Report: Vikings release tight end John Carlson

John Carlson caught 32 passes and 1 TD for the Vikings in 2013. (Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) The Minnesota Vikings have released veteran tight end John

John Carlson caught 32 passes and 1 TD for the Vikings in 2013. (Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Vikings have released veteran tight end John Carlson, according to Mike Garafalo of FOX Sports.

Carlson, a Minnesota native, signed a five-year, $25 million contract with the Vikings prior to the 2012 season, and then restructured his deal before last season to help the team manage its salary cap obligations.

The third concussion of Carlson's six-year career cut his 2013 campaign short, and Carlson considered retirement for a time. However, he was involved in further restructuring his deal with the club before he was cut, which likely means he still wants to play.

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Vikings will cut TE John Carlson, per source. Sides had been talking about a restructure but couldn't reach an agreement.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 4, 2014