In an effort to further bolster their depth up front, the Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms with depth offensive lineman Oli Udoh on Saturday afternoon, the latest move designed to ensure continuity in the trenches.
Already this offseason, the Vikings have re-signed starting center Garrett Bradbury and backup center Austin Schlottmann, re-upped with fellow depth offensive lineman Blake Brandel, and re-worked a deal with veteran offensive lineman Chris Reed.
As for Udoh, he has developed into a useful piece on the offensive line. Originally drafted in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft as a project player, the 6-foot-6, 320-pound Udoh has played in 41 games in his career with 17 starts under his belt.
Not only did Udoh fill in admirably last season after starting right tackle Brian O’Neill broke his right ankle, he has proven capable of playing both on the interior and exterior of the line in a pinch. His presence should help if O’Neill needs more time than expected to recover.
Lowry signs 2-year deal
Once again, the Vikings have signed a free agent away from the Packers.
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The Vikings on Friday agreed to terms with defensive lineman Dean Lowry, who played his first seven seasons with Green Bay. A source said it’s a two-year, $8.5 million deal for Lowry, who started 80 of the 111 games he played for the Packers, including 12 of the 15 he played in 2022.
Minnesota last year signed edge rusher Za’Darius Smith and nickel back Chandon Sullivan after each had played the 2021 season in Green Bay. Smith had been released by the Packers in a salary-related move before joining the Vikings.
Lowry, who played defensive end in Green Bay’s 3-4 scheme, is the most likely replacement for Dalvin Tomlinson in Minnesota’s 3-4. Tomlinson left the Vikings earlier this week to sign with Cleveland.
Lowry was a fourth-round pick by the Packers in 2016 out of Northwestern. He has 252 career NFL tackles, including 15½ sacks.
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