MANKATO, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have signed second-round draft pick Toby Gerhart to a four-year deal, meaning all eight of their draft picks will be on time for the start of training camp.
The Vikings and Gerhart agreed to the deal a few hours before the team’s first practice on Friday. Gerhart rushed for 1,871 yards and 28 touchdowns at Stanford last season.
Minnesota traded up to No. 51 in the second round to grab Gerhart, who will serve as a backup to Adrian Peterson. The Vikings needed Gerhart after Chester Taylor signed with Chicago in the offseason.
Gerhart missed all the organized team activities and most of minicamp while finishing school at Stanford and coach Brad Childress said it was important that he not miss any of training camp.
