Eden Prairie, MN (SportsNetwork.com) - The Minnesota Vikings have dipped into the free-agent market in an effort to bolster their secondary, signing ex- Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn on Thursday.
The Star-Tribune reported that the deal is for three years and worth a total of $15 million, with $7 million guaranteed.
A 16-game starter for the NFC South champion Panthers in 2013, Munnerlyn finished the year with 74 tackles, two interceptions -- both of which he returned for touchdowns -- along with 12 passes defensed and a career-high 3 1/2 sacks.
The 25-year-old has scored five defensive touchdowns over his five-year career, all of which had been spent with Carolina. He also offers experience as a return man, having averaged 9.0 yards on 75 punt runbacks.
Munnerlyn is expected to serve as the Vikings' nickel back, with 2013 first- round pick Xavier Rhodes and third-year pro Josh Robinson the favorites to start on the outside.
According to the Star-Tribune, Minnesota also re-signed reserve defensive tackle Fred Evans to a one-year contract.
Evans will be entering his eighth season with the Vikings and posted 20 tackles in 14 games, including three starts, in 2013.
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