The Minnesota Vikings moved quickly to sign former New York Giants’ defensive tackle Linval Joseph on Tuesday afternoon.
.@Vikings agree to terms with former @Giants DT Linval Joseph
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) March 11, 2014
The Giants were hoping to keep Joseph, who has been a productive player for them, but they could not come to an agreement before 4:00 pm EST and he officially became a free agent.
At just 25 years old, Joseph likely was told to test the market before agreeing to any kind of deal to remain with the Giants.
The Vikings, who drafted former Florida Gators’ defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd in the first round last year, could have one of the better defensive tackles pairs in the league now.
+8.0 vs the run, should fit nicely next to Floyd in MN RT @FakeColeSmith: @PFF How did Linval Joseph grade out?
— PFF (@PFF) March 11, 2014
Joseph was originally drafted by the Giants with the 46th overall pick in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
The former East Carolina Pirate had a rough rookie year, playing in just six games, but quickly found a role in his second year.
Joseph had 59 tackles and 3.0 sacks in 15 games last season.