Arizona Cardinals sign former Vikings LB Nick Vigil to 1-year deal

The Arizona Cardinals and former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Nick Vigil agreed to a one-year contract on Tuesday.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Over 16 games this past season with the Vikings (12 starts), Vigil recorded 85 tackles, four of which were for losses, a sack, three QB hits and a pass defensed over 64% of the available defensive snaps (719).

He also returned an interception for the first touchdown of his career against his new teammate in quarterback Kyler Murray in Week 2.

It's a Nick Vigil pick-six and @PAonTheMic is LOSING HIS MIND!!! Vikings are back in front 30-24!! #KFANVikes pic.twitter.com/4abDj1G0GA

— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) September 19, 2021

Vigil entered the league with the Cincinnati Bengals as a third-rounder in the 2016 NFL Draft. After four seasons in Cincinnati, he inked a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020 before joining the Vikings this past offseason. Vigil has played in at least 15 games in all but two of his six NFL seasons.

Over the course of his career, Vigil has tallied 256 tackles, five sacks, three interceptions, 16 passes defensed and two forced fumbles.

The linebacker marks the second outside free agent brought in by general manager Steve Keim and the organization this offseason. Last week, Arizona signed cornerback Jeff Gladney to a two-year deal.

The Vigil signing gives defensive coordinator Vance Joseph more depth at inside linebacker behind Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons. General manager Steve Keim told reporters at the 2022 NFL Combine that Arizona needs to get the pair of young linebackers involved more.

The general manager doubled down on his words by releasing starting MIKE backer Jordan Hicks this offseason, clearing a path for Collins. Hicks has since signed with the Vikings.

Outside of Vigil, the Cardinals’ depth pieces at inside linebacker include Joe Walker, Tanner Vallejo and Ezekiel Turner.

Follow @Tdrake4sports