The Vikings targeted a recently released quarterback and didn't let a bidding war stop them on Sunday.
Quarterback Kyle Sloter, an undrafted free agent coming off a strong preseason for the Broncos, is joining the Vikings practice squad after they offered the highest bid of $20,000 per week, according to an NFL source, nearly triple the minimum for practice squad players. Denver and Washington were also pursuing Sloter after he completed 31 of 43 passes for 413 yards and three touchdowns in the preseason.
Sloter, a 23-year-old Northern Colorado product, thanked the Broncos in a social media post, adding: "The opportunity coupled with the best decision for me and my family financially was too much to pass up."
The Vikings officially re-signed seven of Saturday's cuts to the 10-man practice squad: linebacker Elijah Lee, defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo, cornerback Horace Richardson, tight end Kyle Carter, defensive tackle Dylan Bradley, receiver Cayleb Jones and running back Bronson Hill.
Sloter will give them at least eight players, and surely the highest-paid, on the practice squad. He started his college career as a wide receiver at Southern Mississippi before transferring to Northern Colorado, where he threw a program-record 29 touchdown passes as a senior.
After arriving from Denver, Sloter will be one of three quarterbacks throwing for the Vikings during Tuesday's practice, alongside starter Sam Bradford and backup Case Keenum.
Vikings claim TE Bell
The Vikings were awarded one player on waivers.
Former 49ers tight end Blake Bell joins the Vikings in place of rookie tight end Bucky Hodges, who will be waived with an injury designation, a NFL source said, confirming ESPN's report. Hodges left the Vikings preseason finale because of a concussion.
