Michigan State Football: R.J. Shelton signs with the Vikings
Former Michigan State football star R.J. Shelton has signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent.
Just like his teammate and friend Josiah Price did, former Michigan State football wide receiver R.J. Shelton signed a three-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent.
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Shortly following the conclusion of the 2017 NFL Draft, Shelton knew that he would have an opportunity to try out for a team in the preseason. Although he wasn’t selected in the seven-round draft, the former Spartan receiver felt that he had done enough in his final year at Michigan State to warrant a chance.
Well, he got just that with the Vikings, according to his Twitter.
@Vikings thank you for the opportunity! Can't wait to get to work!
— Rj Shelton (@rj_sheltonjr) April 29, 2017
Like many of the undrafted free agent rookie deals, such as Price’s, Shelton signed a three-year deal worth a little over $1.6 million, according to Spotrac. That seems to be the average rookie deal for undrafted free agents.
Shelton showed improvement during his four years at Michigan State after coming in as a scarcely-known running back/wide receiver from Beaver Dam, Wisc. The 5-foot-11 wide out molded into one of the best slot receivers in the Big Ten and had his best season as a senior.
In fact, he caught a career-best 53 passes for 789 yards and five touchdowns, but wasn’t drafted presumably because of his slight frame.
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Joining Price in Minnesota may be the best opportunity for both players as the Vikings have been looking for solid targets in the passing game and they could develop a connection with Teddy Bridgewater.