The Vikings are apparently looking to bolster their defensive line even more following the re-signing of defensive end Everson Griffen and the free agent signing of Linval Joseph.
A league source tells ESPN that former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton is visiting the Vikings on Thursday. Melton, 27, joined the Bears in 2010 and amassed 84 combined tackles and 15.5 sacks in his first three years; but suffered a season-ending knee injury three games into 2013 season.
The Star Tribune says Melton had reconstructive knee surgery in October and the Vikings will likely want to see if the defensive standout has fully recovered from his operation.
The Dallas Morning News says the Dallas Cowboys are seriously interested in Melton as well. The paper says Melton reached the Pro Bowl in 2012 under the Bears’ then-defensive line coach Rod Marinelli, who is now the defensive coordinator with the Cowboys.
The Morning News says Melton was paid $8.5 million last year as the Bears’ franchised player.
Word of the Vikings’ interest comes as two former Vikings defensive stars – Jared Allen and Kevin Williams – continue to look for work on the free agent market.
Williams indicated in an interview with the Pioneer Press that he would consider a return to the Vikings, but Allen is still examining his options.
After a visit with the Denver Broncos – who ended up signing former Cowboys free agent DeMarcus Ware – Allen is reportedly talking with the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks.
One other option Allen may be mulling is retirement, KFAN says.
