Minnesota Vikings sign former Bemidji State TE Brian Leonhardt

The Minnesota Vikings announced that they have signed former Bemidji State TE Brian Leonhardt.

With Rhett Ellison’s status up in the air as he recovers from a torn patellar tendon, the Minnesota Vikings added some insurance at tight end by signing former Bemidji State University player Brian Leonhardt.

The 25-year-old Leonhardt starred at Spring Lake High School before moving on to D2 Bemidji State. The Oakland Raiders signed Leonhardt as an undrafted free agent in 2013, then in 2015 he moved on to the Cleveland Browns and finally the San Francisco 49ers.

In two short stints as an active player, one with Oakland and one late last year with San Francisco, Leonhardt has amassed seven receptions for 39 yards and one touchdown.

The 6-5, 255-pound Leonhardt will likely get a good look in training camp as there’s little chance Rhett Ellison will be ready to go full-speed right from the start.

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Leonhardt, who actually put ink to paper a few days ago, wasted no time in getting down to work.

Rhett Ellison has made a name for himself as a blocking tight end and if he’s not ready the Vikings will need someone to fill that particular role. Leonhardt may be the type of gritty, gutty player who can step in and be the second Rhett Ellison or, if you will, the third Jim Kleinsasser.