Minnesota Vikings News

Aug 12, 2013; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back LaRod Stephens-Howling participates during training camp drills at Saint Vincent College.

Denver Broncos cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie before the game against the Washington Redskins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

Julius Peppers against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome.

Vikings safety Jamarca Sanford heads out onto the field during the team's scrimmage at Blakeslee Stadium in Mankato on Saturday August 3, 2013.

Just three days into free agency, a broken down, hole-filled defense that finished last season ranked dead last in points allowed looks well on its way to a meteoric rise up the rankings in 2014.

Vikings GM Rick Spielman is used to being boxed in by the media, as he was Jan. 17 after Mike Zimmer was introduced as the new coach.

The Minnesota Vikings spent more than a decade campaigning for public funding for a new stadium, finally winning the long, arduous struggle for state approval last spring.

In this Oct. 13, 2013 file photo, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith crosses his arms after a touchdown catch against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL football game in Minneapolis.

Vikings cornerback Chris Cook corrals Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith during the the first quarter at the Metrodome on Sunday, October 14, 2013 in Minneapolis.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson tries to catch a pass against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome.

The 2013 Minnesota Vikings were, ultimately, a team with some very nice pieces that just couldn't put them together.

Lamarr Houston 's five-year, $35 million contract was a start, but the Bears had been sending out clear signals the organization intended to further address defensive end via free agency.

Defensive tackle Fred Evans re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, inking a one-year deal to remain as part of the team's defensive line rotation.

The Minnesota Vikings have dipped into the free-agent market in an effort to bolster their secondary, signing ex- Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn on Thursday.

The Minnesota Vikings have been looking for a tough, play-making defensive back to cover slot receivers ever since they parted ways with beloved veteran Antoine Winfield before last season.

A California judge has ordered ex-NFL player Darren Sharper to remain behind bars in Los Angeles on charges that he raped and drugged two women in Arizona, reports CBS Los Angeles .

In this Dec. 22, 2013 file photo, Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith, left, catches a pass as New Orleans Saints' Keenan Lewis, right, defends in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C.The agent for Smith says the five-time Pro Bowl selection has played his final snap for the Panthers.

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen tries to block a Joe Flacco pass in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Sunday, December 8, 2013.

Linval Joseph is listed at 6-foot-4 and 323 pounds, just the right size for an NFL nose tackle.

No terms of the deal were announced, but multiple media outlets reported the pact to be worth $30 million over five years.