Veteran Linemen a Focus Too

As the Vikings scout offensive and defensive linemen at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, they are looking at working on their own veteran roster at the same time.

Vikings officials were meeting Friday with agent Joe Linta, who represents Jason Whittle, Matt Birk and Mike Rosenthal.

The two sides are working on extending the contract of Pro Bowl center Matt Birk, who has two years remaining on his contract. Birk was originally a sixth-round draft pick of the Vikings in 1998 that parlayed that low-round draft status into five Pro Bowl appearances, his most recent following the 2006 season. Birk has two years left on his contract.

The Vikings might also be looking to restructure the contract of offensive tackle Mike Rosenthal, who has been with the Vikings for four seasons and started 33 games in that time frame, including three last year. The team was interested in restructuring Rosenthal’s contract last year and did receive some preseason injury protection. This year, they could be interested in some cap relief.

In addition, the team is showing interest in re-signing interior offensive lineman Jason Whittle, who is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent on March 2.

“His family likes it in Minnesota,” said Linta.

Whittle joined the Vikings last offseason on a one-year contract and started two games for an injured Artis Hicks.