Offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz has decided to sign with the Minnesota Vikings. Schwartz visited the Lions last week, and although it went well, he left without a deal. Schwartz wanted to see his other options, and after visiting the Vikings, he opted to sign with them.
Excited to be a Minnesota #Viking!!!
— Geoff Schwartz (@GeoffSchwartz74) March 21, 2012
Schwartz can play both guard and tackle. The thinking was that the Lions were looking at him as a guard to compete with Stephen Peterman for the starting job on the right side of the line. Had he not won the competition, Schwartz would have been able to serve as depth for multiple positions, which was a big reason why the Lions were interested in him.
With Schwartz heading to Minnesota, he will have a better opportunity to be in the starting lineup. Pro Football Talk's Evan Silva writes that Schwartz "projects as Minnesota's starting right guard in Week One," so that likely was a big factor in his decision to sign with the Vikings.
Reminder: You can follow Pride of Detroit on Twitter and like us on Facebook.