Dec 18, 2011; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New Orleans defensive end Jeff Charleston (97) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) in the second quarter at the Metrodome. The Saints win 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-US PRESSWIRE

The whole Remi Ayodele thing evidently hasn’t put the Vikings off former Saints defensive linemen. On Thursday the team picked up back-up defensive end Jeff Charleston, who like Ayodele was a member of the Saints team that not only killed the Vikings’ Super Bowl dream but also infamously and much to Roger Goodell’s chagrin put a bounty on Brett Favre. By the way, Charleston is not personally caught up in the Bountygate scandal so there’s no reason for fans to whip anything at him or hurl insults. Even if he had gotten in on the bounties, it’s not like he was on the field enough with New Orleans to cash in much.

Charleston may not have been a big contributor in New Orleans, but compared to many of the young men currently competing for a roster spot at defensive end with the Vikes, he possesses a world of experience. He  appeared in all 16 games each of the last three years for New Orleans and picked up a start in 2010. Twice in his career he’s notched a 3-sack season. He arrives with the Vikings on a one-year deal and should find himself immediately on the roster bubble, grappling with the likes of D’Aundre Reed for a spot behind Jared Allen, Brian Robison and Everson Griffen.

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