MINNEAPOLIS (March 3, 2005) -- The Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms with veteran defensive tackle Pat Williams, helping shore up their defensive line.
Williams agreed to a three-year deal worth $13 million, with a $6 million signing bonus.
Williams spent the first eight years of his career in Buffalo, where he became one of the NFL's best run-stoppers. He'll line up next to Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kevin Williams to form a stout tandem up the middle for the Vikings, who ranked 21st against the run and 28th overall on defense last season.
The 6-foot-3, 315-pounder adds some much-needed bulk to the Vikings' interior defense. He also will be reunited with defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell. The two teamed to help the Bills become the top-ranked defense in the NFL in 1999 and No. 3 in 2000.
Williams entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 1997 out of Texas A&M and became a full-time starter in 2001. His best statistical season came in 2002, when he had 108 tackles, seven quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles.
