The Vikings restructured John Carlson's contract for the 2013 season, clearing some cap room while bringing back the tight end for the second year of his five-year deal, 1500ESPN.com reported Tuesday, March 12. Carlson, who signed a five-year, $25 million contract at the beginning of free agency last year, caught just eight passes in his first season with the Vikings, as the team's plan to feature him in two tight-end sets never materialized. Carlson missed time with a knee injury during training camp and didn't catch a pass for more than 10 yards until Nov. 11. But as the Vikings restructure their passing game, it made sense for them to keep players who know their system, especially after wide receiver Percy Harvin was traded to Seattle on Monday. The deal with Carlson reportedly gives the Vikings the flexibility to retain him and pursue their other aims in free agency; Carlson will retain $1.2 million of guaranteed money in his base salary and could make the rest of his scheduled $2.9 million base salary back through incentives, according to 1500ESPN.com. Source: Pioneer Press
