The Vikings reportedly are bringing in Saints free agent defensive lineman Tom Johnson for a visit and a physical on Thursday. He would help provide the depth the team was trying to fill when it brought in Chicago's Henry Melton, who has since signed with Dallas.
FoxSports 1 reported that Johnson will go through a visit and a physical. USA Today reported that if Johnson passes his physical, the Vikings already have a one-year, $845,000 deal with added incentives already in place.
To say Johnson is a journeyman is an understatement.
After going undrafted in 2005, the Colts signed him, but then cut him in training camp. He was out of football in 2005 before signing back with the Colts in May of 2006. Indianapolis assigned him to the Cologne Centurions of the now-defunct NFL Europe.
Johnson spent 2008 with two Arena League teams, the Grand Rapids Rampage and the Philadelphia Soul. He moved on to the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders in 2009 and 2010.
He has been with the Saints since 2011. In three seasons, Johnson, who turns 30 on Aug. 30, has played 55 games with no starts and has five sacks and 55 tackles.
The 6-3, 288-pounder played end in the Saints' 3-4 scheme. The Vikings need depth at the three-technique tackle spot and end. They tried to sign former Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton, but he ended up signing with Dallas.
