EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Shortly after setting their 53-man roster, the Minnesota Vikings started making changes.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic first reported that Minnesota has traded for Arizona Cardinals cornerback A.J. Jefferson, a third-year player who was undrafted out of Fresno State in 2010. Terms of the deal, including what the Vikings are sending to Arizona, haven’t been announced.
Jefferson, 24, played all 16 games for the Cardinals last season, starting seven and finishing with 66 tackles and one interception. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder played just two games in his 2010 rookie season. Jefferson re-signed with the Cardinals this offseason, agreeing to a one-year deal for 2012 with a base salary of $540,000.
Jefferson confirmed the news via Twitter. He wrote on his Twitter page (@AJJefferson), "Just found out I'm being traded... God works in mysterious ways.#thegrassisgreener"
He responded to a question from one of his followers about his destination, writing, "Minnesota Vikings."
After pulling a surprise in their final cuts Friday by releasing veteran cornerback Chris Carr, Minnesota was left with starters Antoine Winfield and Chris Cook at the position, with rookie Josh Robinson, second-year player Brandon Burton, Zack Bowman and Marcus Sherels. Bowman and Sherels are more known for the work on special teams, while Robinson and Burton are still largely untested.
Jefferson continues the youth movement for the Vikings yet offers more experience than some of the other backups.
Minnesota will need to cut a player to make room for Jefferson after designating its 53-man roster on Friday evening.
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