The Vikings have snapped up one of the top remaining defensive free agents.
Bears defensive lineman Corey Wootton has reached a one-year deal with the Vikings, agent Mike McCartney said on Twitter on Thursday night.
Wootton later confirmed the news via his Twitter account.
Wootton started 15 games for Chicago in 2013, recording 34 tackles and three sacks. The 6-foot-6, 270-pound Northwestern product has the ability to play outside and inside in Minnesota’s 4-3 scheme. The 26-year-old Wootton had hip surgery in January, but his deal with the Vikings could suggest he is recovering well enough.
A fifth-year pro, Wootton was PFT’s 43rd-ranked free agent. His departure leaves just two unsigned/untagged free agents in PFT’s top 50: defensive end Jared Allen (No. 18) and defensive end/outside linebacker Shaun Phillips (No. 48).