The former Bears star was at the top of Minnesota's wish list and bolstered the team's receiving corps after agreeing to a six-year, $42 million contract.

By JUDD ZULGAD, Star Tribune

Bernard Berrian was never considered the No. 1 receiver in his four seasons with the Chicago Bears despite the fact he felt he was "definitely prepared for it." He won't have to worry about lacking that designation any longer.

The Vikings made sure of that Saturday night when they signed the 27-year-old free agent to a $42 million, six-year contract that includes $16 million in guarantees. Berrian, who will get $23 million over the first three years, reportedly will become the fourth-highest-paid receiver in the NFL.

Not bad for a guy who has never had a 1,000-yard season or made a Pro Bowl appearance. Berrian, however, was considered one of the top receivers on the market. Chicago offered him $25 million over five years. This came after he had a career-high 71 receptions in 2007. That was 17 more than Vikings team leader Bobby Wade, a former teammate of Berrian's in Chicago.

"We were just missing syncing up the passing game, and obviously good players help you to improve that," Vikings coach Brad Childress said.

"We have the running game where we want, and you don't want to be one-dimensional in this league," Childress said.

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