Defensive end Brian Robison has agreed to a pay cut, signing a one-year extension with the Vikings that technically keeps him under contract through 2018 but slashes his 2017 base salary by $1.4 million.
Under his previous deal, Robison had a 2017 base salary of $5.3 million. His new base salary, which is now fully guaranteed, is $3.9 million.
In 2018, Robison, who will turn 34 next month, is slated to have a base salary of $3.2 million, $1.25 million of which is guaranteed for injury only, per a league source. That covers Robison in the event he suffers a major injury in 2017. But if Robison is healthy after this season, the Vikings can cut him with no salary cap ramifications if they would like to do so.
Officially, this is considered a two-year $7.5 million deal for Robison.
Last season, at 33, Robison recorded 7.5 sacks while splitting time with emerging youngster Danielle Hunter at left defensive end and also playing snaps at defensive tackle in obvious passing situations.
Despite another solid season from Robison, he has acknowledged that Hunter, who led the team with 12.5 sacks, has probably earned the right to start. He also recognized that he might be asked to take a pay cut.
ESPN first reported that Robison signed a new deal with the Vikings.
Robison, a fourth-round pick back in 2007, has recorded 269 tackles, 56 sacks and 13 forced fumbles in his 10 seasons in Minnesota.
