New Deals for Two Vikings

There will be no contract uncertainty to distract the NFL’s highest-scoring offense in the postseason.

The Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback Randall Cunningham and right tackle Korey Stringer to contract extensions Thursday, beating by one day the deadline to apply portions of each deal to this year’s salary cap.

Financial terms were unavailable for the five-year contract signed by the 34-year-old Cunningham, who leads the NFL in quarterback rating and has thrown a career-best 32 touchdown passes.

Stringer signed a five-year, $18-million extension with a $4-million signing bonus, $3 million of which was deferred until next year.

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Lawrence Taylor, one of the best defensive players of his generation, is getting his first shot at election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and he flatly declares that he deserves to make it.

“I know I belong there.” Taylor said. “I just figured it as a given. I don’t want to sound cocky, but I expect it.”

The linebacker was a major factor when the New York Giants won two Super Bowls in the 1980s, but his problems with drugs could cost him votes among the 36 Hall of Fame electors.

Taylor insisted he was innocent in his two most recent drug-related arrests, the latest coming this month, but he acknowledged he was an addict.

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Albert Lewis spent 11 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs before moving to the Raiders in 1994, yet there’s little doubt in his mind about career loyalty.

As he approaches what likely will be his final pro game, Lewis was asked how he’d like to be remembered.

The cornerback-turned-safety quickly reached into his locker and pulled out a silver and black Oakland jersey.

The Raiders meet the Chiefs on Saturday in the season finale with both teams out of the playoff hunt.

“It would be a fitting way to go out if we win,” said Lewis, who is completing his 16th season. “To win this game is huge for me, because I’ve never had a winning season here.

“If we win this game we’ll be 9-7, and there are some teams that will make the playoffs with that record.”

Lewis has refused to say for sure that he will retire after the season, though the four-time Pro Bowler already is thinking about coaching and life after his playing career.

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The Detroit Lions said Frank Reich will start at quarterback against Baltimore on Sunday.

It’ll be Reich’s second consecutive start since rookie Charlie Batch sustained a back injury Dec. 15 during Detroit’s 35-13 loss to San Francisco.

Scott Mitchell, who began the season as the Lions’ No. 1 quarterback, will back up Reich.