Withrow Leads Vikings’ Cut List

On the first day NFL clubs could release veteran players, the Vikings announced the release of five of their own.

NFL clubs could begin releasing veterans today, and the Vikings opted to release five veterans.

The most tenured player with the Vikings among those cuts was backup center Cory Withrow, a five-year veteran out of Washington State who originally signed with the team as an undrafted free agent. The Vikings could either opt to re-sign veteran Billy Conaty, plug in second-year player Anthony Herrera or look for another backup in free agency or the draft. Hererra could be the most likely choice to back up Pro Bowler Matt Birk.

Cornerback Terrance Shaw was another key veteran from 2004 that was released. The 10-year pro was used primarily as a nickel back but began to wear down as the season progressed. For now, the Vikings have Ralph Brown and Ken Irvin that can contribute as nickel backs if the team either re-signs cornerback Brian Williams (a restricted free agent) or finds a replacement for him in the starting lineup. Antoine Winfield’s status with the team is cemented as their No. 1 cornerback.

Also released were running back Larry Ned, cornerback Rhett Nelson and wide receiver Kenny Clark, the cousin of Daunte Culpepper who has struggled with injuries throughout his time with the Vikings.