Vikings on Ferguson's "short list"

After failing to trade him, receiver Robert Ferguson has been released by the Green Bay Packers.

The team just announced the move in a news release.

Apparently, though, the Vikings were not interested in trading for Ferguson, a former second round pick whose best season was in 2003, when he caught 38 balls for 520 yards and four touchdowns.

But Ferguson's agent said the Vikings are one of the teams he's interested in talking to.

"They're on our short list," said agent Brian Overstreet, who also represents Vikings starting cornerback Cedric Griffin. "We like the situation there."

Specifically, Overstreet said he liked the fact that the Vikings run a similar offense to the Packers. Overstreet, though, has yet to speak to anyone on the Vikings about Ferguson.


And although Ferguson missed most of last season with a foot injury, Overstreet said he is healthy now.

"He's ready to go," Overstreet said.

According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the Packers had trade discussions with the Houston Texans, Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills. Nothing materialized, with the teams balking at paying his $1.8 million base salary.

The Journal-Sentinel indicated that Ferguson may end up in his hometown of Houston, where
former Packers head coach Mike Sherman is the assistant head coach.

But Overstreet said Ferguson wants to find the right situation.

"He's only 27 years old," Overstreet said. "He wants to come in and contribute."