The Vikings waived Quentin Poling recently, who could’ve panned out as adequate depth at linebacker.
But now there is another player who could fill that void: Hardy Nickerson.
The Vikings announced Tuesday that Nickerson has signed with the team.
Nickerson played for the Bengals and started nine games over the course of three seasons. He also played in 37 games. He had 81 total tackles and a forced fumble throughout that span.
He could be a depth option at linebacker in addition to being a special teams player. He provides a veteran presence on what is a younger linebacker group, besides Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr, who have been mainstay starters for the Vikings at that position.
After Barr and Kendricks, it should be a nice competition for spots on the linebacker depth chart with players such as Eric Wilson, Troy Dye, Ben Gedeon and others in the mix. Maybe Nickerson can rise up the ranks.
Minnesota waived CB Marcus Sayles in the process of adding Nickerson. Sayles earned West Division all-star accolades while playing for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers en route to a 2019 Grey Cup victory.