Vikings sign Wade to five-year deal

The Vikings took a first step Tuesday toward rebuilding their receiving corps, signing free agent Bobby Wade to a five-year, $15 million contract.

The sides wrapped up negotiations shortly after 9 p.m., ending a day-long visit Wade made to Winter Park. Coach Brad Childress projected Wade as a slot receiver who will excel in mid-range routes.

Wade, who has caught 101 passes in four seasons with Chicago and Tennessee, joins veterans Troy Williamson and Billy McMullen in a group that will continue to evolve.

"I think what jumps out is his ability in the slot," Childress said. "You see a lot of his opportunities coming because of his ability to work the middle of the field."

Wade, 5-10 and 188 pounds, could also see time as a kickoff and/or punt returner. He has succeeded at both in his career, averaging 23.9 yards on kickoff returns last season for Tennessee and 9.6 on punt returns in 2005.

His open-field skills, Wade said, make him "a perfect fit" for the Vikings' offense.

"Sitting down with [Childress] today, we spoke a lot about running after the catch," he said. "That's something I've done a lot in the past. If I can bring anything to this offense, I hope it will be that attribute."

Childress, meanwhile, said he believes the Vikings still are in the running for free agent receiver Kevin Curtis -- who left after a weekend visit without signing a contract.

In other news

• The Vikings apparently are continuing their efforts to restructure tight end Jim Kleinsasser's contract, which calls for him to make $2.9 million in 2007. It's possible Kleinsasser could be released if the talks are unsuccessful. "[The situation] hasn't changed," Childress said.

• Childress said the Vikings will maintain their patient approach to free agency, which has netted three second-tier veterans -- Wade, along with tight end Visanthe Shiancoe and linebacker Vinny Ciurciu. "We're only three or four days into it," Childress said. "We've got a list of guys that we're working through, and we'll continue to work our way through it."

• Linebacker Napoleon Harris signed a six-year, $24 million contract with Kansas City that includes $7.5 million in guaranteed money. Harris, who started 14 games for the Vikings last season, will continue playing middle linebacker for the Chiefs.

The Vikings have several internal candidates for replacing Harris. Ben Leber or E.J. Henderson could move inside, while Dontarrious Thomas is another option. The Vikings also could draft a linebacker next month.

• Speaking to Dallas reporters Tuesday, quarterback Brad Johnson said the Cowboys "just felt like the right fit." Johnson signed a three-year contract worth $7.5 million to back up Tony Romo after spending the weekend visiting Denver.

Asked about his disappointing 2006 season with the Vikings, Johnson said: "Obviously, last year wasn't what I would have wanted it to be. But I was 13-10 with a team that was 2-7 without me as a starter the last two years."

Kevin Seifert • kseifert@startribune.com