VIKINGS: Vikings add depth, special teams help by signing Paymah, Holt

Vikings add depth, special teams help by signing Paymah, Holt
By MARK CRAIG, Star Tribune

Last update: March 20, 2009 - 1:03 AM


The Vikings announced on Thursday the signing of two free agents who could help a special teams unit that struggled last season.

Cornerback Karl Paymah, Denver's leading special teams tackler since 2005, and receiver Glenn Holt, Cincinnati's top kick returner in each of the past three seasons, both signed one-year deals.

Vikings coach Brad Childress highlighted their versatility in an e-mail Thursday night.

"Paymah is a good physical corner with coverage skills as well as the ability to support the run," he wrote. "He has been a four-phase special teams player and, in addition, has kickoff-return ability. Holt is a big wideout who also was a good three-phase special teams player with return abilities."

Defensively, Paymah will compete with Benny Sapp for significant playing time as the third cornerback. The 6-foot, 195-pounder has five career starts and three interceptions.

"It came down to Tampa and Minnesota, and everything fits for me in Minnesota," Paymah said. "They need another fast cover corner, and that's what I bring to the table. They need someone who can tackle on special teams, and that's what I do, too."

Paymah also said he was glad to be getting out of Denver, "where there's a lot of commotion going on" with new head coach Josh McDaniels and the team's feud with quarterback Jay Cutler.

"Hands down, Minnesota gives me a better chance to win a championship," Paymah said. "I like the coaches. [Defensive backs coach] Joe Woods is one of the smartest guys in the game. And the defense is awesome.''

The 6-1, 193-pound Holt has 20 career catches and two starts at receiver in three NFL seasons. He said the Vikings talked to him about a "small role" as a receiver, but his priority is to make the team as the clear-cut No. 1 kickoff returner. That's something the Vikings haven't had since Koren Robinson made the Pro Bowl in 2005.

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