vikings/nfl
Dan Wiederer began covering the Vikings in 2011, enthusiastically delivering insight on the team across the Star Tribune's print and digital products. Prior to joining the Access Vikings team, he spent seven seasons covering ACC basketball at The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer. He also covered the Chicago Bears in 2003 and 2004. Follow him on Twitter @StribDW.
Mark Craig has covered football and the NFL the past 20 years, including the Browns from 1991-95 and the Vikings and the NFL since 2003. Since 2008, Craig has served as one of the 44 Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors. He can be followed on Twitter at @markcraignfl.
Vikings sign Ponder; re-sign Evans
Posted by: under Quarterbacks, The draft, Vikings, NFC Updated: July 31, 2011 - 11:14 AM
MANKATO -- The Vikings continued to sign their draft choices on Sunday with first-round pick Christian Ponder agreeing to a deal.
That means the quarterback will be able to report on time as the Vikings arrive today in Mankato. Players already have started to report and will begin practicing on Monday.
Quarterbacks Jake Locker, drafted eighth by Tennessee, and Blaine Gabbert, drafted 10th by Jacksonville, both received four-year, $12 million deals with the money guaranteed. Ponder's deal will be for a bit less, closer to $10 million, but also will be guaranteed. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, all first-round picks will have four-year contracts with a non-negotiable fifth-year option.
The Vikings also agreed to terms with defensive back Mistral Raymond, a sixth-round pick. The Vikings are expected to have all 10 of their draft choices under contract by the end of today.
The team also has re-signed nose tackle Fred Evans, who was a free agent. Evans has been with the Vikings since 2007 and last season had five tackle and two tackles for losses in eight games.
Ponder, the 12th pick in the draft, is expected to serve as the backup to Donovan McNabb this season.
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