Vikings Looking to Extend Withrow

Prior to the draft, the Vikings were looking at the possibility of trading backup center Cory Withrow. With the draft come and gone, now the team looks to be turning its attention to extending Withrow's contract.

The Vikings spent the last month mulling how to handle the future of backup center Cory Withrow. The original plan had been to explore trade options for Withrow, who plays behind Pro Bowler Matt Birk but would likely start for a dozen or more NFL teams. The thinking was if the Vikings could get a decent draft pick in exchange, they would trade him on or before draft day.

With the draft now a week in the rear view mirror, the Vikings are changing their tactic, according to a team source. Now they're looking at the possibility of signing Withrow to a contract extension to keep him with the Vikings beyond this season.

While no talks are scheduled, the team hopes to have a new deal struck by the time training camp opens.

SATURDAY NOTES
* 25 of the NFL's 32 teams are conducting their post-draft minicamps this weekend. The Vikings are one of the seven teams that will have minicamp next weekend, along with the Rams, Ravens, Broncos, Texans, Chiefs and Titans.
* One player to keep an eye on in minicamp is Doug Chapman. With Michael Bennett sidelined while recovering from foot surgery, Chapman will be taking his snaps with the first-unit offense at minicamp. When the Vikings took RB Onterrio Smith in the draft, it sent a message to Chapman that he will need to step up his play considerably or he could be a training camp casualty.