Vikings, Johnson Are Close to Deal

Minnesota Viking quarterback Brad Johnson, who has led the team from near collapse to a playoff berth, could agree to terms as soon as today on a four-year contract worth more than $14 million.

The sides made progress in negotiations Thursday, although both stressed that nothing had been finalized.

“We don’t have a deal yet, but of course [today] is a possibility,” said Johnson’s agent, Phil Williams.

Williams said he would fly to the Twin Cities this morning and was hopeful the deal could be finished by the afternoon.

Johnson, who will be a free agent after the season, is earning about $425,000. He is 5-2 as a starter this year in place of Warren Moon, who has been bothered by an ankle injury.

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The forecast for Sunday when the Vikings will be in Green Bay to play the Packers: Snow, wind-chill below zero. In other words, perfect, as far as Brett Favre is concerned.

The Packer quarterback is 16-0 at home when game-time temperature is 35 or below.

Viking Coach Dennis Green tried to prepare his players for their trip by throwing open the doors of their indoor practice facility after trying unsuccessfully to clear a space on their outdoor fields.

“I heard where Dennis Green is taking them out for one day this week,” Favre said. “I’d be begging him not to. You can’t get anything accomplished in it. You just go out there Sunday and you say, ‘Man, it’s cold!’ ”