Minnesota Vikings Extend John Sullivan's Contract, Eye Nebraska's Randy Gregory?

The Minnesota Vikings are planning to maintain their offensive line for a longer period.

Fox Sports reported that the Vikings recently extended John Sullivan's contract for another year, allowing him to play with the team until the 2017 NFL season. Previously, Sullivan signed a five-year deal with the Vikings in 2011. He is set to earn a base salary of $5.9 million in 2015. He was also offered $1 million in guaranteed money and his salary cap will increase to $7.33 million in the upcoming season.

Sullivan said in the same Fox Sports report, "I want to start by saying thank you to the Minnesota Vikings for putting their faith in me as a person and football player. The Vikings have been with me through professional highs and lows, and have stood by my side and supported me through personal hardships."

He said, "My ability to express the true depth of my gratitude comes from my actions on and off the field. I intend on doing absolutely everything I can to ensure we attain our ultimate goal of a Super Bowl championship on the field, and that I live my life in a way that is commensurate with that championship standard off the field."

Sullivan continued, "One of the most exciting aspects of signing this extension is the trajectory of the organization. We have a talented roster, a state of the art facility on the horizon and the best fan base in the NFL. After a year with coach (Mike) Zimmer at the helm, I couldn't be more excited about our team's future. Now, it falls on us as players to fulfill our potential and to execute and I intend on making sure that happens."

Aside from keeping Sullivan, Fansided reported that the Vikings may also be looking to acquire defensive end Randy Gregory, who is set to visit their Minnesota facility. Gregory is expected to be among the top picks in the 2015 NFL draft and is arguably the best pass rusher in the list, which Vikings coach Mike Zimmer might consider, despite Gregory testing positive for marijuana at the NFL Scouting Combine.

NFL.com reported that the Vikings have the No. 11 pick at the draft. Minnesota may be more geared towards acquiring an offensive tackle and cornerback, but Zimmer might convince the team that they will benefit much from Gregory's talent in the long run. Gregory, however, will need to prove that he is committed and professional enough to become a regular part of the team.