Moorehead to visit Monday

The Vikings are scheduled to host free-agent receiver Aaron Moorehead on Monday, the Indianapolis Star reported this morning.
Moorehead joined the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2003, and he has 23 career receptions for 265 yards and one touchdown.
Moorehead is 6 foot 3, 200 pounds.
Moorehead hasn't done much in his NFL career. But he apparently comes from a fairly athletic family. His father, Emery, was a receiver/ tight end on the famed 1985 Chicago Bears championship team, and his cousin is Brad Daugherty, the longtime star center of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Meachem to visit Vikings

Tennessee WR Robert Meachem will visit the Vikings on April 11, according to KFFL.com.

Meachem caught 71 passes for 1,298 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2006.

Kleinsasser accounted for

Just to follow up on an earlier post, TE Jim Kleinsasser was a part of the 8 a.m. workout group today.

Reporters were allowed to watch the 10 o'clock group, which featured the other three tight ends.

The Vikings recently asked Kleinsasser to take a pay cut from the $2.9 million he's scheduled to make in 2007.

Kleinsasser missing from group

Of the tight ends on the roster, Jim Kleinsasser was the only one missing from the 10 a.m. group at the offseason training program. It's conceivable that he worked out with the 8 a.m. or noon groups. But it seemed odd that the other three tight ends on the roster were present, and he wasn't.
Meanwhile, Visanthe Shiancoe said he and Kleinsasser have gotten along well, and he looks forward to playing with him.
Shiancoe said Kleinsasser is a "workout warrior" and more athletic than he initially thought.

Former Gopher to Steelers

Former Gophers standout safety Tyrone Carter has agreed to a three-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Carter played in all 16 games in 2006, starting three, while finishing with 42 tackles. He also forced two fumbles and tallied two sacks for the Steelers.

Scott negotiating with Falcons

DT Ian Scott, who visited Winter Park, is in negotiations with the Atlanta Falcons, the Journal-Constitution reported.
According to the paper, the Falcons are looking for depth and could rotate in and out of the lineup with starting nose tackle Grady Jackson, who was used last season primarily on running downs.

Carr needs a new parking spot

The Houston Texans released former No. 1 overall pick David Carr.

After acquiring Matt Schaub from the Atlanta Falcons, the Texans released Carr Friday and enabled him to become an unrestricted free agent.

Vikings coach Brad Childress lamented Carr's three-quarter release on K-FAN Thursday.

But would the Vikings be interested now that Carr wouldn't require a draft pick?

Carr completed 68 percent of his passes last season but had just 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. For his career, he has 59 touchdowns and 65 interceptions.

Say what you want about him. But Carr certainly is talented, and he could push Tarvaris Jackson and Brooks Bollinger.

For the right price, what would the Vikings have to lose?

Elling to Falcons

Former Vikings kicker Aaron Elling has signed on with the Atlanta Falcons.
He is the only kicker on the roster, although punter Michael Koenen connected on a 58-yard field goal last season.

Liwienski to Dolphins

The Palm Beach Post reported that former Vikings offensive guard Chris Liwienski signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins.

Childress radio

Based on a morning appearance on KFAN, Vikings coach Brad Childress would seem to have little interest in trading for Houston Texans quarterback David Carr.

"David Carr is a tremendous person," Childress said. "I always struggled with where his release came from. It's kind of a drop-down, three-quarter release. ... He can make some of the throws; he can't make all the throws."

In addition to Carr, whose days in Houston are numbered with the Texans' trade for Atlanta Falcons backup Matt Schaub, Childress touched on a number of other subjects, including:

--Wide receiver Kevin Curtis, who visited Winter Park on the first day of free agency but wound up signing a six-year, $32 million contract with Philadelphia.

"He probably accepted less to go there," Childress said. "He's where he wants to be."

--Wide receiver Troy Williamson, who recently began a workout program with Nike designed to improve his hand-eye coordination.

"We'll have a little more to say on it in May," Childress said. "(But) if there's something we can clean up mechanically, we want to clean it up."

Schaub to Texans

So much for any Matt Schaub-to-Minnesota trade rumors.

NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports that the Atlanta Falcons will trade Michael Vick's backup to the Houston Texans for a second-round draft choice and possible additional compensation. Foxsports.com reports that the deal involves two second-round choices and the teams also will swap first-round draft picks.

