The Vikings and tight end John Carlson finalized a reworked contract on Tuesday morning, Tom Pelissero of ESPN1500.com reported.
According to Pelissero, the move decreases Carlson’s $4 million salary-cap number for 2013. Carlson will still make $1.2 million in guaranteed money, according to the report, with a chance to make as much as $3 million by reaching incentives.
The 28-year-old Carlson caught just eight passes for 43 yards in 2012 after signing a five-year, $25 million contract. He missed two games because of a concussion, and he also missed time during the summer with an MCL injury.
The Vikings need all of the pass-catching help they can get, and Carlson’s past form suggests he can be an asset. Carlson caught 55 passes as a rookie for Seattle in 2008 and hauled in 51 receptions in his second season. That said, Carlson’s impact has waned in recent seasons. He missed all of 2011 with a shoulder injury, and he was not much of a factor for Minnesota in 2012.