Bishop signs with Vikings

Desmond Bishop agreed to a one year contract and Daniel House gives the details of the signing.

The Vikings have secured another former Green Bay Packer.
Desmond Bishop agreed to a 1 year, $1.5 million contract with incentives levitating the deal to near $2 million. Bishop is expected to compete at middle and weak side linebacker, a source close to the situation stated.

The organization has had a history of signing former Packers. That list includes Brett Favre, Darren Sharper, Ryan Longwell, Robert Ferguson and Javon Walker. The most recent former Packer to join the Vikings roster is wide receiver Greg Jennings, who signed a five year contract this offseason.

A sixth round pick out of California in 2007, Bishop started 25 games in the 2010 and '11 seasons, while playing in Green Bay's 3-4 defense. He missed the entire 2012 season with a torn hamstring he suffered during a preseason game in San Diego. All indications are that Bishop is 100% healthy and must have been cleared medically by the Vikings training staff.

When asked about the motivation of signing with the Vikings, Bishop repeatedly mentioned it wasn't to get revenge at the Green Bay Packers.

"A lot of people called and texted, 'You want to get back at the Packers,'" Bishop said Tuesday morning during an interview on NFL Network. "It's not about that. It's more so trying to play the best and if I can get a chance to play against Aaron Rodgers, that right there in itself is a motivation. You want to play against the best.

Bishop, who was released by the Packers earlier last week, also received interest from Kansas City, Jacksonville, Baltimore and the New York Giants.

"Just like when I was playing for Green Bay, the games I cherished the most were playing against the Vikings because I got a chance to play against Adrian Peterson. So little stuff like that, that's my mindset. I want to play against the best and it was an opportunity to play against Aaron Rodgers two times a year. That was kind of unique and something I really liked, but that's just the kind of person I am. That's just me," continued the veteran linebacker.

When asked about his motivation he gave several reasons for choosing the arch rival Vikings, but the main influence was the former Packers and other acquaintances on the Vikings roster.

"It was a combination of things, but it just kind of came down to I think it was just the best fit for me. I had the biggest motivation to go there and play. I got a chance to meet with the head coach, Leslie Frazier, and I'm also familiar with Mike Singletary, who coached me coming out of college in one of the All-Star games. I just really felt comfortable there and think it was the best fit for me and my family."

A training camp battle may take place between Erin Henderson, but ultimately it will come down to the comfort Bishop has in the system. Bishop could move to the middle, resulting in Henderson shifting to the outside, or it may be the exact opposite. Practices will further develop the competition and give the coaching staff a chance to take a closer look at the comfort level of Bishop.

 

The Vikings were $7.1 million under their salary cap prior to the signing. They still need to sign their three first-round draft picks, leaving them about $4 million to work with.

A roster move will need to be made to clear room for Bishop on the 90-man roster. The official signing hasn't been filed to the NFL Media database or league as of this evening, but the signing has been confirmed by the team. When the filing takes place, the roster move will occur and Bishop will officially become a member of the 90-man roster.

If Bishop is healthy and can make a contribution, there is no doubt he can provide a sense of stability to an unstable position group.