The Minnesota Vikings have put the transition tag on cornerback Brian Williams. The move prevents Williams from becoming an unrestricted free agent. The Vikings must now tender Williams to a one-year offer of about $4.7 million. He can still sign with another team, but the Vikings would then have one more week to match that team's offer.

Williams started eight games last season in place of the injured Fred Smoot and did very well. When Smoot returned, Williams remained a starter.

Williams was a fourth-round pick in 2002 and has started 48 games during his career. He had four interceptions last year.