According to Alex Marvez of Sporting News and Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the Minnesota Vikings intend to sign OL Tom Compton to add depth to their offensive line.
A former sixth-round draft pick, Compton spent four years with the Washington Redskins, one year with the Atlanta Falcons and one year with the Chicago Bears.
Compton, who plays guard and tackle, played high school ball for coach Jeff Erdmann at Rosemount High School, then went to the University of South Dakota where he was a three-time all-conference selection and became the first USD football player drafted in 26 years.
He was drafted two rounds after Kirk Cousins in 2012 and spent four years as Cousins’ teammate, reportedly becoming “best friends” with the new Vikings quarterback.
His acquisition could signal the end for either Jeremiah Sirles, who has visited the Carolina Panthers in free agency, or Joe Berger, who is contemplating retirement.
Compton ranked 47th out of 77 qualified guards last year, per Pro Football Focus, after getting 342 snaps with the Bears. He has started 11 games over his six-year career.
