Chad Greenway Re-Signs with Vikings: Latest Contract Details, Comments, Reaction

The Minnesota Vikings announced on Monday that they re-signed linebacker Chad Greenway.

Tom Pelissero of USA Today first reported Greenway re-signed for a one-year contract on March 31.  Greenway confirmed on Twitter at the time that he would be returning to the team in 2016:

Pelissero reported on Wednesday that Greenway will make $2.75 million with $750,000 guaranteed.

Greenway registered 68 tackles, 2.5 sacks and an interception in 16 games for the team last season. The 33-year-old's production has continued to decline over the last five seasons, however.

YEAR	GP	TACKLES	SACKS	FF	FR	INT
2011	16	154	2.0	0	1	0
2012	16	148	3.0	0	2	1
2013	16	134	3.0	0	0	3
2014	12	93	1.0	1	0	0
2015	16	68	2.5	0	0	1

Greenway has already sensed that the end is near.

"I think with the stadium opening and kind of being able to be a part of that, I think if I was able to come back and play, I’d announce that this is going to be it—just kind of treat it that way," Greenway said in February, per Ben Goessling of ESPN. "I think it’s nice for my family, if I get that, to have some closure and go through the season knowing that might be it."

The two-time Pro Bowler isn't the player he once was, of course, but he's still a steady, veteran presence for the Vikings at the linebacker position. While he isn't a three-down linebacker at this point in his career, he played well for the team in its base defense in 2015 and was able to stay healthy in a reduced role.

Greenway's return offers the team both an experienced leader and a solid performer in its base defense at a reasonable price. While he likely won't top his production from 2015—and certainly won't match the production he offered earlier in his career—Greenway is a nice piece for the Vikings to retain as they look to return to the postseason in 2016.

You can follow Timothy Rapp on Twitter.