Chad Greenway will return to Vikings for his 'last year'

Chad Greenway said moments ago in a text that 2016 will indeed be his "last year."

The veteran linebacker has agreed to a one-year deal, returning to the Vikings for his 11th NFL season in 2016. It doesn't come as a surprise since Vikings officials, including coach Mike Zimmer and General Manager Rick Spielman, have been saying all along they expected Greenway, a free agent, to come back.

"Nobody is more excited than me to help lead this team one more time! Dream achieved, going out a Viking!" said Greenway, who announced his return on Twitter.

Later, in a text to the Star Tribune, Greenway said, "Happy to be back. Career goal, and love the organization. Vikes were great through the whole process."

Greenway, 33, was the team's first round pick in 2006 out of Iowa. He missed his first NFL season because of a knee injury, but has been a starter since, making the Pro Bowl twice.

Greenway was fourth on the team in tackles with 86 in 2015. He lost his job in the nickel defense but ended up having to play an increased role due to injuries to Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks.

Zimmer had nothing but praise for Greenway after the season ended.

"I love Chad. I hope things work out for him. He's a great Viking," Zimmer said in January. "I think his leadership is immense in the locker room, especially with a young football team. I think he took active ownership in the role that he had this year, so I hope it works out. He's always going to be one of my kind of guys."

Before last season, Jim Souhan profiled Greenway here.