Pope adds depth at linebacker, special teams

The Vikings couldn't offer Derrick Pope a starting job, but that didn't stop the linebacker from signing with them after making only one free-agent visit.

"I was so impressed with the organization that I decided, 'Let's do it,'" Pope said Friday after agreeing to a one-year contract. "I felt like I fit in good with the schemes and things they do defensively and special-teams wise."

Pope, 25, is reunited with Rick Spielman, Vikings vice president of player personnel, who selected Pope in the seventh round of the 2004 draft when Spielman was Dolphins general manager. Pope said Spielman's presence in Minnesota played "a big factor."

Pope received interest from Atlanta, Kansas City and Tampa Bay but quickly picked Minnesota despite the fact the Vikings are set at linebacker with Chad Greenway, E.J. Henderson and Ben Leber. Pope's role with the Vikings might be to serve as the primary backup at all three linebacker positions, although Heath Farwell could contend for that job. Dontarrious Thomas, who signed with San Francisco, had been in that role.

Pope also will be counted on to contribute on special teams. Pope played in 55 games in four seasons in Miami and made 14 starts, including nine last season in place of the injured Zach Thomas. Pope finished with 57 tackles (fourth on the team) and had two interceptions.

Pope said he "thought" about the lack of a starting opportunity in Minnesota before adding: "When you look at the bigger picture I'm going to come in and be the fourth linebacker. You don't wish for anyone to get hurt, but like it did in Miami, injuries happen and things happen and when your number gets called, you have to step up to the plate. ... I know the guys they have and they are pretty comfortable [with them starting] but it's not going to stop me from competing."

The 6-0, 232-pound Pope said he feels he will be a good fit in the Vikings system because it allows linebackers to use their speed.

Pope had 27 tackles on special teams over four seasons. "I've been doing that my whole career," he said. "If that's a way to earn a living and compete I will do that. I just work hard at whatever I do whether it be at linebacker or special teams."

• Still looking to add depth at defensive end, the Vikings brought in free agent James Hall for a visit on Friday. Hall played last season in St. Louis after seven seasons with Detroit. He had 11.5 in 2004.

• Cornerback Nathan Jones, who visited the Vikings this week, signed with Miami.

• The agent for veteran Craig Nall told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he has had discussions with the Vikings, Green Bay and Houston about the quarterback but added there have been no formal negotations yet. Nall finished last season with the Packers.