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Vikings Make Splash Signing over the Weekend
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- Vikings Make Splash Signing over the Weekend
(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
The Minnesota Vikings continue to get better with key additions. The Vikings added former New York Giants linebacker Jihad Ward.
Obviously, the Vikings are probably approaching the deal with cautious optimism. There is a reason that certain players are available to sign with another team in late October. Nevertheless, Ward has a name that carries weight after several years as a significant contributing player in the NFL. Now, he will look to improve the Vikings.
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Cole Smith of Vikings Wire discussed the move to add Ward to the team. Here's some of what he had to say on the significance of the deal.
"The Minnesota Vikings are bringing back a familiar face to their defense. On Friday, the team announced it had signed OLB Jihad Ward, whom it had added to the practice squad on September 9. The New York Giants signed Ward to their active roster on October 1.
However, Ward has previous experience with the Vikings predating last month. He played 505 snaps for Minnesota in 2024 and played a key rotational role. Ward played 505 snaps, generating 31 pressures in a unique role where he was lined up as an interior rusher. To make room for Ward, the Vikings released OT Tristan Leigh."
It's not that anybody thinks Ward is going to transform the Vikings linebacker room. Few if any players get signed out of free agency in October and do that. He does have a chance to be a key role player for the team.
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If there's anything we have learned from Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, it's that he can maximize a player. If there is effective football within a player, he will bring it out.
Breakout star pass rusher Brian Cashman is a clear example of the type of play that Flores can facilitate with unknown players and non-household names. Ward won't play to that level perhaps, but he helps fortify Vikings defensive depth as the stretch run of the season nears.
The Vikings are on the cusp of playoff contention as their perfect divisional record would indicate. Wins over the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers are carrying the team to the top of the NFC so far this season. Still, the team has proved time and again that their success has not been a fluke.
Ward will hope to help the Vikings finish their push for a division title as the season progresses.
