What do you guys think of this signing?
-brad from IF




MINNEAPOLS (AP)
The Minnesota Vikings took a first step Tuesday toward rebuilding their
receiving corps, signing free agent Bobby Wade to a five-year, $15 million
contract.

The sides wrapped up negotiations shortly after 9 p.m., ending a day-long
visit Wade made to Winter Park. Coach Brad Childress projected Wade as a
slot receiver who will excel in mid-range routes.

Wade, who has caught 101 passes in four seasons with Chicago and
Tennessee, joins veterans Troy Williamson and Billy McMullen in a group
that will continue to evolve.

"I think what jumps out is his ability in the slot," Childress said. "You
see a lot of his opportunities coming because of his ability to work the
middle of the field."

Wade, 5-10 and 188 pounds, could also see time as a kickoff and/or punt
returner. He has succeeded at both in his career, averaging 23.9 yards on
kickoff returns last season for Tennessee and 9.6 on punt returns in 2005.

His open-field skills, Wade said, make him "a perfect fit" for the
Vikings' offense.

"Sitting down with [Childress] today, we spoke a lot about running after
the catch," he said. "That's something I've done a lot in the past. If I
can bring anything to this offense, I hope it will be that attribute."

Childress, meanwhile, said he believes the Vikings still are in the
running for free agent receiver Kevin Curtis -- who left after a weekend
visit without signing a contract.

In other news

• The Vikings apparently are continuing their efforts to restructure tight
end Jim Kleinsasser's contract, which calls for him to make $2.9 million
in 2007. It's possible Kleinsasser could be released if the talks are
unsuccessful. "[The situation] hasn't changed," Childress said.

• Childress said the Vikings will maintain their patient approach to free
agency, which has netted three second-tier veterans -- Wade, along with
tight end Visanthe Shiancoe and linebacker Vinny Ciurciu. "We're only
three or four days into it," Childress said. "We've got a list of guys
that we're working through, and we'll continue to work our way through
it."

• Linebacker Napoleon Harris signed a six-year, $24 million contract with
Kansas City that includes $7.5 million in guaranteed money. Harris, who
started 14 games for the Vikings last season, will continue playing middle
linebacker for the Chiefs.

The Vikings have several internal candidates for replacing Harris. Ben
Leber or E.J. Henderson could move inside, while Dontarrious Thomas is
another option. The Vikings also could draft a linebacker next month.

• Speaking to Dallas reporters Tuesday, quarterback Brad Johnson said the
Cowboys "just felt like the right fit." Johnson signed a three-year
contract worth $7.5 million to back up Tony Romo after spending the
weekend visiting Denver.

Asked about his disappointing 2006 season with the Vikings, Johnson said:
"Obviously, last year wasn't what I would have wanted it to be. But I was
13-10 with a team that was 2-7 without me as a starter the last two
years."


Kevin Seifert •