Antone

Exum

The team added DL Earl Mitchell in an attempt to beef up their d-line in a corresponding move. Exum’s departure is a terrific sign S Jaquiski Tartt will be fully healthy once San Francisco returns against an opponent to be determined in the Divisional Round.

A longtime bit player, Exum was forced into a career-high seven starts last season, notching a sack, interception and defensive touchdown. He returns as a spark plug/special teams type.

Exum repped with the second team at OTAs. He’s part of an open competition for Andrew Sendejo’s job going into training camp. Sendejo’s contract makes him the favorite to start.

It’s bad news after Exum missed all of 2016 with a leg injury. His training camp status should be considered questionable. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune doesn’t project Exum to make the Vikings’ Opening Day roster.

With Sam Bradford (knee) questionable, the Vikings are adding QB Kyle Sloter as insurance. Exum was a healthy scratch Week 1, but could be re-signed if he clears waivers.

Exum would have gone higher in the draft if he didn’t blow out his knee while playing pickup basketball in January of 2013. If healthy, his ability to play all over the secondary and natural talent give him a strong chance of cracking the final roster.

Exum (5-foot-11 5/8, 213) tore his right ACL in January of 2013, and his final college season was marred by ankle woes. He was a standout performer when healthy, earning second-team All-ACC honors during a five-interception junior year. Exum saw action at safety, outside corner and slot corner for the Hokies. He projects best to the former position after clocking 4.59 at the Combine with a 35-inch vertical. Exum figures to focus on special teams as a rookie, but could eventually develop into a contributor on defense.

Robert Blanton only managed one interception last season despite starting 13 games. Blanton is still atop the depth chart this offseason, but Antone Exum could be making a strong push after forcing two turnovers in as many preseason games. Exum picked off five passes his junior year at Virginia Tech.

Exum has started the past two games for the Vikings with starter Harrison Smith (knee) out. Smith should be back Week 14 against the Cardinals on Thursday night. Exum somehow played though the injuries on Sunday.

Safeties Shaun Prater and Anthony Harris have been signed in corresponding roster moves, with DT Justin Trattou being waived. Exum has been filling in for Harrison Smith. Smith is highly questionable for Thursday night’s game against the Cardinals with a hamstring injury. A second-year sixth-rounder, Exum will have a leg up on a roster spot in 2016.