MEDIA Jets sign ex-Viking Hatchette

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Published: Tuesday, March 20, 2001

VIKINGS REPORT

Jets sign ex-Viking Hatchette

Pioneer Press ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -- SEAN JENSEN STAFF WRITER ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -- Receiver Matthew Hatchette signed a two-year deal Monday with the New York Jets, ending his four-year career with the Vikings. During a teleconference, Hatchette declined to disclose contract terms, but the deal is believed to be laden with incentives. It is believed Hatchette was the team's second choice, after former Dallas Cowboys receiver James McKnight. McKnight signed a five-year, $9 million deal Friday with the Miami Dolphins. Hatchette, a seventh-round pick in the 1997 NFL draft, was the Vikings' third receiver last season. He caught 16 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns. But the team was disappointed by his production, and he often was replaced by veteran Chris Walsh, who finished with 18 catches for 191 yards. ``Nothing can match the education I got in Minnesota, playing with two great wide receivers,'' Hatchette said, referring to Randy Moss and Cris Carter. ``But it's a point in my career where I needed to break out of their shadows and establish myself as something more than a No. 3 receiver. This is a great opportunity.'' Hatchette will get every opportunity to start alongside Wayne Chrebet. At 6 feet 2, Hatchette could complement Chrebet, who is 5-10. Linemen visit: Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chester McGlockton and former Baltimore Ravens defensive end Keith Washington visited the Vikings. Although the Vikings have little room under the salary cap, they might consider addition by subtraction if they can get players they want at the right price, which is as close to the veterans' minimum of $477,000 as possible. Steussie visit: Todd Steussie, the Vikings' most recent cap casualty, had a good visit with the Cincinnati Bengals and was expected to be in Denver on Monday night. Steussie arrived in Cincinnati on Sunday, and he had a short news conference Monday. Seven teams are believed to be interested in Steussie, including the Denver Broncos, New York Giants and Carolina Panthers. Because he entered the free-agent market so late and few teams have much money left, Steussie is considering a one-year deal with a contender. A more lucrative and long-term deal could be available next offseason, when the expansion Houston Texans will be added to the fold. Bengals are expected to talk with Steussie's agent, David Dunn, today at Florida State, where college players will work out. Briefly: A report in the Denver Post quoting a Baltimore Ravens source said the Vikings will play the second ``Monday Night Football'' game of the season against the defending Super Bowl champions. The game will be in Baltimore. . . . Former Vikings receiver Jake Reed is talking to the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints. The Vikings would like Reed back but are willing to pay him only something close to the league mini

-- Mark (Karch 222@aol.com), March 20, 2001


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