Minnesota Vikings re-sign linebacker Audie Cole

The Minnesota Vikings announce that they have re-signed backup linebacker Audie Cole.

The Minnesota Vikings made another move Tuesday to lock up one of their own, bringing back linebacker Audie Cole on a one-year contract. Terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed.

The 26-year-old Cole was taken by the Vikings in the seventh round of the 2012 draft and became an immediate fan favorite when he picked off two passes in a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.

Cole started five games as a linebacker in 2013, finishing with 45 tackles, one sack and one pass defensed. He started one game in 2014, a memorable game against the Chicago Bears in the season finale, tallying 11 tackles.

Cole demonstrated his value again in 2015 when he stepped in to start for the injured Eric Kendricks against the Rams, but unfortunately Cole fractured his ankle in that game and went on to miss the rest of the season.

You don’t see Audie Cole getting a ton of playing time in 2016 but he remains a versatile backup who in a pinch can step in at any of the three linebacker positions, plus he is a solid special teams performer.

Next: Vikings make push for Osemele

The Vikings have been busy the last couple days locking up Cole and other free agents. On Monday they announced the signing of Andrew Sendejo to a new four-year deal. They also announced the return of restricted rights free agents Adam Thielen and Carter Bykowski.

The Vikings also announced that they have tendered RFA Zach Line.

The media have reported that the Vikings re-signed RT Phil Loadholt to a new one-year deal worth $2 million.