The Texans have been looking for a starting quarterback to replace David Carr, who reportedly could be had for a third- or fourth-round draft choice.

Vikings coach Brad Childress has downplayed the chances of adding a veteran quarterback.

Wiggins closing in on deal

Tight end Jermaine Wiggins is close to making a decision on his next NFL home.

Wiggins could reunite with former Vikings head coach Mike Tice, who initially brought him to Minnesota, in Jacksonville. But other teams are still in the mix. A decision could come within the next two days.

Wiggins, who led the Vikings in receptions in 2004 and 2005, has 186 catches in the last three seasons, trailing only tight ends Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates.

Scott update

Ian Scott's next team could be his old team.

The Chicago Tribune reported today that the Bears have quietly expressed interest in re-signing the free-agent defensive tackle, with Tank Johnson facing a 120-day jail sentence and Tommie Harris returning from a season-ending hamstring injury.

Scott, 25, visited Winter Park last Friday but left without a contract. He also has visited Denver.

Scott visit

Free-agent defensive tackle Ian Scott concluded his two-day visit to Winter Park today but left without a contract.

Scott, a veteran of four seasons with the Chicago Bears, visited Denver earlier this week and Kansas City and Atlanta reportedly have expressed interest.

Curtis to Eagles

The Vikings’ search for a No. 1 receiver is back to square one.

Scout.com reports that free agent Kevin Curtis has agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Eagles on a six-year contract.

Curtis, formerly of the St. Louis Rams, visited the Vikings on the first day of free agency and also made stops in Detroit, Tennessee and with the New York Giants.

Is Moss Green Bay-bound?

The Boston Herald, citing a source in Wisconsin, reported today that the Oakland Raiders are close to a trade that would send the former Vikings wide receiver to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for quarterback Aaron Rodgers and other considerations.

Packers CEO Bob Harlan told the Green Bay Press-Gazette that no deal is imminent.

Vikings sign veteran quarterback...

...But it's just Drew Henson, who spent a portion of the 2006 season on the Vikings' practice squad.

The NFL Network reported that Henson signed a one-year deal with the Vikings for the league minimum.

What a dramatic fall for Henson, who once was considered the heir apparent to Troy Aikman in Dallas.

Now, he's essentially a camp arm buried behind Brooks Bollinger and Tarvaris Jackson. Ouch.

Gaines Adams scheduled for pre-draft visit

DE Gaines Adams, a projected top 10 pick, is one of the incoming rookies the Vikings have invited for a pre-draft visit, according to Scout.com.

Adams is considered the best available defensive end in this draft.

Notre Dame CB to come in for workout

The Vikings will bring in Notre Dame CB Mike Richardson for a pre-draft visit.

Richardson was a productive player for Notre Dame and looks like an in-your-face type of cornerback the Vikings covet.

Richardson is 5 feet 11, 188 pounds.

Curtis in Tennessee

WR Kevin Curtis is visiting with the Tennessee Titans today, Scout.com is reporting.

Not sure if a decision will come today or not.

But as I indicated last night, the Titans could hold the advantage right now.

Curtis update

WR Kevin Curtis is still undecided. So technically, the Vikings are still in the hunt.
But if any team has an edge, it may be the dark horse, the Tennessee Titans.
GM Mike Reinfeldt has returned to Nashville after addressing a personal matter, and he is aggressively working to woo Curtis. And the Titans do have something working in their favor: tons of cap room.
The Detroit Lions, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles are also in the mix.

Former Packers GM questions Shiancoe deal

In an interview with Peter King of Sports Illustrated, former Green Bay Packers general manager Ron Wolf mentioned Visanthe Shiancoe's deal in bolstering the wacky free-agent market.

"This market's amazing," Wolf told SI. "Al Johnson, what did he play last year? Seven plays?

And he gets $7 million... No, he didn't just play seven plays, but he didn't start. And the Vikings pay $7 million to Shiancoe? Amazing."

King then took some shots of his own.

"He's right about the $7 million in 2007 money for Johnson, beaten out for the Dallas center job by Andre Gurode last year," King wrote in his popular Monday NFL column. "But he understated the money for Shiancoe, who caught 35 balls (for a 7.2-yard average) in four years as Jeremy Shockey's backup. Minnesota will pay him, in bonus and salary, $8.2 million this year.

