Smith Re-signs With Vikings

March 3, 1998 / 8:10 PM EST / AP

Robert Smith re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday, agreeing to a five-year contract.

Smith, the Vikings' career leader for rushing average, ran for a team record 1,266 yards last season. He also hasn't fumbled in his last 415 plays from scrimmage.

"We felt it was critical that we re-sign Robert," said Vikings vice president Jeff Diamond. "He is one of the top backs in the NFL, in the prime of his career. He just set our team rushing record and is one of our team leaders."

The Vikings did not disclose financial terms of the contract.

Smith and the Vikings went before an arbitrator last week over Smith's claim that the team circumvented the league's labor agreement by declaring him a franchise player. Smith had hoped to be a free agent.

In a compromise, Smith was labeled instead as a transition player, boosting his negotiating leverage substantially.