Minnesota Vikings release Greg Childs and Letroy Guion

Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Letroy Guion (98) celebrates the missed field goal by the Chicago Bears in overtime at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Vikings win 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnsota Vikings have released wide receiver Greg Childs and defensive tackle Letroy Guion, per the team’s official Twitter account. 

In a move to create more cap space, the Vikings will now have about $40 million to spend this offseason. The team also released backup tight end John Carlson earlier in the week, per Andrew Krammer of 1500ESPN.com.

Even though some fans may have liked the pick of Childs in  the fourth round of 2012 coming out of Arkansas, it’s hard to say he’ll be missed with the Vikings. After going on IR in the 2012 preseason with torn patellar tendons in both knees, Childs spent the 2013 season on the PUP list.

Guion, a fifth round selection from 2008, got his chance as a starter this past season, but did not shine on what was a very poor defensive unit that allowed the second most yards per game.

The Vikings are officially entering the 2014 season in rebuilding mode. With the defensive minded Mike Zimmer at the helm and Norv Turner now in place as offensive coordinator, they will have some very interesting decisions to make in free agency, as well as in the draft.

On the defensive side, the big question mark is Jared Allen. He’s been the face of that D for the last few years, but it looks like he’s all but gone in Minnesota. As for the offense, it’s no secret the Vikes need a QB. Some have speculated about the team taking Derek Carr with their eighth overall pick, and even Adrian Peterson has lobbied for the team to sign Michael Vick in free agency.