The Vikings have agreed to terms with linebacker Casey Matthews, the club announced on Twitter. Matthews visited the club earlier today, as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported (via Twitter), and it looks like a deal was struck during that time. Minnesota’s PR staff also confirmed the signing of safety Taylor Mays, which was reported earlier.
The 26-year-old Matthews, who had spent the entirety of his four-year career with the Eagles, will be moving from Philadelphia’s 3-4 defense to Minnesota’s 4-3 scheme. He’s played both inside and outside ‘backer, so he could conceivably compete with Audie Cole to be the Vikings’ middle linebacker — Minnesota’s 2014 MLB starter, Jasper Brinkley, signed with the Cowboys last week. Alternatively, he could act as depth at OLB, and could play a larger role there if the Vikes decide to part with ways with veteran LB Chad Greenway.
Despite starting only five games combined during his first three years in the league, Matthews started 11 contests last season, primarily due to injuries to Eagles starter DeMeco Ryans. Still, Matthews wasn’t on the field all that much, as he saw action on just 37.5% of the club’s defensive snaps. All told, Matthews racked up 31 tackles and 1.5 sacks, while forcing a fumble and recovering another.
The Vikings have been relatively active this offseason, as in addition to signing Matthews and Mays, they’ve also brought in backup QB Shaun Hill, and traded for receiver Mike Wallace.