Starting left guard Charlie Johnson was released by the Minnesota Vikings on Friday.
The #Vikings have terminated G Charlie Johnson's contract.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) February 27, 2015
Pro Football Talk says Johnson was due a non-guaranteed $2.5 million in 2015. The 30-year-old veteran started 61 of 64 games during his four-year run in Minnesota.
The Star Tribune says the move isn’t a surprise as the Vikings are expected to try to improve the offensive line through free agency or the draft. The Vikings allowed 51 sacks last season.
#Vikings cut LG Charlie Johnson. Expected after subpar season. Good dude who rescued them from bloated Bryant McKinnie meltdown
— Brian Murphy (@murphmedia_) February 27, 2015
Matt Kalil, Johnson Sullivan, Brandon Fusco and Phil Loadholt are expected to return as starters on the line next season.
Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press speculates that top-rated offensive guard Brandon Scherf (Iowa Hawkeyes) could be an option for the Vikings in the first round of the draft.
Iowa offensive lineman Brandon Scherff might be more in play now for the Vikings with the No. 11 pick
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) February 27, 2015
