Wade released, Lewis signed

The Vikings have released WR Bobby Wade and signed WR Greg Lewis, the team confirmed Thursday morning on its web site after the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported it. We’ll find out more at Winter Park today.

The Vikings have released wide receiver Bobby Wade and signed WR Greg Lewis, the team confirmed on its web site.

Last week, Wade agreed to restructure his contract and take a nearly 50 percent pay cut and said he was excited by that because it gave him the opportunity to reach free agency next year, when it could be uncapped year if the college bargaining agreement isn’t extended before free agency. Now is a free agent before his stated target date.

“It was an opportunity that presented itself. I’m really happy with it, extremely happy with it. It gives me the chance to play here first and foremost this year,” Wade said following Friday night’s preseason finale. “It gives me the opportunity to play with this team, hopefully win the Super Bowl. It also gives me the opportunity to hit the market next year, which is a good deal for me, considering the time frame, opportunity, how things have been performing. And hopefully I’ll be able to perform this year and it will give me a good opportunity.”

His opportunity with the Vikings is no more.

Wade, who last week restructured his contract down to $1.5 million in 2009, has been the team’s leading receiver in the past two years, but his role was expected to be reduced this year with the addition of Percy Harvin as a first-round draft pick.

To replace him, the Vikings sign WR Greg Lewis, who was with the Philadelphia Eagles when Vikings coach Brad Childress was the offensive coordinator there.

We will find out more on the situation today at Winter Park.