Former Packers LB Desmond Bishop Signs With Vikings

Oct 23, 2011; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Desmond Bishop (55) against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Packers defeated the Vikings 33-27. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Former Green Bay Packers players are seriously developing a habit of staying in the NFC North and going to play for the rival Minnesota Vikings.

Thus is the case for former Packers linebacker Desmond Bishop, who was cut by Green Bay for financial reasons coming off a serious leg injury.

According to Mike Florio over at ProFootballTalk, Bishop has agreed to a one-year deal with the Vikings.

The move seems like it has been a long time coming. Bishop suffered a gruesome hamstring injury early last season and missed the entirety of the year. It’s unknown whether he is back to 100 percent yet but he had previously refused to restructure his contract, hence his release.

Bishop flirted with the Kansas City Chiefs and was reportedly wanted by the New York Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars but the fit in Minnesota was never in doubt. He’ll slide into the starting role right away in the middle of the defense and present an upgrade if he is healthy.

That can be a big “if.” Bishop was one of the NFL’s best inside linebackers before succumbing to the injury. Only time will tell if the move will pay off on the field, but for the Vikings it’s a genius, low-risk, high reward move.

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