The Minnesota Vikings have reportedly brought back safety Andrew Sendejo on a four-year deal worth $16 million.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com is reporting that the Minnesota Vikings have reached an agreement with free agent safety Andrew Sendejo on a new four-year contract worth $16 million.
It's actually $16M over 4 years for #Vikings & S Andrew Sendejo. They were in safety market, linked to Iloka, others. Does this change that?
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2016
Sendejo made a little over $1 million in 2015 so this represents a pretty serious pay increase.
The length and value of Sendejo’s deal suggest that Minnesota plans to move forward with him as a starting safety for the foreseeable future and likely not pursue George Iloka, Eric Weddle or any other potentially big-money free agent.
Though Paul Allen is still holding out hope:
Even w/ Sendejo signing wouldn't be surprised if #Vikings pursue safety in free agency.
— Paul Allen (@PAOnTheMic) March 5, 2016
With Minnesota looking to sign Harrison Smith to a new long-term deal, it’s possible Rick Spielman decided the team couldn’t afford to commit huge money to a second safety. I suppose they could still go after a lower-cost free agent at the position.
On the bright side, if the Vikings aren’t spending big on a safety, that means they have more money to spend on an offensive lineman.
Next: Robert Blanton wants to return to Vikings
The 28-year-old Sendejo started 13 games for the Vikings in 2015, finishing with 74 tackles, one interception and 1/2 sack.
Minnesota enters 2016 with Smith and Sendejo penciled in as the starting safeties and youngsters Antone Exum and Anthony Harris as backups.
Sendejo may not be the safety we want, but Rick Spielman thinks he’s the safety we need right now. And Harrison Smith is about to get paid.