Holcomb let go; Farwell tendered

The Vikings didn't wait until the NFL's free agency period opened to get busy making moves.

The team released quarterback Kelly Holcomb on Wednesday and took a step toward keeping linebacker and special-teams star Heath Farwell by giving the restricted free agent a second-round tender offer of $1.4 million for 2008. Meanwhile, the Vikings were trying to retain the services of free-agent receiver Robert Ferguson late Wednesday, but he might wait to see what type of interest he draws from teams beginning at 11 tonight when players are allowed to start talking to other clubs.

Several of the Vikings' unrestricted free agents also appear set to test the market, including fullback Tony Richardson. Richardson, who was selected to the Pro Bowl this season, is considered a quality presence in the locker room but at 36 the Vikings are believed to have concerns about his age.

Others set to look elsewhere are safety Mike Doss; running back Mewelde Moore; defensive linemen Spencer Johnson and Darrion Scott; linebacker Dontarrious Thomas; and safety Tank Williams. Cornerback Ronyell Whitaker is a free agent but the Vikings hold the right of first refusal on any offer he receives.

Among the unrestricted free agents, Williams might have the best chance of returning. The Vikings would like to bring him back but it likely would be in a reserve role. Williams, though, wants to see if there is an opportunity to compete for a starting job with another team.

The Vikings, who released starting free safety Dwight Smith last week, appear poised to make an offer to Cincinnati free-agent safety Madieu Williams.

Holcomb's tenure with the Vikings lasted one season. The 11-year veteran was acquired from Philadelphia in the final week of training camp for a sixth-round draft pick in 2009 after Brooks Bollinger struggled in the preseason.

Holcomb started three games in place of the injured Tarvaris Jackson, completing 42 of 83 passes for 515 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. The Vikings went 0-3 in Holcomb's starts and he did not play after injuring his neck in an October loss to the Eagles. It's been reported the Vikings might pursue Miami's Cleo Lemon to replace Holcomb.

As for Farwell, he will be able to negotiate with other teams, but the Vikings retain the right to match any offer he receives. If the Vikings decline to match, they would receive a second-round draft pick.

It didn't take Smith long to find work. The safety visited and signed with his hometown team, the Detroit Lions, on Wednesday, meaning he will face the Vikings twice next season. Smith reportedly received a two-year, $5 million deal that includes a $350,000 signing bonus.

Lions coach Rod Marinelli was an assistant with Tampa Bay when Smith was with that organization. Smith had eight interceptions in two seasons with the Vikings and started 27 of the 29 games in which he appeared.

• The Vikings trade of receiver Troy Williamson to Jacksonville for a sixth-round pick can become official tonight when the NFL's trading and free agency period begins.