The Vikings have agreed to a new contract with safety Andrew Sendejo, days before free agency officially begins, according to reports.
The move hasn’t been officially announced, but The Associated Press and NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport are reporting Sendejo agreed to a four-year contract, reportedly worth $16 million.
#Vikings get a deal with S Andrew Sendejo, source said. It's a 4-year deal worth roughly $14M.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2016
Sendejo was set to become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday.
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer spoke about the deal Saturday, saying he didn’t think the paperwork is done, “but I think it’s been agreed upon,” the Pioneer Press says.
Sendejo started 13 games last season, but this signing doesn’t guarantee his starting job, the paper reports.
It's actually $16M over 4 years for #Vikings & S Andrew Sendejo. They were in safety market, linked to Iloka, others. Does this change that?
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2016
NFL.com reports Sendejo “struggled” last season, noting Vikings’ coach Mike Zimmer has been “adamant” he wants to improve the safety position alongside Harrison Smith. And the team is expected to try and find someone during free agency, the Pioneer Press says.
This deal could mean Robert Blanton’s time in Minnesota is over, the Star Tribune reports. Sendejo beat Blanton out for the starting safety job for the 2015 season.
Reserve defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis is also re-signing with the Vikings. He agreed to a one-year deal after joining the team back in October, when the New York Giants let him go, ESPN reports.
Ellis played nine games with the Vikings last season, recording five tackles.
