The Vikings and left guard Charlie Johnson have agreed on a two-year, $5 million deal that puts a smile on Johnson's face and should keep the team's starting offensive line together for a third straight season.

"We have an agreement in place for me to come back," Johnson said Saturday. "And that is ultimately what I wanted to happen coming into this process."

Johnson, who turns 30 in May, has started 48 of 49 possible games since joining the Vikings as Bryant McKinnie's replacement at left tackle in 2011. Johnson slid inside the following season and has started 32 of 33 games at left guard the past two years.

"That stability along the line is what you're looking for," fullback Jerome Felton said. "And [line coach] Jeff Davidson is back, too, and he's been with them all three years. Having all of them learn a new offense together will be easier because they're all on the same page."

Johnson, who was inconsistent last season, was told heading into free agency to shop around while the Vikings tended to higher priorities on defense. That would suggest he's not a lock to start, but a new deal that is expected to pay him about $2.5 million this season means he'll probably start while second-year pro Jeff Baca and possibly a rookie draft pick are groomed to take his spot as early as 2015.

Meanwhile, according to overthecap.com, three Vikings — linebacker Chad Greenway, safety Jamarca Sanford and Felton — had their contracts restructured to save the team about $2 million of cap space. Greenway agreed to a $1 million pay cut to $5.5 million in exchange for it becoming fully guaranteed.

According to the website, the Vikings were about $16 million under the cap before Johnson's contract and Friday's one-year deal with receiver Jerome Simpson are factored in.

MARK CRAIG