In a move that should surprise pretty much nobody, the Minnesota Vikings released veteran wide receiver Michael Jenkins on Monday.

Jenkins was due a $2.425 million roster bonus in a couple of weeks, and the 30-year old receiver was never realistically going to see that money. His release gives the Vikings another $3.25 million in salary cap space to work with as free agency approaches, giving them a total of $17.5 million.

Jenkins was originally a first-round draft choice of the Atlanta Falcons (29th overall) in the 2004 NFL Draft out of THE. . .dramatic pause. . .Ohio State University. He signed with the Vikings after the lockout ended in 2011, and in his two seasons as a Viking caught 78 passes for 915 yards and five touchdowns. He also had three catches for 96 yards and a garbage-time touchdown in the Vikings post-season loss to Green Bay this season.

Whether this will facilitate the Vikings making a move in free agency at the position. . .and negotiations with free agents can start on Saturday. . .remains to be seen. The team has five receivers under contract at the moment, including Percy Harvin.