MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Vikings acquired cornerback A.J. Jefferson from the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday for a conditional draft pick in 2013.
In bringing in the 24-year-old Jefferson, the Vikings continued their approach of adding youthful depth to a rebuilding roster. Cornerback was an area of concern for the coaching staff with Antoine Winfield entering his 14th season and missed the final 10 games of last season because of injury while Chris Cook has struggled with injuries and off-the-field issues in his first two years in Minnesota.
Jefferson was the odd man out in a crowd at cornerback for Arizona. Signed as an undrafted rookie out of Fresno State in 2010, he played in all 16 games last season, the first seven as a starter. He had 67 tackles, 59 solo, with one interception.
The Vikings also claimed offensive lineman Mark Asper off waivers from the Bills and waived offensive lineman Pat Brown and cornerback Zack Bowman. Brown played his first three seasons with the Vikings, seeing limited action in 2011. Bowman was brought in to compete for playing time but was underwhelming during the preseason.
The Vikings also signed four players to their practice squad on Saturday -- running back Jordan Todman, offensive lineman Tyler Holmes, defensive lineman Chase Baker and defensive back Bobby Felder.
