Sanford enters OTA as starting safety for Vikings
By Nam Huynh
Oct 9, 2011; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive back Jamarca Sanford (33) returns an interception during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Cardinals 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings began the offseason by re-signing safety Jamarca Sanford to a two-year $5 million deal that includes a $500,000 bonus and $500,000 roster bonus.
Head coach Leslie Frazier says Sanford will enter offseason training activities as a starting safety next to Harrison Smith, according Tom Pelissero of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
Sanford, 27, started 13 games at safety for Minnesota last season and forced a career-high four fumbles.
Mistral Raymond is now expected to be the primary backup safety behind Sanford and Harrison. The team’s version of the Cover 2 defense has position flexibility at safety, with little fundamental differences between the strong and free safety positions.