National Football League

Vikings get first-round picks Barr, Bridgewater in fold

Published May. 20, 2014 12:07 p.m. ET

foxsports

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- With little in the way of negotiating to be done under the new collective bargaining agreement, the Minnesota Vikings are quickly signing up their lot of 10 draft picks.

Minnesota announced it has signed first-round quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, along with seventh-round selections Shamar Stephen and Brandon Watts. A source confirmed that first-round pick Anthony Barr, the Vikings' first pick at No. 9 overall, has also agreed to terms of a contract.

Barr and Bridgewater will have four-year contracts, and the team will have a fifth-year option on each because they were selected in the first round. Barr is set to sign for $12.75 million and is fully guaranteed. Terms of Bridgewater's contract were not immediately known. The standard for picks outside the first round is a four-year contract.

Barr, 22, could be in line to step into a starting role as a strongside linebacker and edge pass rusher for Minnesota right away. Barr was part of the team's rookie minicamp last week, but had to return to UCLA to finish classes.

Bridgewater, 21, is the latest attempt at finding a long-term franchise quarterback for the Vikings. Bridgewater, acquired with the final pick in the first round following a trade with the Seattle Seahawks, is expected to be behind starter Matt Cassel, at least initially. He will compete also with Christian Ponder, who failed to seize the job after being selected in the first round in 2011.

Stephen, 23, is a big defensive tackle prospect (6-foot-5, 310 pounds) and will add to the depth in the remade defensive line if he makes the team. Watts, 23, is a quick linebacker at 6-foot-2 and 231 pounds who might play on special teams initially.

Minnesota signed fifth-round guard David Yankey along with cornerbacks Kendall James (sixth round) and Jabari Price (seventh round) last week before the team's rookie minicamp.

The Vikings are left with Oregon State defensive end Scott Crichton (third round), Georgia Southern running back Jerick McKinnon (third round) and Virginia Tech safety Antone Exum (sixth round) unsigned.

Follow Brian Hall on Twitter