MINNEAPOLIS — After missing the Super Bowl by a few plays two years ago, the Minnesota Vikings have fallen apart.

To put the pieces back together, they have to get younger. So their decision Saturday to drop three established, expensive players from the roster was no surprise.

The Vikings released left guard Steve Hutchinson, right guard Anthony Herrera and cornerback Cedric Griffin, saving more than $13 million for this year.

With the No. 3 pick in next month’s draft, the Vikings should have a shot at celebrated USC left tackle Matt Kalil. If they do that, incumbent Charlie Johnson could be moved to Hutchinson’s spot. They’ll have to find a new starter at right guard, too, without Herrera.

An undrafted free agent who made the team out of Tennessee in 2004, Herrera worked his way into the starting lineup in 2007 and helped clear holes on some of running back Adrian Peterson’s best days. But he’s 31 and would’ve drawn a $2.65 million salary. Herrera came off a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and started 12 games last year. Journeyman Joe Berger and Seneca Valley High School product Brandon Fusco, a sixth-round draft pick before last season, are two existing candidates to take over for Herrera.