http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/16200582.html
As more free-agent defensive ends signed elsewhere, the Vikings were at least contemplating a run at Jevon Kearse, the once-dominant pass rusher who was released by Philadelphia last month.
The Vikings had a tentative visit scheduled Monday with Tennessee defensive end Antwan Odom, but Odom never left a visit in Cincinnati and agreed to a five-year, $29.5 million deal with the Bengals. The Vikings also contacted fellow Titans defensive end Travis LaBoy, but LaBoy agreed to terms with Arizona.
Saturday, the Vikings were unable to land a visit with defensive end Justin Smith, who signed with San Francisco.
Those moves left the Vikings examining a relatively thin talent pool. Kearse might be the most recognizable name on that list.
He spent a total of five seasons in Philadelphia, including three when Vikings coach Brad Childress was Eagles offensive coordinator. Kearse fractured his tibia and tore cartilage in his left knee midway through the 2006 season, and that injury was partially to blame for a 3 1/2-sack season in 2007.
Speaking on KFAN-1130, Childress said he watched film Monday morning of Kearse "just like I did with a bunch of other defensive ends." Childress added that "he is a good person" but wants to do further investigation "to find out some of the unknowns."
Kearse is a two-time All-Pro and had 36 sacks during his first three NFL seasons, all with Tennessee. He signed an eight-year, $66 million contract with Philadelphia before the 2003 season.
In his nine-year career, Kearse has 69 1/2 sacks.
Vikings checking into Kearse
Vikings checking into Kearse
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