The Minnesota Vikings continue to lock down their defensive stars.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that the Vikings signed defensive tackle Linval Joseph to a four-year, $50 million extension. Joseph gets $31.5 million guaranteed.
Joseph was under contract though 2018 before the extension, which was confirmed by the team.
The 28-year-old is the latest Vikings defender to get paid, after the team gave Everson Griffen and Xavier Rhodesbig-moneyextensions last month.
Joseph signed a five-year $31.5 million contract with Minnesota in 2014 after four years with the New York Giants.
At 6-foot-4, 329 pounds, the athletic Joseph is an immovable force in the middle of coach Mike Zimmer's defense. In 2016, Joseph compiled a career-high 77 tackles and four sacks. He's a pivotal spoke in the Minnesota interior as one of the best run-stuffing tackles in the NFL.
Earlier this week, Zimmer said Joseph is the "best [nose tackle] I've ever been around."
With Joseph's, Griffen's and Rhodes' deals done, general manager Rick Spielman will now turn his attention to inking linebacker Anthony Barr to an extension.
This offseason the Vikings have paid piles of cash to ensure Zimmer's stout defense won't deteriorate for years to come.
