Loadholt takes pay cut to remain with Vikings

Right tackle Phil Loadholt, whose spot on the roster was in doubt because of age, injury and a high salary cap figure, agreed to a pay cut remain with the Vikings on Monday, according to a source.

He is expected to sign his new restructured deal Tuesday morning.

Under his previous contract, Loadholt could have earned $6 million in 2016 and would have carried a cap number of $7.8 million. He now reportedly will have a base salary of $2 million. He can still become a free agent after the 2016 season.

Loadholt, 30, sat out the entire 2015 season after tearing his left Achilles' tendon during the preseason. He said in February that he was on track in his recovery and hoped to participate in organized team activities, which start in April, in some capacity.

Last season, rookie T.J. Clemmings started every game at right tackle. The fourth-round pick had an uneven 2015 season but still figures in the team's long-term plans.

The Vikings have given no indications about whether they plan to retain left tackle Matt Kalil, whose $11.1 million salary will become fully guaranteed Wednesday.

The Vikings have expressed interest in Ravens free agent offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele, according to multiple reports. Osemele, a second-round pick in 2012, has played guard and both tackle spots in his NFL career.

The Vikings could be bringing in more former Bengals defenders for coach Mike Zimmer.

After the NFL's two-day negotiation period began Monday, the Vikings contacted the agent for Bengals safety Reggie Nelson, according to a source. Nelson, whom Zimmer coached for four years in Cincinnati, tied for the league lead with eight interceptions in 2015.

NFL teams can negotiate with the agents of players during the two-day window. But they cannot officially sign free agents from other teams until the league year starts Wednesday.

Reports also linked the Vikings to Bengals safety Georgie Iloka and linebacker Vincent Rey.

Last offseason, the Vikings signed veteran cornerback Terence Newman after the Bengals let him reach free agency. They also flirted with defensive end Michael Johnson, another one of Zimmer's former Bengals players, but Johnson opted to return to Cincinnati.

Thielen, a receiver, caught 12 passes for 144 yards in 2015. The former Minnesota State Mankato standout also is a valuable contributor on special teams.

Bykowski, an Eden Prairie native, didn't play last season after the reserve offensive tackle suffered a torn pectoral muscle during the preseason.

By tendering Line, the team's starting fullback in 2015, as a restricted free agent, the Vikings have the right to match any offer that he might receive from another team.