NFL: Vikings drop WR Bobby Wade from roster
By DAVE CAMPBELL
AP Sports Writer
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have released wide receiver Bobby Wade, who led the team in receptions the past two years, and replaced him with free agent Greg Lewis.
Reached by phone Thursday, Wade declined to immediately comment.
With first-round draft pick Percy Harvin joining the team, the Vikings had fewer opportunities for Wade, a six-year NFL veteran.
Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice are the other two receivers atop the depth chart heading into Sunday’s opener at Cleveland. Berrian has been slowed by a hamstring injury.
Wade routinely drew praise from coach Brad Childress and he made his share of clutch catches over the middle. Wade had 53 receptions for 645 yards and two touchdowns last season, after recording 647 yards and three scores the year before.
Lewis was let go by New England this week. He was with the Philadelphia Eagles during Childress’s last three seasons there as offensive coordinator and traded to the Patriots in March for two low-round draft picks.