In 15 starts for the Bears last year, Wootton had 34 tackles (eight for loss), three sacks and a forced fumble. Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Unrestricted free agent defensive end Corey Wootton signed with the Minnesota Vikings on Friday.
The contract is for one year, according to Wootton’s agent. NFL.com reported that the deal pays Wootton up to $2 million.
Wootton, who is recovering from hip surgery, was with the NFC North rival Chicago Bears for the past four years.
In 15 starts for the Bears last year, Wootton had 34 tackles (eight for loss), three sacks and a forced fumble. He scored a 5-yard touchdown on a blocked punt return against the Tennessee Titans. He played in all 16 regular-season games the past two seasons and had 10 sacks.
Vikings fans know Wootton for his hit in 2010 on quarterback Brett Favre that resulted in a concussion at the end of his career.
Since entering the NFL as a fourth-round draft pick in 2010 out of Northwestern, Wootton has 54 tackles, 11.0 sacks and 13.0 tackles for loss in 45 games played.
