Vikings Reinforce Another Position, Sign DT Tom Johnson
On Tuesday the Minnesota Vikings continued to address the issues that stood out during Sunday’s tie against the Green Bay Packers. Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported the Vikings will bring back defensive tackle Tom Johnson.
Pelissero reported the deal is for one-year and up to $1.5 million.
The #Seahawks won’t be able to re-sign Tom Johnson after all. The #Vikings swooped in after the veteran DT’s release became official Monday and are expected to re-sign him to a one-year deal worth up to $1.5 million, source said. “Sebastian Thunderbucket” rides again.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 18, 2018
Johnson, who was with the Vikings from 2014 to 2017, signed with the Seattle Seahawks this offseason. On Monday, he was released because of a plethora of injuries caused the Seahawks to address other positions. The team intended to re-sign him this week, but the Vikings got to him first.
The Vikings immediately took action following a few troublesome performances during Sunday’s tie. Three misses by former kicker Daniel Carlson resulted in the team waiving him. Additionally, receiver Aldrick Robinson was acquired after Laquon Treadwell and Stacy Coley had poor games of their own.
While the defensive line struggles weren’t quite so noticeable, the Packers rushed for over 4 yards per carry. The Vikings coaches believe this move will improve the team’s depth and rotation.
“Sebastian Thunderbucket” piled up 16 sacks in his four years with Minnesota. He’ll have at least 14 more opportunities to try to add to that total. The 34 year-old will likely backup Sheldon Richardson at three technique and could be the main reserve for Linval Joseph at nose tackle as well.
With Johnson expected to practice Wednesday, the Vikings must make one more roster move to accommodate him on the active 53-man roster. David Parry is a likely candidate to be released to make room for Johnson. Jaleel Johnson has out-snapped Parry 40 to 26 during the team’s first two games.
UPDATE
Kicker Dan Bailey was officially signed Tuesday and wide receiver Stacy Coley was waived in a corresponding roster move. According to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press the team is looking to sign Coley to the practice squad if he clears waivers.