John Carlson entered the free-agent market on Tuesday looking for a specific target.

The Minnesota Vikings met it. They signed the veteran tight end to a $25 million, five-year contract today. The deal includes $11 million in guarantees.

Carlson started free agency by visiting the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday, and it looked like he was headed there. But the Vikings were able to woo him onto an airplane to make a visit and also pass on a trip to meet with the Indianapolis Colts. They got the deal done.

The Seattle Seahawks had hoped to retain Carlson but after they paid Zach Miller last summer, they couldn’t invest in two tight ends. The Vikings are letting Visanthe Shiancoe exit via free agency.

Follow me on Twitter: @BradBiggs

Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune