Vikings checking into Kearse

As more free-agent defensive ends signed elsewhere, the Vikings were at least contemplating a run at Jevon Kearse, the once-dominant pass rusher who was released by Philadelphia last month.

The Vikings had a tentative visit scheduled Monday with Tennessee defensive end Antwan Odom, but Odom never left a visit in Cincinnati and agreed to a five-year, $29.5 million deal with the Bengals. The Vikings also contacted fellow Titans defensive end Travis LaBoy, but LaBoy agreed to terms with Arizona.

Saturday, the Vikings were unable to land a visit with defensive end Justin Smith, who signed with San Francisco.

Those moves left the Vikings examining a relatively thin talent pool. Kearse might be the most recognizable name on that list.

He spent a total of five seasons in Philadelphia, including three when Vikings coach Brad Childress was Eagles offensive coordinator. Kearse fractured his tibia and tore cartilage in his left knee midway through the 2006 season, and that injury was partially to blame for a 3 1/2-sack season in 2007.

Speaking on KFAN-1130, Childress said he watched film Monday morning of Kearse "just like I did with a bunch of other defensive ends." Childress added that "he is a good person" but wants to do further investigation "to find out some of the unknowns."

Kearse is a two-time All-Pro and had 36 sacks during his first three NFL seasons, all with Tennessee. He signed an eight-year, $66 million contract with Philadelphia before the 2003 season.

In his nine-year career, Kearse has 69 1/2 sacks.

The Vikings hosted running back/kick returner Maurice Hicks and were discussing preliminary contract figures Monday night. Hicks would replace departed running back Mewelde Moore, who signed a three-year contract with Pittsburgh worth a total of $4.95 million.

Hicks, who played for San Francisco last season, has five kickoff returns of at least 50 yards in his career.

With Dontarrious Thomas having signed with the 49ers, the Vikings continue to look to add depth at linebacker. One possibility is "street" free agent Dallas Sartz, who recently was at Winter Park for a workout.

The 6-4, 226-pound Sartz, drafted in the fifth round out of USC by the Washington Redskins last year, suffered a pulled hamstring during training camp last year and was released in the final cutdown with an injury settlement.

The Vikings also reportedly are interested in Miami Dolphins free-agent linebacker Derrick Pope. Pope's agent declined to comment when reached Monday.

• Childress said no decisions have been made on possible discipline for left tackle Bryant McKinnie, who faces a March 17 court date after being arrested in downtown Miami following a street fight. "There's not enough to where the league has enough information, nor do I at this point in time."

• The agent for wide receiver Robert Ferguson said he talked to the Vikings on Monday about his client and that discussions would continue. Brian Overstreet added that a "couple of teams" have expressed interest in Ferguson but declined to name them.