Vikings Release Bobby Wade

Last week, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Bobby Wade took a pay cut. It seemed to be rather curious timing, perhaps suggesting that Wade accepted the reduction in salary (to $1.5 million) in order to avoid being cut.

Wade denied it, and the reduction in salary also gave Wade the right to become a free agent after the 2009 season. Apparently, the Vikings decided that the end of the season was too long for Wade to wait. Instead, they decided to make him a free agent now.

The move is expected to clear the way for veteran Greg Lewis, cut by the Patriots, to join the team. Lewis worked with current Vikings head coach Brad Childress when both were in Philadelphia. He has 127 catches in six NFL seasons, starting 23 games.

It's too early to tell what role he'll play with Minnesota, but he shouldn't need very long to learn the offense. After all, his previous work with Childress should help him tremendously in that regard.

According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Wade's agent, Jerome Stanley, is not a happy camper.

"You're defined by your behavior and what you do and not what you say," Stanley said. "I'll let you connect the dots."

Asked if he were referring to Vikings coach Brad Childress, Stanley said, "Wherever the decision came from. And we already know where it came from, so there it is."

Scratch Childress off Stanley's Christmas card list.