Former Vikings’ safety Robert Blanton is heading east. The Buffalo Bills announced Friday that they had signed Blanton as a free agent.
Blanton, 26, spent his first four seasons with the Vikings. Minnesota drafted him in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame. He served as a backup to Harrison Smith and contributed on special teams.
According to the Bills, he visited on Friday and quickly signed before he left his visit.
The Bills have signed safety Robert Blanton. https://t.co/VvWcwaBdXn
Welcome to Buffalo, @BlantonRobert! pic.twitter.com/ftxqKuqxr4
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) March 18, 2016
He had a larger role with the Vikings in 2014. Blanton appeared in 15 games recording 111 tackles – good for third on the team. One of the best games of his career actually came in Buffalo against the Bills in an 18-17 Vikings loss.
Blanton had an interception and a fumble recovery in the game, but Buffalo won on a last second touchdown pass from Kyle Orton to Sammy Watkins.
Pro Football Talk says Blanton figures to add depth to the Buffalo secondary. The Bills hope to get Aaron Williams back on the field to pair with Corey Graham next year.
The Vikings didn’t re-sign Blanton, instead the team added veteran safety Michael Griffin and re-signed Andrew Sendejo to compete for the spot opposite of Smith.
Only a few Vikings’ free agents remain available, including linebacker Chad Greenway, who still might return to the team.
With Robert Blanton gone (who wasn't re-signing), remaining #Vikings UFAs: Greenway, Matthews, Trusnik. Only Greenway has chance to return.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 18, 2016
