Vikings agree to multi-year contract with tackle Phil Loadholt
By Nam Huynh
Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Phil Loadholt (71) against the Green Bay Packers at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
In an offseason that started with the Vikings trading Percy Harvin and cutting Antoine Winfield, the team needs some good news.
Here’s one: The team agreed to a multi-year contract with tackle Phil Loadholt, according to Tom Pelissero of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
Loadholt received a four-year $25 million deal that includes a $7 million signing bonus, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Loadholt is under contract through 2016.
This news comes minutes before free agency officially starts. The Bears were reportedly hot in pursuit of Loadholt, likely driving the price up for Minnesota to re-sign him.
Back up center
Pelissero also reports the Vikings agreed to terms on a one-year minimum salary benefit deal with Joe Berger, who gets $65,000 to sign.