Birk's agent says center will attend minicamp

Last update: May 30, 2008 - 11:07 PM

Matt Birk isn't attending the Vikings' voluntary workouts this offseason, but his agent said Friday the veteran center will be at the team's mandatory minicamp next weekend at Winter Park.

"Out of respect to Coach [Brad] Childress and the team Matt intends to be at the minicamp," Joe Linta said.

The three-day camp will begin next Friday. Running back Chester Taylor, who like Birk has missed all seven practices during the organized team activities the past two weeks, also is expected to be in attendance at the minicamp. Coach Brad Childress said last week that Taylor was tending to a family emergency.

Birk, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, is entering the last year of an eight-year contract that will pay him a base salary of $5.32 million this season. He also is due a $400,000 roster bonus. The Vikings have yet to approach Birk about a contract extension, and he has elected to work out on his own this offseason.

John Sullivan, a sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame in the April draft, has served as the primary replacement for Birk with the first-team offense during the OTAs. Dan Mozes also has gotten some work with the top unit.

JUDD ZULGAD