News briefs: Ravens release wideout Johnson

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens released wide receiver Kevin Johnson on Tuesday. The move makes him an unrestricted free agent, and he will forego $1.4 million in salary.

The Ravens obtained Johnson from the Jacksonville Jaguars in the spring of 2004 for a fourth-round draft pick.

Johnson recently expressed a preference to play for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Johnson caught a career-low 35 passes for 373 yards and a touchdown in 2004. He had averaged 66 receptions in his previous five seasons with the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville.

The Ravens had the 31st-ranked passing game in the NFL in 2004 and are likely to try to recruit high-profile receivers when the free agent signing period begins March 2.

Chiefs let oft-injured Holliday go

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Vonnie Holliday was released after injuries sidelined him for much of last season.

Holliday joined the Chiefs as a free agent in April 2003. He appeared in 25 games in 2003 and 2004, totaling 93 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 11 quarterback pressures. Groin and abdomen injuries cut his season short last year.

Holliday was the 19th pick out of North Carolina in the 1998 draft by the Green Bay Packers.

The Chiefs signed Holliday away from Green Bay, but he never made much of a difference with a poor Kansas City defense.

Vikes hire Wes Chandler to coach WRs

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Vikings hired former San Diego Chargers receiver Wes Chandler to coach their receivers on Tuesday.

Chandler played 11 seasons in the NFL and was named to the Pro Bowl four times. He was drafted No. 3 overall by the New Orleans Saints in 1978, but played most of his career with the Chargers. He retired in 1987 with 559 career receptions for 8,966 yards.