EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) - The Minnesota Vikings signed linebacker and special teams standout Heath Farwell to a three-year, $7.75 million contract on Friday.
The deal includes $3.25 million guaranteed, and keeps one of the team's most productive players on the kick coverage and return units in Minnesota.
Farwell, who tore the ACL in his right knee in the first exhibition game last August and missed the entire 2008 season, also had interest from the Browns and Patriots. But after visits to Cleveland and New England, he was glad to be back with his former team - which also offered him the most money.
"I didn't know where other teams would view me. I knew the Vikings would be involved because they saw me rehab every day. They saw the hard work I was putting in. They saw my progress," Farwell said.
"I'm excited about it. I guess it just shows the appreciation the Vikings have for what I can do for this team and the hard work."
Farwell was clearly missed last year. The Vikings surrendered an NFL-record seven special teams touchdowns, including four on punt returns.
Farwell led the team in special teams tackles in 2006 and 2007 and was selected MVP of those units both years by his teammates. He also set a franchise record with seven special teams tackles on Nov. 25, 2007, against the New York Giants.
"He's got more value to us than just as a special teams guy, and he fits this scheme very well in what we try to accomplish from a defensive standpoint," vice president for player personnel Rick Spielman said.