"Even in a spending spree like the one the NFL has seen in the last week and change, the Shiancoe deal has stunned people around the league," King continued. "Stunned is putting it nicely. The Vikings are being belittled for spending so much on a guy who, even when he got the chance with Shockey hurt so much, never proved himself a remotely reliable receiver."

Curtis decision coming

In Philadelphia to visit with the Eagles, free-agent receiver Kevin Curtis said he expects to have new representation this weekend and to decide on a team as soon as possible.

In addition to the Eagles, Curtis has visited the Vikings, Lions and New York Giants.

Curtis, who fired agent Tom Condon on Monday, said he intends to sign with Bruce and Ryan Tollner as early as Saturday.

Texans eyeing Quinn?

The Vikings have been uncharacteristically open about their interest in Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn, but there are no guarantees he'll be there for the taking with the seventh selection of the April 28-29 NL draft.

ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli, citing league sources, reports that the Houston Texans have been talking to teams about trading up from the eighth spot to take Quinn and might already have an arrangement with the Washington Redskins, who pick sixth.

Kelly Campbell back to Dolphins

Former Vikings receiver Kelly Campbell was re-signed by the Miami Dolphins.

Also, former Vikings safety Brian Russell visited the Seattle Seahawks.

Eagles announce Bethel signing

The Philadelphia Eagles just announced that they have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Bethel Johnson.

Bethel Johnson to Eagles

WR Bethel Johnson is nearing an agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Johnson signed with the Vikings during the 2006 season and primarily served as a return specialist.

Byrd arrested in Los Angeles

Rams tight end Dominique Byrd was arrested last weekend on suspicion of driving under the influence in Los Angeles, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

Byrd, who played at Southern California, was arrested at 2:34 a.m. Sunday morning and released Sunday night.
A third-round draft choice by the Rams in the 2006 draft, Byrd played in five games last season and caught two passes for 39 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown.

Byrd is from Minneapolis and attended Breck.

Graham to Broncos

Not that the Vikings were players. But TE Daniel Graham signed a massive deal with the Denver Broncos. Graham agreed to a five-year, $30 million contract that included $15 million in guarantees.

That's probably significantly more than the Vikings were willing to pay, although the guaranteed money was twice what they gave Visanthe Shiancoe.

Graham also drew interest from the Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks.

With his signing, Jermaine Wiggins may land a deal soon.

Wade signs

The Vikings have signed former Tennessee Titans wide receiver Bobby Wade to a five-year, $15 million contract that includes $4 million in guarantees.

Coach Brad Childress said Wade is a proven slot receiver who can double as a kickoff and punt return man.

Wade said the Vikings were his only free-agent visit, even though he had other offers, and are a perfect fit for him.

Wade is expected to step right into a starting role with the Vikings, but Childress said the team would continue to look for receivers and wouldn't rule out St. Louis Rams free agent Kevin Curtis, who is in the process of changing agents and has put any contract talks on hold until early next week.

Brad speaks

A day after signing with the Cowboys, former Vikings quarterback Brad Johnson spoke in a conference call with the Dallas media.

Among the highlights:

On his final season with the Vikings, he said: "Obviously, last year wasn't what I would have wanted it to have been, but you know I was 13-10 with a team that was 2-7 without me as a starter the last two years."

Johnson, 38, was signed as the No. 2 quarterback to young starter Tony Romo but made clear he still feels he can play.

As for serving in a so-called mentor role, Johnson said: "I want to see Tony succeed, but I'm not here for my health. My big thing is just to be prepared in case whatever happens."

Wade heading home

Tennessee Titans free agent Bobby Wade has concluded his visit to Winter Park, according to agent Jerome Stanley, who said the wide receiver is leaving without a contract but declined further comment.

Stay tuned for further developments.

Wade visiting

Still looking for a wide receiver (or two), the Vikings are visiting today with Tennessee Titans free agent Bobby Wade.

Wade’s agent, Jerome Stanley, confirmed the visit but said there have been no contract talk as yet.

Wade, 26, has caught 101 passes in four seasons with the Titans and Chicago, including a career-best 42 for 481 yards for the Bears in 2004.

Last season, he finished as the Titans’ second-leading receiver with 33 catches for 461 yards and two touchdowns and also averaged 23.9 yards on 50 kickoff returns.

--Don Seeholzer

Harris to Chiefs

Former Vikings LB Napoleon Harris has agreed to terms on a six-year contract worth $24 million with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Vikings never aggressively tried to re-sign the middle linebacker, despite his solid play last season, after re-signing E.J. Henderson to a long-term deal late in the season.

