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During the past off-season, the Minnesota Vikings locked up a couple of their young players to long-term deals. On Saturday, on the eve of the season opener, they did it with another one.
The Vikings and guard Brandon Fusco have agreed to terms on a 5-year, $25 million contract extension, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press (among other sources). The deal includes $6 million in guaranteed money.
Fusco was drafted by the Vikings in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft (#172 overall) out of Slippery Rock University. He played center in college, and was the winner of the 2010 Gene Upshaw Award, given to the best lineman (offensive or defensive) in Division II football.
The 6'4", 305-pound Fusco has appeared in 33 games for the Vikings over the course of his career, starting in 30 of those at right guard. After having his struggles early in his career, he has developed into one of the best right guards in the league, particularly in terms of run blocking.
The deal means that Fusco is now signed through the 2019 season. While that might sound like a lot of money, at least one Vikings' writer feels differently.
Brandon Fusco's $5m average puts him #16 for OG's. Sullivan is at #9 for C's. Both bargains if you ask me. (Spotrac)
— Darren Page (@DarrenPage15) September 6, 2014
Rick Spielman and Rob Brzezinski strike again, folks.
Congratulations to Brandon Fusco on choosing to make Minnesota his home for the long haul.