Charlie Johnson Restructures To Provide Cap Space

Left guard Charlie Johnson seemed a likely candidate to be asked about a pay cut in 2013 and it turns out he already has been, and agreed to a new deal that gives the Vikings half a million more in cap room.

According to 1500 ESPN, his new deal increases his roster bonus from $500,000 to $750,000, but drops his base salary from $2.95 million to $2.45 million.  The new deal also erased $250,000 worth of playing time incentives.

His 2013 cap hit went from $4.35 million to $3.85 million, giving the Vikings some much needed room.

Prior to striking deals with quarterback Matt Cassel and wide out Greg Jennings late last week the Vikings were thought to have about $13.8 million in cap space.  After their deals are approved by the league office we should be able to learn more about what their adjusted cap numbers look like.

Armed with 11 draft picks, some speculation has included Johnson getting released outright if the Vikings find a promising young rookie, and nothing about this new deal should make it any less possible.

It is also possible, still, that other high priced veterans are approached about restructuring their contracts.

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