Safety Williams appears to be good on and off the field

Before departing Winter Park on Saturday afternoon, Madieu Williams sought out Vikings community relations director Brad Madson.

"He wanted to visit Children's Hospital," Madson said. "Today."

Madson made some phone calls, and a few hours later Williams was touring the hospital's campus at the University of Minnesota. Along with sharp coverage skills, Williams also brought a deep interest in community service when he signed a six-year, $33 million contract to be the Vikings' new free safety.

"Not only are you playing football," Williams said, "but also [you are] a member of the community. And I think that's very important to have that balance. Not only are we here to play football but to integrate ourselves in the community that we are a part of."

While playing for Cincinnati from 2004 to 2007, Williams was a regular visitor at Mercy Health Partners Hospital and served as an honorary chairman for the March of Dimes. He started the Madieu Williams Foundation in 2005 after his mother died of a stroke; the mission of the foundation is to encourage children to adopt healthy lifestyles.

Williams spent his childhood in Sierra Leone. His parents moved the family to suburban Washington, D.C., when he was 9. Williams was a star safety for the University of Maryland, where he also earned a degree in family studies. He is now pursuing a master's in health care management.

On the field, the Vikings hope Williams will help them improve their No. 32-ranked pass defense. Although safety is his natural position, Williams played cornerback at times for the Bengals.

"It just makes us so much better from a coverage standpoint," defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said. "He'll be a tremendous asset. This is the type of safety you look for in the draft, a guy who can [hit] but still has coverage ability as well."

Strikeout on Smith

The Vikings were unable to lure defensive end Justin Smith for his scheduled visit. Instead, Smith signed a six-year, $45 million contract with San Francisco that included $20 million in guarantees.

"He got a great deal, and that's great for him," coach Brad Childress said.

The Vikings have no visits scheduled for other free-agent defensive ends. Rick Spielman, vice president of player personnel, downplayed urgency at the position.

"Sometimes you may address a need now," Spielman said. "Sometimes it may be a month from now. Sometimes it may be not be until training camp."

Etc.

• Free-agent running back/returner Maurice Hicks, formerly of San Francisco, is scheduled to visit Monday.

• Defensive tackle Spencer Johnson agreed to a five-year contract Saturday with Buffalo. The deal is worth $17.5 million with $6 million guaranteed, according to the Buffalo News.

Staff Writer Judd Zulgad contributed to this notebook.