Vikings Sign Schwartz; Release Ayodele

The Vikings have signed free agent offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz.  Terms of his deal were not announced.  The 25-year old Schwartz spent his first 3 seasons with Carolina.  He made 19 starts in his first 2 seasons but missed all of last season with a hip injury.  He's expected to compete with Joe Berger for the starting right guard position for the Vikings.

The Vikings reportedly released defensive tackle Remi Ayodele after just 1 season with the team.  He signed a 3-year contract before last season but Ayodele had just 15 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks in 16 games last season.