John Carlson Reworks Contract

Nov 11, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end John Carlson (89) catches a pass for 9 yards against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at the Metrodome. The Vikings win 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Rick Spielman earned mostly rave reviews last year for his quick rebuild job on the Vikings. But if there was one decision he got ripped for it had to be the John Carlson signing. Carlson was picked up in free agency for $25 million over 5 years, a contract that looked way too big even before Carlson’s preseason injury and subsequent glaringly unproductive season. It seemed odd all along that the Vikes would splurge on a player like Carlson while refusing to spend at all on other key positions like wide receiver. It seemed almost as though Spielman had completely misread the tight end market and, fearing he would get left without a second viable receiving TE for Bill Musgrave to work into his system, overpaid for Carlson in panicky fashion.

Well a step has now been taken to somewhat rectify that apparent mistake. On Tuesday the Vikings announced that Carlson’s contract has been reworked, making his numbers more manageable. The exact terms have not been disclosed but it’s been announced that Carlson’s cap numbers is now under the original $4 million. He’s still likely overpaid for the meager production he promises but at least now the Vikings will be flushing somewhat less money down the toilet.

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