Minnesota Vikings Agree To Extension With Linval Joseph

Another day, another member of the Minnesota Vikings’ defense locked into a long-term contract.

Today, the Vikings agreed to terms with defensive tackle Linval Joseph on a four-year, $50 million contract extension, with $31.5 million in guaranteed money. Joseph has two years left on his current contract, much like Everson Griffen did when he signed his extension on the first day of camp. That means, like both Griffen and Xavier Rhodes, Joseph is under contract to the purple through the end of the 2022 season.

Joseph joined the Vikings as a free agent in 2014, having spent the first few seasons of his career with the New York Giants. He got off to a bit of a slow start with the Vikings due to a gunshot wound to his leg he suffered in the preseason, but over the past two seasons has established himself as one of the best inside defensive forces in the National Football League. His presence will, no doubt, help players like Griffen and Danielle Hunter on the outside of the Vikings’ defensive line as well.

With Joseph now locked into a long-term deal, the Vikings might next turn their attention to linebacker Anthony Barr, who had his fifth-year option picked up and is currently in the fourth year of his rookie deal. Barr had a down year in 2016, so it remains to be seen when the team will be looking to give him an extension. Logic dictates, however, that he’s next in line for a deal if the Vikings want to continue locking up their core defensive players.

Once again, Linval Joseph has signed a big contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings and is now set to be a member of the purple and gold for the next six seasons. Congratulations to the big man on a well-earned pay raise.