Vikings: Pat Williams sees market adjust in his favor

The rich contract given to defensive tackle Cory Redding by the Detroit Lions on Monday had to come as good news for Vikings nose tackle Pat Williams.

Williams, set to become a free agent after the 2007 season, could be looking at a more substantial payday than first anticipated after Redding agreed to a seven-year deal that reportedly is worth $49 million and includes $16 million in guaranteed money.

Redding, 26, who had been given the franchise designation by the Lions, becomes the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL, according to ESPN.com. His contract surpassed the five-year, $33.24 million deal Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams received last December.

"Cory Redding is a very good football player, but this just shows market averages have escalated to a level unprecedented in [contract] negotiations," said Pat Williams' agent, Angelo Wright. Wright confirmed he has had "cursory" discussions about a new contract for Pat Williams this offseason but declined to get into specifics.

The Vikings have shown a willingness to sign their players to contract extensions since Zygi Wilf took over as owner. In fact, Kevin Williams, who combined with Pat Williams in 2006 to a play a key role in helping the Vikings finish No. 1 in the NFL against the run, was one of six Vikings to receive contract extensions during last season.

Pat Williams, who will turn 35 in October, said in June that he would like to play another four years before retiring. He is entering the final season of a three-year, $13 million deal he signed when he left the Buffalo Bills as a free agent after the 2004 season.

Williams has proven to be a bargain, using his 6-3, 330-pound(ish) frame to create havoc for opposing offensive linemen. He's entering his 11th NFL season, and he made the Pro Bowl for the first time last year.

New television team

The NFL Network's Mike Mayock, who is well-respected for his NFL draft analysis, has been hired to serve as the analyst for the Vikings' three preseason games this summer on KSTP (Ch. 5).

Mayock will team with play-by-play announcer Ari Wolfe and sideline reporter Ann Carroll of FSN North for games Aug. 10 against St. Louis, Aug. 25 against Seattle and Aug. 30 against Dallas. The Vikings' game Aug. 17 against the Jets will be aired nationally on Fox.

Wolfe, a native of Madison, Wis., has a variety of assignments on his broadcasting résumé and won an Emmy Award for his play-by-play work on University of Louisville football and basketball. He handled preseason television for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2005.

The Vikings took control of hiring the talent as part of a three-year deal for their preseason rights that was signed in May. Last year, Clay Matvick and Kelly Stouffer worked the exhibition games.

Judd Zulgad • jzulgad@startribune.com