MANKATO, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings have extended the contract of nose tackle Linval Joseph, the team announced Saturday. It is the third time since the start of training camp that the Vikings have signed a defensive starter to a new deal. The extension is for four years and worth $50 million, with $31.5 million guaranteed, according to the NFL Network.
Joseph, 28, had a career season in 2016 with 77 tackles, four sacks and three forced fumbles.
"I really work every day to get better," Joseph said. "To get paid for all of my hard work, it makes me feel good."
Coaches have been glowing in their praise of him this summer.
Earlier this week, coach Mike Zimmer said Joseph is the "best [nose tackle] I've ever been around."
In the past eight days, the Vikings have extended the contracts of Joseph, defensive end Everson Griffen and cornerback Xavier Rhodes.
Griffen's deal delivered $58 million in new money, locking him in through 2022. Rhodes signed a six-year, $78.6 million deal that keeps him under contract through 2022 as well. Last summer, the Vikings agreed to terms with safety Harrison Smith on a deal that has him under contract through 2021.