Minneapolis, MN (My Sportsbook) - The Minnesota Vikings released a trio of veterans on Thursday, hours before the NFL free agency period was to begin.

The Vikings jettisoned tight end Jermaine Wiggins, offensive lineman Mike Rosenthal and cornerback Fred Smoot.

Wiggins was the team's leading receiver in both 2004 and 2005, catching a total of 140 passes in that span, but he did not fit into Brad Childress' west-coast system and caught just 46 passes for 386 yards in 2006.

Rosenthal was a part-time starter for the Vikings but had fallen behind a couple of younger players -- Ryan Cook and Marcus Johnson -- on the depth chart.

Smoot's departure ends a tempestuous two-year career in Minneapolis. He intercepted three passes but was benched in both seasons with the club. Smoot was far better known for his off-field travails, including the infamous boating incident on Lake Minnetonka in which several members of the team were accused of sexual improprieties.

The Vikings also tendered a number of their exclusive and restricted free agents on Thursday.

Minnesota gave qualifying offers to five restricted free agents -- guard Anthony Herrera, defensive tackle Spencer Johnson, tight end Richard Owens, running back Artose Pinner and defensive end Darrion Scott -- and two exclusive rights free agents -- linebacker Heath Farwell and punter Chris Kluwe.