Vikings reportedly to host visit with Litchfield product John Carlson

The Minnesota Vikings were notably quiet on the opening day of NFL free agency. One name to which they were linked is a familiar one.

ProFootballTalk.com reported the Vikings are one of seven teams that have shown interest in tight end John Carlson, who was born in St. Cloud and attended Litchfield High School before playing his college football at Notre Dame.

Shortly after, TheSidelineView.com reported the Vikings will meet with Carlson at team headquarters on Wednesday.

Carlson, 27, was a second-round draft pick (38th overall) by the Seattle Seahawks in 2008. He has 137 receptions for 1,519 yards and 13 touchdowns in three NFL seasons, sitting out 2011 with a torn labrum in one of his shoulders.

Kyle Rudolph, a second-round draft pick last year, is expected to start for the Vikings in his second season. But the Vikings need to address their depth at tight end, with Jimmy Kleinsasser retired and free agent Visanthe Shiancoe unlikely to return.

Carlson reportedly had a meeting scheduled with Kansas City as well. Also linked to him in the PFT report were Indianapolis, Tampa Bay, Chicago, Dallas and Seattle. 

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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