Published: Thursday, February 15, 2001

Vikings' Burrough expecting pink slip

Pioneer Press

---------------------------------------------------------------------- -- SEAN JENSEN STAFF WRITER ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -- The Vikings contacted the agent for defensive end John Burrough on Tuesday and told him his client's release likely was imminent. Although team sources insisted nothing is final, one source said the Vikings contacted agent Donald Yee to ensure Burrough was not ``blindsided'' by the decision. Burrough is well thought of among teammates and coaches because of his warm personality and deeply-rooted faith. But since he was signed two years ago, he has struggled with injuries and failed to produce at a rate befitting of his salary. Because of NFL rules, the Vikings cannot release Burrough until Feb. 22, when the waiver period opens. But by releasing the veteran, the Vikings will save about $1.6 million. Burrough did not return messages. ``John enjoyed his time there and is looking forward to the future,'' Yee said. ``It's just business.'' Burrough was the Vikings' most significant free-agent signing two years ago, and he was expected to be a full-time starter at end. On Feb. 17, 1999, Burrough signed a three-year, $5.25 million contract that included a signing bonus of $1.3 million. But Burrough started just eight games in the past two seasons, making 57 tackles and three sacks. He also was hampered by several injuries, most notably an ankle that required surgery and forced him to miss six games in 1999. Burrough was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 1995 draft. The imminent release of Burrough will help the Vikings, who still must find a way to trim about $18 million more from its payroll to meet the March 2 salary cap deadline. The team is working to restructure the contracts of several players, lowering base salaries in an effort to lower its salary total. The team's first move was rescinding the contract of return specialist David Palmer, saving the club $700,000. Other potential cap casualties include offensive lineman Brad Badger and defensive

-- Mark (Karch 222@aol.com), February 15, 2001