Thread: Ken Irvin signed today

ESPN

Later in the day, the Vikings added their second new cornerback in a week, reaching agreement with unrestricted free agent Ken Irvin, who played for the New Orleans Saints in 2002.

Irvin, 30, netted a three-year, $4.5 million contract that that includes a signing bonus of $1.2 million.

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Irvin chose the Vikings over the Detroit Lions, and also had interest from a few other teams as well. The eight-year veteran played the first seven years of his career with the Buffalo Bills, before signing with New Orleans as a free agent last spring.

His addition, along with that of free agent Denard Walker last week, should significantly upgrade the Minnesota cornerback corps. Given what transpires over the rest of free agency, and where the coaches decide to use versatile Corey Chavous, who can play safety or cornerback, Irvin could challenge for a starting job. At worst, he should be the "nickel" corner, a role that he has filled in the past.

The former University of Memphis standout started nine contests for the Saints in 2002 and appeared in all 16. He had 62 tackles, two interceptions and 17 passes defensed. For his career, he has appeared in 124 games and started 63 of them, and has nine interceptions and 63 pass breakups.