Bernard Berrian Released By Minnesota Vikings

In what doesn't come as a huge surprise, the Minnesota Vikings have given up on receiver Bernard Berrian and released him on Tuesday, according to NFLN. Berrian had been inactive in two of the last three games -- a healthy scratch -- leading to plenty of speculation that he could be released.

Berrian hasn't scored a touchdown since November 2009 so this won't be a significant loss for the Vikings. It's been a while since he was an everyday contributor to the team. He ended the 2010 season with 28 receptions for 252 yards and this season has just seven receptions for 91 yards.

Head coach Leslie Frazier hinted this move could be a possibility after last Sunday's game.

"We'll make a decision about how we want to handle things going forward," Frazier said, declining to specify his reason for benching Berrian against Green Bay. He added: "We're going to have a little meeting of the minds, and see where we are."

Berrian, originally drafted by the Chicago Bears, signed a six-year, $42 million free agent deal with the Vikings in March 2008. Prior to the 2011 season, he was rumored to be a possible cut but the two sides ultimately restructured his contract so that he would remain with the team.

Berrian is 30 years old and on his career has 288 receptions for 4,122 yards and 24 touchdowns. He'll probably draw some interest from teams if he hits the open market. First, however, he'll be subject to waivers so every team will have an opportunity to claim him. If he goes unclaimed, he becomes an unrestricted free agent Wednesday afternoon.

Check out SB Nation's Daily Norseman for reaction to the move on Berrian.