The Vikings apparently are willing to let bounties be bygones.
On Thursday, the team signed a member of the 2009 Saints, who allegedly had a total bounty of $35,000 on Brett Favre in the NFC title game that year.
The new arrival is defensive end Jeff Charleston, a six-year veteran who joins a depth chart that could be without Everson Griffen, if he eventually shifts to linebacker. To make room for Charleston, the Vikings cut defensive tackle Terrell Resonno.
Charleston, who spent the last four years with the Saints after one season with the Colts, appeared in every game during the 2009 campaign -- including the 31-28 overtime win over the Vikings.
If there indeed was a bounty system that year, and specifically a bounty on Brett Favre, Charleston likely knows all about it.
Of course, the Vikings previously employed the player who widely is believed to be the man who said “give me my money” on the notorious sideline videotape. The Vikings cut defensive tackle Remi Ayodele after only one season, dumping him on the same day that the NFL announced the initial penalties against the Saints and various coaches.
Ayodele has since re-signed with the Saints.