Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis agent Blake Baratz talks NFL free agency, Aaron Rodgers rumors
The Minnesota Vikings’ roster is taking shape after a flurry of signings during NFL free agency.
What’s it like to work behind the scenes during one of the busiest weeks of the football calendar?
Blake Baratz working the phones in his downtown Minneapolis office might bring to mind the 1990s Tom Cruise vehicle “Jerry Maguire.”
“Free agency is always chaotic, but it’s like an organized chaos,” Baratz said.
He started Team IFA, which represents about 60 NFL and college football players.
NFL teams officially started signing free agents last week. But Baratz says he talks all year with teams to become familiar with their needs and what they think of his clients.
He says negotiating deals is like solving a jigsaw puzzle.
“Where do we think salary cap cuts will be made? What teams are the best fit and scheme?” Baratz said. “Every client has a different priority list. Some guys want to make the most amount of money. Some guys want to win.”
Baratz helped Jonathan Allen get both, in becoming one of the Vikings’ new, big-money signings. Fans can expect to love the defensive lineman.
“He’s just a great dude. He’s an old soul, extremely mature, he’s competitive, he’s a great teammate, he’s selfless. He’s a dog on the field,” Baratz said.
Baratz compares Allen’s attitude and professionalism to another one of his clients: former Vikings receiver Adam Thielen.
“He fits in really well culture-wise. They’ve got a lot of good guys in that locker room,” Baratz said.
WCCO had to ask Baratz about the speculation surrounding Aaron Rodgers and the Vikings.
“I don’t know if I would bet on it, but there’s a chance honestly,” He said.
Minneapolis police are investigating a hit-and-run that left a man seriously injured Tuesday afternoon.
The crash happened near Oliver Avenue North and Lowry Avenue North just before 2 p.m., according to the Minneapolis Police Department.
Investigators say an SUV struck another vehicle, which then collided with a motorcyclist. The driver of the SUV then fled the scene.
The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries. Police say the driver of the other vehicle was not injured.
No arrests have been made as of Tuesday night.
A recent FOX 9 investigation found that Medicaid fraudsters owe millions but pay back little with several other defendants discharged from probation after making either minimal or no payments towards their court-imposed debts.
A homicide investigation is underway after a person was found shot to death inside a car parked along the Mississippi River, the Minneapolis Park Police Department said.
Around 6:40 a.m. Sunday, officers from Minneapolis Park police and the city’s police department responded to a report of a body in a car at Mill Ruins Park. They found an adult with a fatal gunshot wound at the scene, as well as a firearm.
The Minneapolis Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating.
Police said the Hennepin County medical examiner will determine the manner and cause of death, as well as the person’s identity.
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