Vikings First Free Agency Addition is Minnesota Native Tight End John Carlson

For football fans missing the season, free agency is one of the most exciting times of the offseason. There have been lots of big names getting offered big money in new deals, but the Minnesota Vikings have been pretty quiet through the opening hours. Beside re-signing backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels, news of late has been more about players leaving the team rather than new acquisitions.

As the first major addition, the Vikings picked up Minnesota native and former Seattle Seahawks tight end John Carlson on a 5-year $25 million deal, with $11 million guaranteed. Carlson will join Kyle Rudolph as Jim Kleinsasser retires. This addition may also hint at the end of Visanthe Shiancoe's tenure with the Vikings. Shiancoe tweeted "Good memories in minn.. especially '09!" from his official Twitter account earlier today. It's kind of a cryptic message, but there is plenty of speculation he will be moving on this offseason.

Stay tuned, there are still plenty of free agents and lots of time left for the Vikings to make some moves.