A day after word spread that the Vikings were looking to trade veteran center John Sullivan, the team released him.
It usually works that way.
Sullivan returned from a back injury that kept him out for all of last season and started the first two preseason games, but the Vikings decided to go with Joe Berger at center.
Sullivan, 31, was a sixth-round pick of the Vikings in 2008 and was the team’s starting center from 2009-14.
“Our entire organization appreciates everything that John Sullivan has done for this franchise,” Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said in a statement. “Sullivan led our team, not only with how he played the game, but also with how he handled himself in our community. We wish John Sullivan and his family nothing but the best as they move forward.”