Vikings re-sign tight end Wiggins to five-year deal

Updated: March 9, 2005, 6:37 PM ET
Associated Press

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Tight end Jermaine Wiggins, who led the Minnesota Vikings in receptions last season, agreed Wednesday to a $7.3 million, five-year contract to stay with the team.

"It's always good to be back to a place where you know you're wanted, and it's (a) comfort zone, and it's like a home for you," said Wiggins, following cornerback Fred Smoot -- who agreed Tuesday to a $34 million, six-year contract -- at a news conference.

The deal includes a $1 million signing bonus, said Wiggins' agent, George Mavrikes.

Minnesota wanted to retain Wiggins' pass-receiving skills as a complement to fellow tight end Jim Kleinsasser, one of the league's best blockers. Kleinsasser injured a knee in the Vikings' first game last year and missed the rest of the season.

"I think me and Jimmy are going to be a terrific tandem, and we'll be able to do a lot of different things," said the 6-foot-2, 260-pound Wiggins.

Wiggins had a career-high 71 catches and 705 yards plus four touchdowns in only 14 games for the Vikings, his first with the club after spending his first four NFL seasons with Carolina, Indianapolis the New York Jets and New England.


Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index

ESPN Conversations

comments

MORE NFL HEADLINES