Linval Joseph signs with Minnesota Vikings
New York Giants defensive tackle Linval Joseph (97) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Giants did what they could to re-sign reliable starting defensive tackle Linval Joseph, but the chances of that happening were always going to be slim due to the interest around the league in him. Joseph is just 25, and the East Carolina product is a durable player who makes a strong impact as an interior pass rusher and run defender. Despite drafting Sharrif Floyd with a first-round pick last year, the Minnesota Vikings have been in the market for a defensive tackle, and FOX Sports’s Alex Marvez reports that the Vikings have got their man.
That’s right, the Vikings and Linval Joseph have agreed to a deal, and it will be interesting to see just how much one of the hottest DTs on the market will make. The Atlanta Falcons cleared out the DT market significantly enough today by re-signing Jonathan Babineaux and then promptly stealing Paul Soliai and Tyson Jackson off the board in their quest to presumably build a 3-4 defense.
Anyway, Joseph, Floyd, Brian Robison, and Everson Griffen are all locked in on the Vikings roster for a very long time, and that excellent defensive line should only help whoever they add to their secondary, which is still in dire need of a massive upgrade at corner. Joseph recorded 59 tackles last season and brought some solid pressure, so we know they got a nice upgrade at DT.