More depth is on the way for the Vikings.

A source confirmed to the Pioneer Press that the Vikings have agreed to terms with cornerback Jeff Okudah. The decision from Okudah came after he visited TCO Performance Center on Monday morning.

Though the move doesn’t carry a lot of risk for the Vikings, it does offer potential for reward considering Okudah was the No. 3 pick in the 2020 draft. He has struggled to live up to expectations throughout his career, playing for the Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans.

It’s unclear if Okudah will step into a role on defense or if he will be used more on special teams. He joins a group of cornerbacks that includes Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Mekhi Blackmon and Dwight McGlothern.

— Dane Mizutani

Patriots sign ex-Viking Bradbury

The New England Patriots have signed veteran center Garrett Bradbury to a two-year deal, ESPN reported Tuesday, the latest move in an ongoing effort help bolster their offensive line.

The 29-year-old Bradbury was released on Monday by Minnesota after six seasons. His signing gives the Patriots another option to fill the hole created after they released veteran center David Andrews last week. The team has made the O-line a priority this offseason in advance of quarterback Drake Maye’s upcoming second season.

Bradbury was drafted 18th overall in the 2019 draft by Vikings. They released him after signing four-time Pro Bowl pick Ryan Kelly in free agency last week.

COLLEGE HOCKEY

U’s Rinzel named top Big Ten defender

For the third time in the past four hockey seasons, a Gophers blueliner is the top defensive player in the Big Ten Conference. Sophomore Sam Rinzel, who hails from Chanhassen and is a first-round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks, was named the top defender in the seven-team hockey league on Tuesday.

Current Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber won that honor in 2022 and 2023 while skating for the Gophers. Rinzel has posted 10 goals and 21 assists in 39 games while playing the classic shutdown defenseman role.

Isaac Howard, a Michigan State junior from Hudson, Wis., was named the conference’s player of the year after leading the Spartans offensively as they claimed a share of their second consecutive Big Ten title. Former Hill Murray standout Steve Rohlik, who has coached Ohio State for more than a decade, was named coach of the year.

Rinzel and junior forward Jimmy Snuggerud were named to the all-conference first team after the Gophers tied Michigan State for a share of the regular-season title. Spartans sophomore Trey Augustine was named the conference’s goalie of the year, while Michigan rookie forward Michael Hage was named the Big Ten freshman of the year.

— Jess Myers

NHL

Trump, Putin talk NHL-KHL games

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin discussed staging a series of hockey games between players from their respective countries during their lengthy call Tuesday, according to the Kremlin.

Moscow said in its recap of the call that Trump supported Putin’s idea to organize games in the U.S. and Russia involving players from the NHL and the KHL, and agreed to remain in contact on all issues raised on the call, which was scheduled to discuss the war in Ukraine. The White House’s report of the call did not mention talks involving hockey, and the NHL learned of the idea after it was over.

“We have just become aware of the conversation between President Trump and President Putin,” the NHL said in a statement sent to The Associated Press. “Obviously, we were not a party to those discussions, and it would be inappropriate for us to comment at this time.”

BRIEFLY

NHL >> The Predators are facing the Pittsburgh Penguins in regular-season games in Stockholm on Nov. 14 and 16 as part of the league’s Global Series.

NFL >> Wide receiver/kick returner Mecole Hardman has agreed to a one-year contract with the Green Bay Packers, according to a person familiar with the situation.

F1 >> Formula 1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali has praised Thailand’s “impressive plans” to host a grand prix in Bangkok after he met with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

NBA >> Stephen Curry sat out the Golden State Warriors’ game against Milwaukee, for what coach Steve Kerr called an emotional and mental rest.

— From news services