The Minnesota Vikings have had a pretty productive offseason, as they have managed to re-sign a ton of the talent on their roster while adding several key free agents that should give them a better chance of surviving in the playoffs in 2016.
The Vikings re-signed veteran outside linebacker Chad Greenway, which should solidify their linebacking corps for the 2016 regular season. The 33-year-old has been a productive member of this Vikings defense since he was drafted in the first round in 2006.
Greenway has spent his whole career with the Vikings, and he will continue to be a fixture in that locker room for at the very least another season. The veteran recorded 12 starts, 68 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks, a pass defense, an interception and a defensive touchdown during the 2015 regular season.
In his career with the Vikings, Greenway has recorded 1,060 combined tackles, 18 sacks, 31 pass defenses, 10 interceptions and eight forced fumbles. Greenway is a solid veteran presence for this team and should continue to help the Vikings reach the playoffs.
Minnesota really focused on re-signing their own players throughout the offseason and have managed to keep several key role players on this roster. The Vikings also re-signed cornerback Marcus Sherels to a two-year $4 million contract.
They also retained the services of veteran cornerback Terrance Newman, offensive guard Mike Harris, tight end Rhett Ellison, reserve running back Matt Asiata and defensive end Justin Trattor, who have all signed one-year contracts. The Vikings have also expanded this roster by adding former San Francisco 49er starting offensive guard Alex Boone, as they have signed him to a four-year $26.8 million deal.
The team also added the services of former Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Emmanuel Lamur, who signed a two-year $5.5 million contract, as well as Bengals right tackle Andre Smith. Minnesota also signed former Tennessee Titans free safety Michael Griffin, as well as former Detroit Lions inside linebacker Travis Lewis to help bolster this defensive unit.
The re-signing of Greenway will allow the Vikings to at least focus on looking for the best player in the 2016 NFL Draft to help them win a Super Bowl, as they will not have a pressing need at linebacker.
