James Lynch signs rookie contract

The fifth member of the Minnesota Vikings 2020 draft class to sign his rookie contract is one that I, personally, think can have a big impact early on for the purple.

Defensive lineman James Lynch has signed his rookie contract with the Vikings, agreeing to a four-year, $3.985 million deal that includes a signing bonus of just under $700,000. He was the second of the team’s three fourth-round picks this past April.

Lynch had an outstanding final season at Baylor, being named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and a Unanimous All-American. He racked up 13.5 sacks for the Bears, and could provide the sort of interior pressure that the Vikings have lacked in recent years, save for one season of Sheldon Richardson on the interior.

It is going to be difficult for rookies to make a big impression with no preseason games, but Lynch is the sort of player that could fight for playing time relatively early on. Shamar Stephen is no sure thing at the 3-technique spot, and Lynch could have his opportunities to prove he belongs in the rotation.

There are more signings to come for the Vikings this afternoon, folks, and we’ll be bringing them all to you here.