The Facts: The Vikings have made efforts to re-sign Shiancoe — in fact, they made a contract offer during the 2011 season — but Pioneer Press staffer Jeremy Fowler wonders whether both sides are at different places in their development. Fowler went on to explain that Shiancoe will hit free agency as arguably the top TE in a weak class. The Vikings won’t be getting a deal done with him before Tuesday at 4 p.m., so Shiancoe will get to test his worth.
Diehards Line:A contender might be a tight end away. At 31, Shiancoe might be drawn to a playoff-ready team. But if he’s available at a decent price — key words, decent price — Fowler wouldn’t be shocked if the Vikings offer up another contract. The Vikings rely heavily on two-tight-end sets, and Fowler notes it’s questionable whether promising prospect Mickey Shuler is ready to be Kyle Rudolph’s primary backup. Fowler added: "Shiancoe knows the system, is a good locker room influence and won’t pout if his numbers aren’t up. ..." Stay tuned.