Vikings Sign Former Cardinals Tackle Brandon Keith

Nov 13, 2011; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Brandon Keith (72) during warmups prior to playing the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cardinals defeated the Eagles 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings added to their offensive line depth on Monday, signing tackle Brandon Keith, a former starter for the Arizona Cardinals. Keith was among the few veterans participating in tryouts this week and obviously the Vikings liked what they saw. Keith played in 26 games for the Cardinals from 2008 to 2011 and made 20 starts during that time.

Keith joins an O-line mix that is heavy on youth. The Vikes do have some experienced depth inside with Joe Berger and Seth Olsen but on the outside they are very green. Unproven DeMarcus Love was the top back-up tackle before the signing of Keith. The Vikings also have Troy Kropog hanging there as a restricted free agent still waiting to sign a deal. The Vikes thought highly enough of Kropog to pluck him from the practice squad last year and stash him on the active roster. But where does he figure into the plan now? Who knows?

Back to Keith. You might be asking why a veteran guy with NFL starts under his belt had to try out in a minicamp with a bunch of rookies. Well there’s a simple answer. His knees are shot. He was unable to play at all in 2012 and was at tryouts just hoping to get his foot back in the door. The Vikings opened the door and Keith is in the mix. He could add some nice insurance behind Phil Loadholt at right tackle. If his knees hold.

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