Vikings, Diggs reach deal on five-year contract extension

EAGAN, MINN. » The Minnesota Vikings have secured yet another core player with a long-term contract, signing wide receiver Stefon Diggs to a five-year extension and moving the star of the “Minneapolis Miracle” pass into the NFL’s top 10 highest-paid players at his position.

Diggs has yet to post a 1,000yard or 100-catch season, but his ability was on full display when he turned a sideline catch into a 61yard touchdown as time ran out to lift the Vikings to victory over New Orleans in last season’s playoffs. He formed a prolific tandem with Adam Thielen last year, helping Case Keenum stabilize the passing game after Sam Bradford was injured, and over his first three seasons has been one of the biggest steals of the 2015 draft.

“I love it here. I truly do, and I’m just happy I’ll be here for a while now,” Diggs said after practice Tuesday. “That’s why I want to play for them for selecting me in the fifth round. It was a bumpy road that day, and I just remember getting a call, and they gave me a chance. They believed in me, and they won, and going forward they pushed me to be where I am now.”

Now the Vikings have a new quarterback in Kirk Cousins, who was elated by the news that Diggs is under contract through 2023.

“What I most like is he loves football and loves to come and work, because as a quarterback it can be miserable if you’re out here with someone who is here to just get a paycheck and leave,” Cousins said. “He wants to work.”

Seahawks’ Baldwin sitting out with knee issue

RENTON, WASH. » Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin missed a third straight practice on Tuesday while dealing with a knee issue.

Coach Pete Carroll said after practice that Baldwin had a sore knee coming into camp. He practiced the first two days with the team before being held out each of the last three practices.

“We’re just going to take our time with it and be patient,” Carroll said.

Carroll said the team is going to give Baldwin a couple of weeks off in order to give him the downtime he needs before gradually working him back to full speed. Carroll said the team knows exactly what the issue is, although the coach wouldn’t go into detail.

Defensive end Dion Jordan is also going to miss an extended amount of time while he recovers from what Carroll called a “stress issue” in his “other leg.”

Jordan has been plagued by injuries to his left knee in past seasons, but it appears his right leg is currently the issue.

Chargers’ Williams hurt

COSTA MESA » Chargers cornerback Trevor Williams injured his leg during Los Angeles’ fourth practice of training camp.

Williams was hurt while defending receiver Mike Williams in a drill Monday, dealing another potential blow to the Chargers’ depth in the defensive secondary. After getting attention from the training staff, Trevor Williams left on crutches with his left foot in a walking boot.

Chargers coach Anthony Lynn didn’t have an immediate update on Williams’ injury, but he hopes it’s only a sprained ankle.

Williams emerged as a surprise standout for the Chargers last season.