Vikings receiver Charles Johnson hits free agency

Published

Charles Johnson's forgettable 2016 season will be his last in Minneapolis.

The Minnesota Vikings declined to tender Johnson an offer before the start of free agency, allowing the fifth-year receiver to hit the open market.

A seventh-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2013, Johnson spent time with the Cleveland Browns as well before signing with the Vikings in 2014.



He had a productive debut, finishing with 475 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2014 despite starting in just six games.

However, Johnson was used sparingly in 2016, registering just 232 receiving yards on 20 receptions.

The Vikings drafted Laquon Treadwell in the first round last summer, further marginalizing Johnson's role, while the emergence of former undrafted free agent Adam Thielen led to a crowded receiver corps cash-strapped Minnesota to manage.