Jasper Brinkley's return to the Minnesota Vikings seemed unlikely even as Minnesota general manager Rick Spielman said he was interested in re-signing all of the team's unrestricted free agents.
Brinkley found his next home Thursday when he agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals, according to the team's website. Brinkley, 27, was a full-time starter for the first time in his four-year career last season with the Vikings, tallying 63 tackles and three forced fumbles as Minnesota's starting middle linebacker.
Brinkley tweeted a goodbye to Vikings fans Thursday evening: "Thanks to everyone in MN for all the support over my last four years, It really was a blessing to play with some great guys n great fans."
Brinkley, a fifth-round draft choice by Minnesota out of South Carolina in 2009, will get the chance to start inside in Arizona's 3-4 defense alongside Pro Bowl linebacker Daryl Washington.
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