Kearse Interests Vikings

The Vikings are checking to see if free agent defensive end Jevon Kearse is worth pursuing. Kearse was released by Philadelphia last month after five injury-plagued seasons. Vikings coach Brad Childress says they want to find out as much as they can about Kearse, who played the first three years of his career with Tennessee. During that time, Kearse was a two-time All-Pro with 36 sacks. The Vikings plan to resume contract negotiations with running back Maurice Hicks. He’s a candidate to replace Mewelde Moore, who signed a three-year contract with Pittsburgh.