Vikings Sign LB Desmond Bishop

Update:

Pro Football Talk is reporting that the Vikings have reached an agreement on a one-year deal with former Packers ILB Desmond Bishop. 

• Tom Pelissero reports that Bishop will compete at middle and weak side linebacker.
• Pelissero adds that Bishop’s deal is worth around $1.5 million, but incentives could could bring that total to $2 million.

Bishop, 28, reportedly was unwilling to accept a pay cut as he was set to make $3.464 million for the upcoming season after signing a four-year deal worth $19.05 million back in 2011.

Bishop is coming off of a pretty serious hamstring injury and reportedly suffered a muscle strain that prevent him from participating in Green Bay’s minicamp.

The Vikings could really use some depth at inside linebacker and have been no stranger to signing players from the Packers or other teams within the NFC North.

We had him listed as No. 1 player in our Best Available Free Agents list.

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Ian Rapoport reports that free agent LB Desmond Bishop is still deciding between the Chiefs, Giants and Vikings.

A report from yesterday indicated that the Packers could also be an option depending on how things go with the other teams, but there hasn’t been much to support that idea on Friday. We’ll have more as the news is available.

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Pat Kirwan of CBS Sports recently spoke with free-agent LB Desmond Bishop regarding his situation.

Interestingly enough, Bishop mentioned that a return to Green Bay could be an option if all things are equal. Kirwan adds that the Giants and Jaguars could still be options and he has a “feeling” that Bishop will ultimately decide on his next team tonight.

• Bishop told Sirius XM NFL that he’s been receiving one-year offers since being released, per Ben Goessling.
• He listed the Giants, Jaguars, Chiefs and Vikings interested parties.

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Mike Garafolo of USA Today reports that free-agent LB Desmond Bishop is expected to decide on his next team following his visit with the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday.

Bishop, 28, has already met with the Vikings and although the Jaguars are believed to have interest in him, a visit has yet to be scheduled.

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Tom Pelissero of ESPN 1500 reports that a deal between the Minnesota Vikings free-agent LB Desmond Bishop does not appear to be imminent at this point in time.

Vikings DC Alan Williams characterized Bishop’s practice with the team as a “good workout.”

“Doing our due diligence in terms of bringing guys in that are free agents and the neat thing is that I don’t have to make those decisions — I just have to coach them once they get here,” said Williams.

Bishop is reportedly scheduled to meet with the Chiefs on Thursday and possibly the Jaguars at some point in the near future as well.

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Ian Rapoport reports that free agent ILB Desmond Bishop is visiting with the Vikings Tuesday and is expected to meet with the Chiefs on Thursday.

• Pro Football Talk reports that the Jaguars also an option for Bishop.
• Ryan O’Halloran reports that Jaguars are “exploring” the idea of signing Bishop, but have yet to schedule a visit.

The Vikings appear to be the favorites to sign Bishop, but as Tom Pelissero points out, his physical will be key in determining whether or not they sign him.

Ty Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel noted that Bishop recently suffered a muscle strain on the inside of his injured hamstring that prevented him from participating in organized team activities and minicamp.

The Chiefs could use some depth at inside linebacker and new GM John Dorsey comes from Green Bay, so he’s plenty familiar with Bishop as a player.

Other speculative options for Bishop include: the  Colts, Browns, Texans, Raiders and Bills.

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Ty Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the Packers will release ILB Desmond Bishop today. 

The Packers have since confirmed the transaction.

• Wes Hodkiewicz reports that Bishop’s first visit following his release is expected to be with the Minnesota Vikings.
• Bill Huber reports that the Vikings are expected to make a “strong run” at signing Bishop.
• Jason Wilde confirms that Bishop will meet with Minnesota on Tuesday.
• Adam Caplan lists the Vikings, Chiefs, Colts, Browns, Texans and Bills as the teams most in need of help at inside linebacker.
• Steve Corkran adds that the Raiders could be an option for Bishop as well.

Bishop should find plenty of interest on the open market.

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Jason Wilde of ESPN Wisconsin is reporting that barring a trade or an agreement on a restructured contract the Packers will release ILB Desmond Bishop.

Reports surfaced during this year’s draft that Green Bay was shopping Bishop around the league, but there must not have been a lot of interest.