Harris also visited the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Harris received a $7.5 million signing bonus and is scheduled to collect $13 million over the first three years.

Johnson a Cowboy

It didn’t take long for Brad Johnson to find another job.

Five days after being released by the Vikings, the veteran quarterback signed a three-year contract today with the Dallas Cowboys, who were looking for a backup to starter Tony Romo.

Johnson, 38, spent Sunday in Denver meeting with the Broncos but opted to join the Cowboys and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, a former Tampa Bay teammate.

--Don Seeholzer

McMichael released by Dolphins

Multiple reports say that TE Randy McMichael has been released by the Miami Dolphins. In five seasons in Miami, McMichael has become the all-time leader receptions and receiving yards for a tight end. The Dolphins recently signed David Martin to replace him.

The Vikings added Visanthe Shiancoe. But given the lack of depth at receiver, would the Vikings consider adding another tight end?

I would guess that depends on the price.

McMichael turns 28 in June.

Curtis craziness

A weird day took another strange turn. WR Kevin Curtis has fired his agent, Tom Condon, according to the Detroit Free Press. Curtis and Condon obviously had some difference of opinion, and I have my hunch. But that's the latest for now.

Curtis update

I was told earlier today that WR Kevin Curtis was about to board a flight out of Detroit. But now, the Detroit Free Press, which wrote something similar to my last post, is now saying that Curtis is back at the Lions' facility.

Still, I stand by my assertion that the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles are also interested in Curtis.

That there is so much interest for a third receiver is telling of how thin the market is at the position.

QB for hire

Former Vikings quarterback Brad Johnson is in Dallas today to meet with the Cowboys, who are looking for a backup to starter Tony Romo.

Johnson, who was released by the Vikings last week, spent Sunday in Denver meeting with the Broncos and is expected to decide on a team in the next day or two.

The Denver Post reported that Broncos safety John Lynch, Johnson’s road roommate while they were with Tampa Bay, helped the team entertain the 15-year veteran during his visit.

--Don Seeholzer

Quinn workout

Vikings coach Brad Childress and vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman were among an estimated 65 NFL scouts and coaches in South Bend, Ind., today to attend Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn’s pro day workout.

NFL.com’s Gil Brandt reported that Quinn participated in passing drills only and had a good workout, showing good velocity and anticipation.

Quinn will run for teams at Notre Dame’s second pro day on March 22.

The Vikings have said they would seriously consider using their first-round draft choice on Quinn if he falls to them at the seventh overall selection.

Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis ran the passing drills during the workout, which was held indoors on FieldTurf.

--Don Seeholzer

Lelie to 49ers

So much for Ashley Lelie's Monday visit to Winter Park. Lelie signed a two-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers that maxes out at $6 million. He will make $3.2 million in the first year.
I guess the Vikings weren't willing to pay that much... or Lelie really, really wanted to go to San Francisco.

Smoot back to Redskins

Fred Smoot has signed a five-year contract with the Washington Redskins, and he said the total value of the deal is $25 million.
"I'm happy," Smoot said. "This means I wasn't supposed to leave."
Still, Smoot doesn't regret his time in Minnesota, especially since he landed a pretty lucrative deal from the Vikings two years ago. And although he endured a lot of issues here, Smoot was appreciative of coach Brad Childress releasing him before free agency started.
"They gave me a chance to do what I do," Smoot said of the Vikings. "I got a call from a lot of teams. The main thing for me was being happy. I didn’t want to just go searching for the money and give up a chance to be happy."

Tank officially rolls back onto roster

Good news, Viking fans! Tank Williams was officially re-signed today.

Break out those jerseys.

Shiancoe speaks...

Here are a few comments from new tight end Visanthe Shiancoe.

On how he fits into this offense: Well, they're looking for a versatile tight end, and I feel like that's what I can bring to the table. I can catch and I can block. With this offense and this quarterback and the personnel they have here, I'm really excited to showcase what I can do here.

On his role with the New York Giants: Well, basically in New York I had a role, and I guess my role was to be a certain type of tight end, and that's what I played in New York. Jeremy is a terrific pass-catching tight end, and I just played my role. I was a blocking tight end, and that's what I accepted.

