The Vikings lost their primary starting middle linebacker to free agency on Friday.
According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Jasper Brinkley has agreed to a two-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys. The deal won’t become official until Brinkley passes a physical, the Star-Telegram reports.
Brinkley started 11 of 16 games last season, finishing fourth on the team with 74 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble, according to the Vikings website. Viking Update notes that he also blocked a punt that Everson Griffen returned for a touchdown.
On Wednesday, Brinkley told the Pioneer Press that he and the Vikings had mutual interest in staying together.
“That’s definitely my first choice,’’ Brinkley said.
Brinkley, 29, played for the Vikings from 2009-2012 before spending the 2013 season with the Arizona Cardinals.
KFAN adds that Brinkley’s departure leaves a void in the linebacking corp, so look for Minnesota to address the need in the NFL Draft and via free agency.
