Vikings sign Fred Smoot

By Alex Guzman  |   Friday, March 11, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Minnesota Vikings
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Fred Smoot agreed to terms on a 6 year contract with the Minnesota Vikings. The top cornerback left on the free agent market goes to a team that has needed defensive help in recent memory. Smoot accumulated 16 INTs over the last 4 years with the Washington Redskins. He even earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2004 as an alternate.

Smoot's deal is worth $34 million, including a $10.8 million signing bonus, according to ESPN.com and FOXSports.com. He forms a quality tandem at CB with Antoine Winfield, who was Minnesota's top free agent signee last season. Brian Williams will become the nickel back.

Coach Mike Tice, who canceled a West Coast college scouting trip to focus on free agency, praised owner Red McCombs for taking advantage of the team's ample space - more than $30 million at week's beginning - under the salary cap.

The Vikings have long been near the bottom of the league in pass defense, and they were tied for 27th in the NFL last season. The biggest problem in 2004 was poor coverage by their linebackers and safeties, but the upgrade Smoot gives them at cornerback is clearly a big help.

Williams played through injuries and fatigue last year, Winfield missed two games in December with a sprained ankle and Ken Irvin missed the entire season with a ruptured Achilles' tendon.

Smoot had a visit scheduled with Kansas City, but skipped his flight when negotiations intensified. QB Daunte Culpepper phoned Smoot to help persuade him to sign, according to Tice.
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About Alex Guzman

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