The Minnesota Vikings made the playoffs last season largely on the shoulders of running back Adrian Peterson, who rushed for over 2,000 yards and nearly set the single season record, but this offseason the team may look to improve the passing game and they got started on Tuesday by releasing Michael Jenkins.
According to the Associated Press, the team announced that they were releasing veteran wide receiver Michael Jenkins on Tuesday and that the move will save money on the salary cap.
Jenkins spent two years with the team on a three-year deal and was due to be paid a roster bonus of $2.425 million on March 16 and a base salary of $825,000 for 2013, which is why he was released. The move will give the Vikings over $3 million in cap space, but leaves them with just a handful of receivers left on the roster, including Percy Harvin.
Last season Jenkins ranked third on the roster and made 40 receptions, 449 yards and two touchdowns. At 30-years-old Jenkins is on the older side of receiver age and he could provide some veteran hands to a team looking for a solid short-field receiver.
The Vikings will likely use the money to land another wide receiver, as a number of players are set to hit free agency that might entice them, including Wes Welker and former Packers star Greg Jennings.
The Vikings primarily relied on the running game to win last season and ranked just 31st in passing behind Christian Ponder. Adding someone like Welker or Jennings to the team would open the field for Ponder as well as Harvin, who has been rumored in trade talks this offseason.
Welker is a speedy receiver with amazing hands and he could give the Vikings an intermediate threat that will help Ponder develop into the quarterback they hope he can be.
