different veteran free agent if Rice signs elsewhere. Rice will be the top priority for the Vikings in free agency but if he leaves the team could turn their attention to possible free agent Vincent Jackson.