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Minnesota Vikings sign former Minnesota QB Mitch Leidner, cut LB Darnell Sankey

By Alex Butler
Former University of Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner signed with the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Photo courtesy of Gopher Football/Instagram
Former University of Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner signed with the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Photo courtesy of Gopher Football/Instagram

Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Rookie quarterback Mitch Leidner has joined the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings announced the signing Sunday. Minnesota waived linebacker Darnell Sankey in a corresponding transaction.

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Leidner was an undrafted free agent following the 2017 NFL Draft. He attended Baltimore Ravens rookie minicamp but left without a contract from the franchise. The 6-foot-3, 228-pound gunslinger left the University of Minnesota with the second-most passing attempts (1,029) and completions (580) in school history. He also ranked third in passing yards (7,287) and fifth in passing touchdowns (36) all-time for the Golden Gophers. He attended Lakeville South High School, which is located about 30 minutes south of Minneapolis.

Last year, Leidner completed 173-of-307 (56.4 percent) of his passes for 2,169 yards, eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 12 games. In 2015, he passed for a career best 2,701 yards, 14 scores and 11 interceptions. He also completed 59.4 percent of his throws. His 514 plays in 2015 led the Big Ten.

The Vikings currently have Sam Bradford, Case Keenum, Taylor Heinicke and Teddy Bridgewater on its depth chart at quarterback.

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Sankey signed with the Vikings on July 29. At the time he was on the team with his cousin Bishop Sankey. Minnesota waived/injured Bishop Sankey on August 12, when it signed running back Bronson Hill.

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