Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have exercised the fifth-year options on the contracts for safety Harrison Smith and left tackle Matt Kalil.
The Vikings announced the decisions Monday, ensuring that both first-round picks from the 2012 draft will remain under team control through 2016.
Smith's option was considered a no-brainer. He was the 29th overall pick and has emerged as one of the best young safeties in the league. His option is for $5.3 million.
Kalil was a Pro Bowler as a rookie after being selected fourth overall but has struggled mightily the last two seasons. His contract option is for $11.1 million.
___
Online:
AP NFL websites: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP\_NFL
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
