Vikings re-sign free agent linebacker Heath Farwell

Vikings free agent linebacker and special teamer Heath Farwell is returning to the Minnesota Vikings. Farwell and the Vikings have agreed to a three-year, $7.75 million contract that will make him the NFL’s highest-paid special teams player. Farwell’s contract also includes $3.25 million in guarantees. Vice president Rick Spielman said the Vikings started contract negotiations with Farwell’s agent, Bruce Tollner, Thursday night. Farwell made visits to New England and Cleveland, but settled on returning to Minnesota instead.

Vikings Release Linebacker Vinny Ciurciu

The Vikings have released long time reserve linebacker and special teams player Vinny Ciurciu on Tuesday. Ciurcui had previously signed a three-year contract with the Vikings in 2006 worth up to $3 million dollars with $500,000 in guaranteed money. Ciurciu had been injury prone and his play on special teams was not up to par. Ciurcui has played seven seasons and was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Boston College. Ciurcui played in 14 regular-season games in 2008 for the Vikings and recorded eight tackles on special teams and three on defense. The Vikings will be forced to eat the remainder of the signing bonus in 2009.

Vikings sign CB Charles Gordon to one year contract

Cornerback Charles Gordon has agreed to a one-year deal to return in 2009 to the Minnesota Vikings. Exact terms and numbers of the contract are not yet known. Gordon was the Vikings third cornerback until early November, when he severely injured his ankle in a 28-27 victory over the Green Bay Packers at the Metrodome. Gordon has commented after the 2008 season that he would be ready for training camp. Gordon suffered the ankle injury returning a punt in that game. Gordon had started two of the nine games in which he played in the 2008 season, and saw significant time because he was the nickel cornerback in the Vikings defense.

Vikings release reserve RB Maurice Hicks

The Vikings waived kickoff returner and reserve running back Maurice Hicks Wednesday morning after only one season with the Vikings. Hicks was signed by the Vikings as a free agent last March after spending four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.