NFL training camps are getting underway in the next week, and the Minnesota Vikings have made a couple of roster moves Tuesday.
The Vikings signed 10th-year veteran Jamal Adams to bolster their depth at the beginning of training camp on Tuesday, adding a safety-turned-linebacker with pass-rushing skill for defensive coordinator Brian Flores to work with.
Adams, the sixth overall pick in the 2017 draft, made three Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro in 2019 with the New York Jets. He has been an excellent blitzer who set the NFL season record for sacks by a defensive back (9½) in 2020 after being traded to the Seattle Seahawks. Injuries have derailed him since then, with Minnesota becoming his fifth team in four years. Adams severely tore his quadriceps in the 2022 season opener in Seattle.
Adams, who transitioned to linebacker in a part-time role last year with the Las Vegas Raiders, has 55 tackles for loss, 22½ sacks, eight forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and four interceptions in his career.
The Vikings also signed running back Jordan Mims, who was most recently with the San Francisco 49ers.
Also on Tuesday, the Vikings made a commitment to their offensive line by signing right tackle Brian O'Neill to a new, long term contract.
ESPN's Adam Schefter said O'Neill agreed to a four-year, $96 million contract extension. He now is under contract to Minnesota for the next five years.
"He's been such a pillar of this organization and just the leadership as a guy that from day one when I arrived here, he's been somebody that's poured in everything," head coach Kevin O'Connell said Tuesday.
O'Neill was entering the final year of his deal. He didn't participate in offseason OTAs but did attend minicamp while working towards a new deal. There are numerous reports O'Neill had no interest in leaving Minnesota.
O'Connell also talked about veteran safety Harrison Smith, saying there is no update on whether or not he'll return for a 15th season in purple. O'Connell did add he wasn't expecting Smith to make a firm decision yet, and says they have been in touch.
As for the QB situation, O'Connell is still calling it a competition between veteran Kyler Murray, and J.J. McCarthy. O'Connell says this time of year is his favorite and he looks forward to the quarterback competition.
"Kyler and J.J. will take reps with the first team," O'Connell says. "They'll also take reps with the second group and I think that gives different layers to the evaluation as well. We want an elevator at the quarterback position."
Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball as defender Jake Ryan #47 of the Green Bay Packers pursues him during their game on September 18, 2016 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Adrian Peterson will enter Vikings Ring of Honor
The Minnesota Vikings' all-time rushing leader is headed to the team's Ring of Honor.
Adrian Peterson will be inducted on November 9th when the Vikings hosts the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football.
Peterson was selected 7th overall in the 2007 draft and set franchise records that include career rushing marks for carries (2,418), yards (11,747) and touchdowns (97) during 10 seasons in Minnesota.
He was named NFL MVP for his efforts in 2012, rushing for over 2,000 yards, and is the most-recent non-QB to garner the honor.
Peterson will be the 29th member of the Viking Ring of Honor.
Viking coach suspended after DWI arrest
A Minnesota Viking assistant coach has been suspended due to an arrest for drunk driving.
Defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator Gerald Alexander will face three weeks without pay following an April arrest. Court documents show that an Edina police officer responded to a welfare check and found Alexander passed out at the wheel of his car in the middle of an intersection.
The officer's initial attempts to wake him failed, but eventually Alexander woke and was "mumbling incoherently."
"Disappointment is the word," O'Connell said about the suspension. "As coaches, the expectations and the standards we have are clear and it's important that we do those things for our players. And be the examples on and off the field."
Alexander pleaded guilty July 16 to third-degree DWI, a gross misdemeanor, and paid $603 in fines and fees. He was assigned 48 hours of community service and will be on unsupervised probation for two years.
According to ESPN, Alexander's suspension began Friday and will conclude August 13.
