Vikings find Pat Williams’ replacement

The Vikings have agreed to terms with New Orleans nose tackle Remi Ayodele, giving them a replacement for free agent Pat Williams.

The Vikings have agreed to terms with former New Orleans Saints nose tackle Remi Ayodele, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

The six-year veteran of the NFL became a full-time starter with the Saints in 2009, when they defeated the Vikings in the NFC Championship Game. Ayodele had 30 tackles that year and 37 last year, when he started all 16 games.

Prior to joining the Saints in 2008, Ayodele was a backup for the Cowboys in 2007 and split time with the Cowboys and Ravens in 2006, but didn’t play in any games, officially putting the 6-foot-2, 318-pounder in his fifth NFL season.

Ayodele will be the likely replacement for Pat Williams, who told Viking Update in March that he wasn’t returning to the Vikings but later backed off that stance.

The Vikings also informed defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy that he won't be re-signed, a move that will save the Vikings $2.5 million against the salary cap. Ayodele's deal is for three years, and the Star Tribune reports it is worth $9 million.

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