Rosemount native Tom Compton signs with Vikings

EAGAN, Minn. - When Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins joins the team for practice, there will be at least one familiar face on the squad.

Thursday, the Vikings announced the signing of offensive guard Tom Compton, who is a friend and former teammate of Cousins'. The two were in the same draft class for the Washington Redskins in 2012.

"Extremely close with Kirk, good friend of mine,” said Compton. “We got to play together four years in Washington and as soon as I heard the news that he was coming here, deep down, I hoped that we would be able to reunite again, so it definitely played a part in it the fact that I'd have that opportunity."

Compton is a Rosemount, Minn. native who went to Rosemount High School. He says he's excited to now be playing in Minnesota once again.

"It's most kids' dreams who play football in this area,” said Compton. “Obviously, you never think it'll actually happen, especially now going into my seventh year that the opportunity came up now, so I'm grateful for the opportunity. I think it's going to be really special."

From Rosemount, he went to University of South Dakota. After spending time in Washington, he joined the Atlanta Falcons for their Super Bowl LI run in which he played all regular and postseason games. Last season, he played for the Chicago Bears.

Throughout his career he has played in 71 games with 15 starts. He has played both guard and center.