Minnesota Vikings Release Erin Henderson
By Sarita Kelly
After two arrests during the season, the Minnesota Vikings have released linebacker Erin Henderson— he was arrested in November on suspicion of DWI and again on New Year’s Day for suspicion of DUI.
Nov 7, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson (50) celebrates the win against the Washington Redskins at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Henderson had moved from weakside linebacker to the middle linebacker spot before the season. He liked having a larger responsibility in the Vikings’ defense, and occupying a position where his older brother E.J. had been a Pro Bowler for the Vikings.
But he struggled at the position and eventually Audie Cole filled in at middle linebacker following Henderson’s first arrest in November.
The Vikings still need to pay $250,000 dollars of Henderson’s signing bonus in 2014, according to spotrac.com. Because of the multiple arrests, underwhelming performance and minimal sunk cost to his contract, cutting Henderson is not seen as a surprise.