The Vikings cut ties with Linval Joseph earlier this week, and signed his replacement, Michael Pierce, a few days later.
Pierce, 27, is four years younger than Joseph. And while they play the same position, Pierce is shorter and heavier than Joseph. He’s more of a Pat Williams type.
Even so, Pierce is hoping fans see the effectiveness in his game that they saw from Joseph during his six-year stretch in Minnesota.
“The Vikings have a tremendous history at the defensive tackle position,” Pierce said via the Star Tribune. “And obviously with Linval leaving, I think I can pick up where he left off and continue to grow my game as well.”
For comparison purposes, Pierce signed a three-year, $27 million deal with $18 million guaranteed with the Vikings.
Joseph signed a two-year, $17 million deal with $9.5 million guaranteed with the Chargers.
The Vikings will also be looking for a new replacement for Everson Griffen, who announced on Instagram that he’ll be finding a new home for 2020.