On how excited he is to step out of Jeremy Shockey's shadow: Tremendously excited. I'm ecstatic. I'm calm right now, but inside I'm all over the place. I'm excited to be here. I'm excited to wear that purple and yellow, and I heard the fans are just terrific here. I'm speechless. I'm really excited about this opportunity.

Shiancoe gets five-year deal worth about $18 million

To make Winter Park his first and only stop, the Vikings signed TE Visanthe Shiancoe to a five-year contract worth about $18 million, including $7 million in guarantees.

Does that seem like a steep price to anyone else? There obviously was a market for him (Seattle was definitely a player). But that seems like a lot for someone who hasn't scored a touchdown in the last two seasons.

We'll see what the Vikings have to say in about 30 minutes.

Shiancoe signs

The Vikings have signed tight end Visanthe Shiancoe and LB Vinny Ciuriu.

Presumably, that means WR Kevin Curtis left town without a deal.

Shiancoe was also drawing significant interest from the Seattle Seahawks.

That also means that the Vikings are no longer interested in Daniel Graham.

Drew Bennett expected to sign with Rams

The St. Louis Rams are finalizing a deal with WR Drew Bennett, according to a league source.

The Vikings were believed to be interested in Bennett, who spent his first six NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans. His best season was 2004, when he caught 80 passes for 1,247 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Bennett is 6 foot 5, 206 pounds. He will be a nice complement to Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce in the Rams' potent offense.

Randy McMichael on the trading block

The Miami Dolphins are shopping veteran tight end Randy McMichael, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel is reporting.
According to the paper, the Dolphins are seeking a third round pick.
The Vikings are obviously in the market for a tight end, and they are interested in Visanthe Shiancoe (New York Giants) and Daniel Graham (New England Patriots). The Vikings are believed to be talking to Shiancoe about a deal this morning.
McMichael is the Dolphins' all-time leader in catches (283) and receiving yards (3,096) for a tight end.
McMichael is set to collect a $3 million roster bonus along with a $1 million base salary for 2007, according to the paper. He has a deal through 2009.

Tank Williams clarification...

According to a league document, Williams was in fact released today by the Vikings. But, the Vikings intend to re-sign him Saturday. Apparently, it was some procedural matter.

False alarm. False alarm.

You can still sport your Tank Williams jerseys.

Why guards and their agents love the Vikings...

There are reports that guards Eric Steinbach and Derrick Dockery have just signed massive contracts.

Maybe they ought to give Steve Hutchinson and the Minnesota Vikings a kickback.

The Vikings were the first team to pay a guard offensive tackle money when they signed Hutchinson to a seven-year, $49 million deal. Not surprisingly, Steinbach and Dockery signed very similar deals, with Steinbach's worth $500,000 more. Hutchinson, though, is a far superior player to both players.

In fact, I don't believe either has even been to the Pro Bowl.

And did you see the money that cornerback Nate Clements got from San Francisco? My sources tell me he got $22 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid defensive player in the league. It's obviously about timing, timing, timing.

Roll call on who is here...

It's confirmed that WR Kevin Curtis (St. Louis Rams) is here, along with TE Visanthe Shiancoe (New York Giants) and LB Vinny Ciuriu (Carolina Panthers).

I guess the weather didn't stop them from getting here.

Curtis will next visit Detroit, and the Rams don't expect him back. Shiancoe also is drawing interest from the Seattle Seahawks.

Could we see another Vikings-Seahawks offseason clash? Both clubs are also in the mix for Daniel Graham.

Meanwhile, former Vikings QB Brad Johnson is set for a visit with the Denver Broncos tomorrow.

Tank Williams released...

After re-signing him last week, the Vikings have released S Tank Williams. Not sure why. More to come later.

Graham report is false

According to two sources, tight end Daniel Graham is definitely not off the market. In fact, he hasn't even started his visit the Denver Broncos yet. That'll come later today. Then, he'll head to Oakland tomorrow, then Seattle.
Where is Minnesota in all this? Not sure. But as far as I know, the Vikings are still interested.

Vikings interested in RB Sammy Morris

Morris played the last three seasons in Miami, and his best season was 2004, when he gained 523 yards and scored six touchdowns. Morris is also a more than capable receiver out of the backfield.
All this I'm hearing about running backs doesn't bode well for primary backup Mewelde Moore.

Lelie visit

WR Ashley Lelie is scheduled to visit the Vikings Monday. Lelie played under new Vikings receivers coach George Stewart in Atlanta last season.

