MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Minnesota Vikings nose tackle Michael Pierce has opted out of playing in the 2020 season, as officials with the NFL continue prepping for what the season will look like amid the COVID-19 epidemic.
According to multiple reports, Pierce — who was brought in as a free agent to replace the Vikes’ Linval Joseph — has cited respiratory concerns as the reason for his decision.
Pierce was among the Vikings’ most high-profile acquisitions. He previously played for the Baltimore Ravens, and the Vikings picked him up for a three-year, $27 million contract starting in 2020.