The Vikings traded their first-round pick in the 2008 draft to the Chiefs for Jared Allen. The Vikings now have under contract the first player taken that year.
Tackle Jake Long has officially joined the Vikings, at the same time the Vikings have placed tackle Andre Smith on injured reserve.
Smith becomes the fourth offensive Vikings starter to land on IR, joining quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, running back Adrian Peterson, and tackle Matt Kalil. Long, who was available for a reason, will be called upon to quickly get up to speed.
He rejoins offensive line coach Tony Sparano, who was the head coach in Miami when Long became the No. 1 overall pick.
After five years with the Dolphins, Long spent two years with the Rams. He hasn’t been to the postseason since his rookie year; instantly, Long joins a team that if halfway to 10 wins exactly one month after its regular season began.