Big Pat About To Sign

DT Pat Williams is close to signing a three-year extension with the Vikings, which would reportedly pay him $22 million. This is a significant turn-around from the news of a couple months ago, which had Pat almost certainly not returning to the team, at least according to his agent.  The lesson:  Never listen to agents.

Clearly, Pat wanted to say in Minnesota.  He likes the city and the organization, and he really likes playing next to Kevin Williams.  Said Pat:

I’m happy that I’ll be able to finish my career playing beside Kevin. Me and Kevin play well next to each other.

Kevin Williams has to be the happiest guy on the team.  He was a good player before Pat came on-board, but now with Pat beside him, routinely taking up two blockers, he has become a Pro-Bowler.  That tandem is the single biggest reason the Vikings defense has gone from doormat status to being genuinely respected.  That being said, Pat Williams is almost 35 – and will be 38 at the end of his new contract.  Over half his money is guaranteed – a risky investment considering where Pat is in his career.  However, this is the Vikings’ new MO – signing key players to long-term deals before they get to free-agency.  The brain trust obviously feels comfortable with where Pat is physically, and believes he will hold up despite his age.

The best news is that Pat has all this off his mind, and can just go out and dominate.