Pro Football weekly

Sheppard says he is excited to join the team in large part because he has an opportunity to win a starting job.||||||| Sheppard signed a one-year deal on Wednesday to give the team depth in the secondary. With starting cornerback Cedric Griffin recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee, Sheppard has designs on getting plenty of playing time early in the season. Sheppard says he has not had detailed discussions with Vikings coaches about his specific role. He says the chance to start on a team that went to the NFC title game last season was too much to pass up.

The Vikings signed Sheppard on Wednesday.||||||| He will help fill in for starter Cedric Griffin, who is recovering from surgery on his left knee. Sheppard played seven seasons with Philadelphia, the first four while Vikings coach Brad Childress was the Eagles' offensive coordinator. Sheppard was picked for the Pro Bowl twice. He has 19 career interceptions. Sheppard was let go by the New York Jets last month after one disappointing, injury-impacted season with the team.

The New York Jets have released Sheppard after one disappointing and injury-plagued season. The move Thursday was expected since Sheppard was due a $10 million roster bonus.||||||| Sheppard was acquired last offseason in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles to play opposite Darrelle Revis in the secondary but started just nine games because of injuries and inconsistent play. The clearest sign that Sheppard's time with the Jets was done was when he was benched in favor of second-year cornerback Dwight Lowery in the AFC championship game against Indianapolis.

Sheppard missed his second straight game after reinjuring his quadriceps.||||||| Sheppard also missed two games with the injury earlier this season. He will have an extra week to heal as the Jets have a bye.