Terence Newman to Vikings: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer will welcome another familiar face to his secondary after the team signed free-agent cornerback Terence Newman.

Zimmer said, courtesy of Craig Peters of Vikings.com:

"

That’s the biggest thing. He can still play. He came in the league later. I think he was 25 when he came in. He struggled a little bit in Dallas and then played great in Cincinnati. Last year, he didn’t play quite as good, so seemingly with me, we get things fixed a little bit. I really respect him, and I think he really respects me.

"

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network first reported details Thursday: 

Gail Burton/Associated Press

Newman spent the previous three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, and Zimmer was the team's defensive coordinator in two of those years. The Vikings also added former Bengals safety Taylor Mays to the roster on Tuesday, per their official website.

Prior to signing, Newman spoke with the St. Paul Pioneer Press' Chris Tomasson about the possibility of reuniting with Zimmer:

It remains to be seen what the former first-round pick and longtime Dallas Cowboys starter can bring to Minnesota's defensive backfield.

Conventional wisdom suggests Newman doesn't have a lot left, because he turns 37 in September. CBS 11's Bill Jones provided context in that vein:

What helps Newman's cause with the Vikings is plenty of experience, familiarity with Zimmer's defense and tremendous natural speed. The latter attribute can still allow Newman to continue his career even when he loses a step.

If Newman can't fill in as a starter for the first time since entering the NFL, he can at least help along Minnesota's young defensive backs. Former first-round pick Xavier Rhodes (24) is starting to come around, and free safety Harrison Smith (26) is a star.

Having someone with Newman's innate knowledge of the system and ample wisdom to pass on can only help the Vikings in 2015.