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In a move that surprised almost no one, the Minnesota Vikings have declined to pick up the option on S Andrew Sendejo, per Ian Rapoport:
Source: The #Vikings are not exercising the option on starting S Andrew Sendejo, making him a free agent. Another talented safety in the mix before free agency.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2019
That will free up $5.5 million in much needed cap room for the Vikings, and with this move they are about $10-11 million under the cap, depending on what website you believe. As we head towards the beginning of the ‘legal tampering’ period, which begins later this afternoon, that number will most likely increase as more player contracts are re-structured, or players are released.
For the Vikings, this means that will almost certainly tender restricted free agent Anthony Harris and keep him in the fold. Harris played exceptionally well in place of the injured Sendejo last year, making this move a no-brainer. And even though the Vikings released him, they could still finagle a compensatory draft pick next year:
Yes, if he signs a big enough contract elsewhere he'll count as a departing free agent. Not a cut. https://t.co/jSgprvUBas
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) March 11, 2019
That is still to be determined, though, but let’s hope Sendejo signs elsewhaere and the Vikings get something for him.
So, it appears the first free agency domino falls for the Vikings. Stay tuned for more news coming up throughout the day.