Charles Johnson becomes unrestricted free agent after Vikings refuse tender
By Adam Carlson
The Minnesota Vikings appear ready to move on without wide receiver Charles Johnson after allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent for 2017.
At one time, Charles Johnson looked like he could have been a diamond in the rough for the Minnesota Vikings. After joining the team from the Browns practice squad, he showed flashes of brilliance and put up some solid numbers.
For 2017, Johnson was set to be a restricted free agent, where the team could have offered him a tender sheet to keep him on the roster for the upcoming season. However, the team declined that option and now the wide receiver is free to sign with any team he desires.
Chris Tomasson on Twitter gave the news that Charles Johnson would become an unrestricted free agent after not receiving a tender by the Vikings. Here is that tweet:
No tender for #Vikings WR Charles Johnson. Goes from restricted free agent to unrestricted.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 9, 2017
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In his 3 seasons with Minnesota, Johnson accumulated 839 yards on 60 catches and scored 2 touchdowns. He appeared in all 16 games for the Vikings in 2016, but was passed over by Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen for starting duties.
At 28 years old, there is still a great chance that Johnson could still be a contributor in today’s NFL. He had 6 games of over 50 receiving yards with the Vikings, and that kind of success could be replicated in the future.
Johnson was a 7th round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2013 before spending time with the Cleveland Browns practice squad. Then, he was signed by the Minnesota Vikings from the Browns on September 20, 2014.
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While there is still a chance the Minnesota Vikings could bring Charles Johnson back for the 2017 season, it seems unlikely. No matter what happens, The Viking Age would like to wish Johnson the best in the future and thank him for his time in Minnesota.