Reports are swirling that Desmond Bishop, released just a few short weeks ago by the Green Bay Packers, has agreed to join the Minnesota Vikings. It is said that he will soon sign a one-year-deal with the club. Bishop will likely compete with Erin Henderson for the starters job at middle linebacker for the Vikings.
Bishop, a starting Middle Linebacker for the Packers in 2011, missed all of the 2012 season after suffering a serious hamstring injury in the preseason. The injury required surgery.
Bishop claims he is fit and ready to play. He has even claimed he is ready to be the 2013 NFL defensive player of the year. While these goals may be a little lofty, he can be a quality addition to the Vikings linebacking corps if he regains his past form.
Bishop has spent his entire career with the Packers. He was drafted in the 6th round of the 2007 NFL draft. In 2010 Bishop became the Packers starter after an injury to incumbent Nick Barnett. The team would ultimately win Superbowl XLV with Bishop manning one of the inside spots. Bishop made a key play in that game recovering Rashard Mendenhall’s fumble in what was a key turnover in the Packers 31-25 win.
In 2011 Bishop was a full-time starter recording 115 tackles and five sacks. He was released after he refused to restructure the 4 year $19 million deal he signed with the Packers in January 2011.
The Vikings continue to poach starters from the Packers Superbowl winning roster, after signing free agent wide receiver Greg Jennings earlier in the offseason.
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Photo Credit: Gabriel Cervantes, Wiki Commons, CC
