Former Vikings offensive lineman is back in the NFC North

Former Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Riley Reiff recently signed with the Chicago Bears, reuniting him with the NFC North once again.

Once a member of the Minnesota Vikings, but now a rival again. Offensive tackle Riley Reiff recently signed with the Chicago Bears, paving the way towards a reunion for Reiff and the NFC North.

Reiff was originally selected with the 23rd overall pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2012 NFL Draft. Later, he left Detroit in favor of a five-year contract with the Vikings in the 2017 offseason.

After four years in purple, Reiff was released by Minnesota in the 2021 offseason, and he spent last year with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Vikings elected to replace the veteran with Virginia Tech’s Christian Darrisaw, who Minnesota selected in the first round of the 2021 draft. Now, Reiff will look to protect the Bears’ franchise quarterback Justin Fields.

Outside of the Green Bay Packers, Reiff has played for every team in the NFC North. The only player who has done so is journeyman quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan.

By signing with the Chicago Bears, Riley Reiff will get to face the Minnesota Vikings

Reiff‘s journey to facing the Vikings on the other side of the field after being released by the team came quickly when Minnesota lost to the Bengals 27-24 in Week 1 last season. This year, he’ll likely head back to the stadium he called home for four years.

However, this time he’ll face a new look defensive approach, with Minnesota running a 3-4 scheme as opposed to the 4-3 defensive look they fielded under former head coach Mike Zimmer.

The veteran offensive lineman will now face the likes of Za’Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter as he hopes to keep Fields intact against a revamped Vikings defensive front.

Reiff and the Bears are scheduled to visit the Twin Cities in Week 5 next season on Sunday, October 9th. Both Chicago and Minnesota will be looking to improve upon their respective losing seasons in 2021.