Birk update...

Agent Joe Linta said he and the Vikings are still engaging in talks about keeping Pro Bowl center Matt Birk here in Minnesota.
"They want to keep the line of communications open to doing an extension so he can finish his career with the Vikings," Linta said.

Whittle to Bills

Backup offensive lineman Jason Whittle quickly signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills.
Agent Joe Linta said the Bills immediately expressed interest in Whittle.
Whittle will get paid $720,000 next season, and he also received a $40,000 signing bonus.
Meanwhile, Linta said tackle Mike Rosenthal, whom the Vikings cut Thursday, has received several inquiries and will take a week or so to explore his options.

Harris visiting Buccaneers

Middle linebacker Napoleon Harris is visiting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and could visit the Kansas City Chiefs afterwards.
Harris played well for the Vikings last season in the middle. But the club opted to re-sign E.J. Henderson to a long-term deal instead.

Shiancoe set to visit

According to ESPN.com, tight end Visanthe Shiancoe is expected to visit with the Vikings today.
Shiancoe is 6 foot 4, 250 pounds, and he was originally a third-round pick of the New York Giants.
In five seasons there, he caught 35 passes for 253 yards and three touchdowns. He did not score in either of the last two seasons.

Smoot released

The Vikings announced that cornerback Fred Smoot has been released.
Smoot only last two seasons in Minnesota after signing a six-year, $34 million contract that included $10.8 million in guarantees.
Smoot was benched at the end of both seasons with the Vikings. Smoot had three interceptions for the Vikings, including one he returned for a touchdown last season.

Kerney on Vikings radar?

Len Pasquarelli of ESPN has the Vikings as one of three possible destinations for the Pro Bowl defensive end.
Pasquarelli has very good sources, and he is based in the Atlanta area.
But I find it hard to imagine that the Vikings would be willing to shell out the kind of cash it'll take to land someone like Kerney.
He's 30 years old, and he's coming off an injury shortened season. But he does provide the one thing the Vikings defense needs: speed off the edge.
For his career, Kerney has 58 sacks, including a career-high 13 in 2004.
Kerney, who had a torn pectoral muscle in 2006, is well ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation,
Pasquarelli said.
The other possible spots are Denver and Tennessee.
Pasquarelli also mentions Dewayne White, who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. White has 14 sacks in the last three seasons, including five in 2006.
ESPN also reported that cornerback Nick Harper could sign with the Vikings.

Wiggins thankful to be free...

Tight end Jermaine Wiggins is on the move again, although he stuck in Minnesota longer than either of his previous two stops.
After enduring a frustrating 2006 season, Wiggins and coach Brad Childress mutually agreed to go their separate ways. After wondering what was taking so long, Wiggins finally got his wish Thursday afternoon.
“Coach Childress, being a man of his word, and knowing they were going in a different direction, he let get out there before free agency,” Wiggins said. “To me, it’s huge, because I’ve been in this business. A lot of times, you get people who are out for themselves, and make sure they’re secure on their end. But they did me a great justice, which is to give me a chance to get out there with everyone else.
“They could have kept me around longer and waited, and a team interested in me could have gone in a different direction.”
Wiggins led the Vikings in receptions in 2004 and 2005. But he caught just 46 passes last season, and he felt underutilized in Childress’ West Coast offense.
Regardless, Wiggins enjoyed his time with the Vikings.
“I had a great time in Minnesota,” Wiggins said. “But it’s a business, and it’s time for me to move on.”
By releasing Wiggins, the Vikings are left with Richard Owens, Jeff Dugan and Jim Kleinsasser. But Kleinsasser is scheduled to make $2.9 million in 2007 and 2008, a rather high salary for someone who has primarily served as an extra blocker. Last season, Kleinsasser caught just seven passes for 47 yards.
The Vikings are expected to be one of six or seven teams to make a strong run at Daniel Graham.

Rosenthal expected to be released

Veteran right tackle Mike Rosenthal could be given his walking papers today by the Vikings.
Rosenthal has been with the Vikings for the last four seasons, starting 33 games.
The Vikings are expected to make some other personnel moves today.
Meanwhile, defensive end Darrion Scott did receive the low tender ($850,000) from the Vikings. That means another club would have to give the Vikings a third round pick if they sign Scott.
Running back Artose Pinner also received the low tender from the Vikings. The Vikings would get a fourth round pick if another club signs him away.