Vikings sign CBs Munnerlyn, Cox; re-sign DT Fred Evans

The Vikings have agreed to terms with cornerback Captain Munnerlyn to a three-year deal and re-signed defensive tackle Fred Evans on a one-year deal, according to two NFL sources. The team will also sign cornerback Derek Cox to a one-year deal, according to another NFL source.

Munnerlyn will receive up to $15 million with $7 million guaranteed. He arrived on Wednesday night and was expected to meet with the Bucs and Jets if the two sides couldn't reach a deal on Thursday.

"I had other visits set up but the number that Minnesota offered me was the number I was looking for," Munnerlyn said on a conference call Thursday. "I was like, 'Man, instead of leaving this offer out there I'm just going to take this. I think this team is on the up. They got a lot of talent."

Munnerlyn, 25, spent all five NFL seasons in Carolina. Listed at 5-9, 195-pounds, Munnerlyn returned five of his seven career interceptions for touchdowns. Munnerlyn had career highs in tackles (74), sacks (3 ½) and tied a career high in pass deflections (12) last season.

He said head coach Mike Zimmer's scheme sold him to sign to Minnesota.

"It's the defensive side -- I wanted to be comfortable," Munnerlyn said. "I think it's the same defense we run in Carolina, the same style and the same scheme. They broke down a couple things that I liked, and I was like, 'Man, this is just like Carolina.'

The Vikings wanted a four-year deal, but Munnerlyn signed a three-year deal so he could recieve his third contract before turning 30.

Munnerlyn expects to start and shift to nickel when called. He said he's had a similar role over the last three years with the Panthers.

"I'm kind of used to doing it, and I kind of like it," Munnerlyn said. "At first I didn't see how those guys covered guys in the slot. I was like, 'Man, it's very tough.' But it takes patience and time to get it, and I think I've got it down."

Munnerlyn, a seventh-round pick, said he's always had to prove people wrong about his height and whether he could play outside corner. He said when he first got into the league one of his Panthers' coaches showed him footage of former Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield. Munnerlyn said he's since attempted to emulate Winfield's play on the field.

"I started watching film on him, and I kind of stole some of his game and brought it into my game," Munnerlyn said. "I don't hit as hard as he do. He can really bring it when he tackles, but I try and make the tackles when they come at me and make plays just like him."

Cox, 27, is listed at 6-1 and 195 pounds. He spent last season with the Chargers but was cut this month after signing a four-year, $20 million deal last year. Cox, who was a third round pick by the Jaguars in the 2009, appeared in all 16 games last season and recorded one interception and 34 total tackles. Cox has 13 career interceptions.

The Vikings now have eight corners on the roster with Munnerlyn and Cox. They already have Xavier Rhodes, Josh Robinson, Marcus Sherels, Robert Steeples, Shaun Prater and Kip Edwards under contract at the moment.

The signings also means that Chris Cook, who is an unrestricted free agent, likely won't return to the Vikings. He's visiting with the 49ers at the moment, according to the Sacramento Bee.

Cook, the Vikings' second round pick in 2010, didn't record an interception in four seasons. He's dealt with a number of injuries throughout his career and missed a career-low four games last season. Cook was also inconsistent when he was on the field despite his size, 6-2 and 212 pounds, and athleticism to play cornerback.

Munnerlyn

Evans' signing shouldn't impact whether the Vikings continue to pursue unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Henry Melton, who is visiting with the team at Winter Park at the moment.

Evans' signing will help add depth at the position. The Vikings only had four defensive tackles, including Linval Joseph, under contract before Evans re-signed.

The Vikings have been active in free agency establishing their defensive line. Evans will be the third addition on the defensive line along with Griffen and Joseph.

If the Vikings strike a deal with Melton during his visit, the team would be two-deep at defensive tackle and signal the end of Kevin Williams' tenure. He's spent all 11 seasons with the Vikings since he was drafted with the ninth overall pick in 2003.