According to multiple reports, the Minnesota Vikings have placed a second-round tender on 25-year-old guard Nick Easton, who started 12 games last season at left guard before breaking his ankle in Week 16.
The tender means that the Vikings would be owed a second-round pick should any other team work out a contract with Easton, likely ensuring that the Harvard alum will return to Minnesota.
The Vikings will owe Easton $2.914 million for the second-round tender unless they are able to work out a longer-term deal.
Easton is one of three free-agent guards the Vikings may look to bring back. Utility man Jeremiah Sirles is also a restricted free agent, while veteran Joe Berger is an unrestricted free agent and recently decided he would look to play another season after contemplating retirement.
The Vikings also re-signed exclusive rights free agents Mack Brown and Anthony Harris, who did not have the right to negotiate with other teams because of their service time in the league.
