Jimmy Kennedy says he'll be released, creating $2.5M cap savings

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings began the process of getting into salary-cap compliance in a somewhat unexpected place.

Defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy posted on Twitter a little before noon on Monday that he's "sorry to imform you I AM NO LONGER With the Team."

Kennedy, 31, signed a two-year, $5 million contract with the Vikings in March 2010. But he played only 115 snaps on defense last season and was due $2.5 million in base salary for 2011.

Cutting Kennedy is surprising only in that the Vikings have no other clear options on the roster at nose tackle and may be severely short-handed for the season's first four games if Kevin Williams has to serve his long-delayed StarCaps suspension.

However, the move -- which cannot be completed until 3:01 p.m. Thursday -- could free up money to re-sign veteran free agent Pat Williams in addition to getting the Vikings closer to cap compliance. (Pat Williams also faces a four-game ban to start the season.)

The Vikings entered the day about $4.8 million over the cap, according to an NFL source.

Tom Pelissero is Senior Editor and columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He hosts from 6 to 8 p.m. weeknights and co-hosts from 10 a.m. to noon Sundays on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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