Vikes bring back Frerotte

MINNEAPOLIS, April 9 (UPI) -- The Minnesota Vikings have signed veteran Gus Frerotte, and he says he's looking forward to mentoring the team's young starting quarterback Tarvaris Jackson.

The 36-year-old, 14-year NFL veteran signed a two-year, $3.75 million contract Tuesday, the Star Tribune reported Wednesday. He's penciled in at the No. 2 quarterback spot between Jackson and Brooks Bollinger.

"I'll be able to help him (Jackson) during games and in certain situations," said Frerotte, who filled a similar role for the Vikings in 2003-04 when he was the backup to Dante Culpepper. "I kind of like that role. It's nice when young kids take to heart what you're telling them and the experiences you've had."

Minnesota Coach Brad Childress likes that attitude but also expects Frerotte to be ready to step in if the situation arises.

"The thing I remind people is that while I want somebody in a mentoring role, the co-pilot can become the pilot on this deal really fast," Childress said. "You want somebody who possesses all the skills. ... What I saw on tape was this guy still had it."

Frerotte was released after spending the past two seasons with St. Louis.