Vikings Reportedly Sign DT Harrison Phillips, Cut Michael Pierce
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- In the team's first big move of free agency, the Vikings have reportedly swapped one defensive tackle for another.
According to NFL Network's Mike Garofolo, the Vikings will sign Harrison Phillips, formerly of the Buffalo Bills, to a three-year, $19.5 million deal.
#Vikings are signing DT Harrison Phillips to a three-year, $19.5 million deal, source says. Popular #Bills lineman headed to Minnesota.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 15, 2022
In a corresponding move, the team announced it will release Michael Pierce.
The Vikings signed Pierce to a three-year, $27 million contract in 2020. He opted out of his first season with the team due to COVID-19 concerns, and missed nine games with injury last season. The 29-year-old did register three sacks from the interior in the eight games he played.
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The 26-year-old Phillips is a younger, cheaper option for the Vikings, who will switch from primarily a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 front this year under new defensive coordinator Ed Donatell.