Reports: Vikings to sign former Saints' defensive lineman Johnson
Reports Wednesday night indicate the Minnesota Vikings have reached an agreement with former New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Tom Johnson.
The Viking Age reported Wednesday evening the Vikings have agreed to terms on a one year deal worth about $845,000 with Johnson.
The contract reportedly contains $100,000 in bonuses and Johnson could earn up to $600,000 in incentives.
Johnson, 29, is 6'3 and weighs 288 pounds. He played defensive end for the Saints, but would probably move inside in the Vikings 4-3 scheme.
In three seasons with the Saints, Johnson played in 40 games. He recorded 35 solo tackles, 20 assisted tackles, 5 sacks, and forced one fumble. New Orleans did not tender an offer to Johnson, making him an unrestricted free agent.
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The move could signal the end of Kevin Williams' career in Minnesota. ESPN reports as the days go by, Williams is growing more skeptical that he'll have a chance to return to the team.
"There'd have to be a spot," Williams told ESPN. "I've played 11 years, and teams know what I've done. Once some of these young guys sign, if they're looking for a veteran tackle, they'll call."
In addition to last year's first round draft pick Shariff Floyd, the Vikings already signed defensive tackle Linval Joseph in free agency. The team also expressed interest in former Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton, who chose to sign with the Cowboys. They also re-signed Fred Evans, last week.
Vikings general manager Rick Spielman told the Star Tribune last week, "I talked to his agent a few days ago and we're continuing to monitor that. There's no decision that's been made. I told him we'd leave it open but we are trying to address some other needs that we definitely wanted to get done first."
Williams told ESPN the Vikings had not contacted him since losing out on Melton and that he hadn't had contact with the team since last week.
