Here I was just getting ready to post something about how slow things have been, and this comes across.
I've gotten enough stuff from ESPN lately. . .let's lift this one from the Star-Tribune instead.
The Vikings and veteran safety Dwight Smith agreed on a three-year, $6.5 million contract on Tuesday.Smith, who was released by New Orleans last week, also had offers from Tampa Bay and Baltimore. He completed a two-day visit with the Vikings on Tuesday.
Smith, 27, is expected to compete with free-agent signee Tank Williams for a starting safety spot next to Darren Sharper. Smith, who had two interception returns for touchdowns in Super Bowl XXXVII, also likely will play cornerback in the nickel defense.
With the Vikings, Smith will play for defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin. Tomlin was the Buccaneers' defensive backs coach during Smith's time with that franchise.
I guess we're getting serious about that whole "strengthening the defensive backfield thing," aren't we?
I do like this signing, though. Winfield, Smoot, and Smith all in during nickel situations (at the very least) makes me a happy Viking fan. Our secondary is shaping up to be the best that we've had in many a year, which is good. . .because if the Vikes can't get their linebacker situation straightened out, it's going to have to be outstanding.
I guess we can add Smith vs. Tank Williams as a battle to watch during training camp, but I think Smith will have a distinct advantage due to his familiarity with Tomlin's system. In the next few days, I'll have a look at some of the other position battles we'll have to keep an eye on when training camp kicks off. . .in a day and a half. Woo-hoo!!