EAGAN, Minn. — James Lynch is back in action and back with the Vikings.

A fourth-round pick by the Vikings in the 2020 NFL Draft, Lynch hit free agency this March when his rookie contract expired.

Lynch's fourth season ended before it had the chance to start because of a knee injury suffered during training camp last August. He was projecting to be part of the interior defensive line rotation and capable of playing at multiple spots.

Lynch has appeared in 37 games with three starts. He's totaled 53 tackles (31 solo), four tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and a fumble recovery.

To make room on the offseason roster (capped at a 90-player limit), the Vikings released veteran cornerback Joejuan Williams, who appeared in two games for Minnesota in 2023.