The projected cost of a new Vikings stadium is expected to flirt with $1 billion if the Legislature does not approve the project in the 2008 session. The cost of a stadium with a retractable roof on the site of the Metrodome is projected to be $954 million. Vikings owner Zygi Wilf told the Star Tribune two months ago that those estimated costs were based on projected 2008 construction and material costs.

A little more than a year after pleading guilty to misdemeanor charges for his role in the Vikings' infamous boat party in October 2005, Fred Smoot told a Washington newspaper "nothing happened on that boat." Smoot, who was released by the Vikings in March following two disappointing seasons, discussed the incident in an interview that appeared Monday in the Washington Times. The veteran cornerback has re-signed with the Redskins, the team he left to join the Vikings.

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield has decided to join the team for the last two offseason practices. All it took, apparently, was a few quality conversations with coach Brad Childress. Winfield showed up for Minnesota's mandatory minicamp two weeks ago, but until now has declined to participate in the series of late-spring noncontact workouts known around the league as organized team activities -- or OTAs. The Vikings have two more scheduled for next week, and Winfield told Childress that he'll be there. "I'm glad he's going to be back," Childress said in a brief phone interview. "He's a seasoned veteran, a good football player and a good person."

The Vikings signed former U. of Minnesota receiver Paris Hamilton on Wednesday. Hamilton was on the Detroit Lions practice squad in 2005 and was in Lions camp during the preseason last year.

Many NFL players dread June, having to practice without pads during mandatory minicamps across the league. Then there's Mike Doss. The former Colts star safety was downright giddy when he stepped on the field for the Vikings this weekend. It's been a long road back for Doss, who was limited to six games for the Colts last season after a knee injury against Washington.