The third day of NFL free agency is upon us and the Vikings could be quite busy today.
Former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton is scheduled to meet with the Vikings today, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. After being franchise-tagged by the Bears following the 2012 season, the 27-year-old played in only three games last season because of a torn ACL.
USA Today lists Melton as the No. 1 free agent still available. The paper notes that Melton was a Pro Bowler in 2012, and if he can return to form he’ll be one of the most disruptive interior defenders in the NFL.
The Vikings signed 323-pound nose tackle Linval Joseph to a five-year, $31.5 million contract on Tuesday. One of his football idols is former Vikings run stuffer Pat Williams.
“I have size, I have speed, I have smarts and I make plays,” Joseph said, according to the Star Tribune. “At the end of the day, that’s what this game is about. Making plays. … Pat (Williams) made a lot of plays as a Viking. He’s loved around here. I just want to be the same way.”
Former Carolina Panthers safety Captain Munnerlyn began meeting with the Vikings Wednesday, and will continue doing so today, according to ESPN’s Ben Goessling.
Munnerlyn has spent all five of his NFL seasons with the Panthers. According to the Star Tribune, the 5-9, 195-pounder had career highs in tackles (74), sacks (3 ½) and tied a career high in pass deflections (12) last season. He has five career interceptions returned for a touchdown. The Jets and Buccaneers have also scheduled visits with Munnerlyn.
Cornerback Chris Cook could be on his way out of Minnesota. The Sacramento Bee reports Cook, who has spent all four of his NFL seasons with the Vikings, will visit with the San Francisco 49ers today. Cook has zero career interceptions and he allowed nine touchdowns last season, tied for worst among all cornerbacks.
The Vikings were rumored to have had interest in Saints running back Darren Sproles, but the fleet-footed scatback was traded to the Eagles today.
New Orleans acquired a 2014 fifth-round pick from Philadelphia in exchange for RB Darren Sproles.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2014
