Tight end John Carlson won't have the opportunity to thrive under new Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner this season.
Unable to find common ground on a restructured contract, the Vikings released Carlson, the team officially announced Wednesday.
Carlson lasted two seasons into a five-year, $25 million contract that left NFL observers scratching their heads in March of 2012. He collected $9.55 million in guarantees over two seasons while contributing 40 receptions, 387 yards and one touchdown.
After his third NFL concussion ended his 2013 season, Carlson acknowledged retirement as an option. As evidenced by his unsuccessful contract discussions, it appears that the 29-year-old has decided to play a seventh season.
The Vikings have plenty of salary-cap space to spare. They didn't need the $2 million in savings, which suggests this was strictly a football decision.
Although Carlson's concussion history makes him a risky signing, it will be interesting to see if the Seahawks consider a reunion with Zach Miller's Seattle future up in the air.
The latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast" weighs in on Monday's franchise-tag surprises and unpacks all the 49ers drama out west.
