By Matthew Coller
The Vikings cut their roster from 90 to 53 on Sunday. Here’s a dive into each position, the decisions they made and what could come next…
Quarterback
Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz, JJ McCarthy, Max Brosmer
Analysis:
At least for cutdown day, McCarthy remains a Viking. We can’t know for sure whether the Vikings tried to trade him or not but it’s pretty clear that a trade would have had complications, including the price tag for McCarthy how much the Vikings would need in return to make it worth their while. If teams were offering late-round picks, it may simply be better to keep him as a backup QB who knows the offense.
Brosmer making the team is interesting. Kevin O’Connell has made no bones about his appreciation for the former Gopher, though they may have decided to keep him so another team doesn’t pick him up and then they could bump him to the practice squad at another time when they make additions.
Running back
Jordan Mason, Aaron Jones, Demond Claiborne, Max Bredeson
Analysis:
Because Zavier Scott showed the Vikings he could get into games last season, it was a little surprising that he got cut but it might be more about Demond Claiborne not being ready to play significant time than it is Scott. With Jones having past injuries and Mason not being an all-around back, they might need someone who is more capable of taking on a heavier workload if called upon.
Wide receiver
Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, Myles Price, Tai Felton, Dillon Bell
Analysis:
Bell had a really good second preseason game, showing off his speed and explosiveness. While he’s still a raw prospect, the Vikings probably were concerned that another team would see his talent and pick him up off waivers.
Tight end
TJ Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Ben Yurosek, Gavin Bartholomew
Analysis:
Bartholomew had a very strong camp and good final preseason game as a pass-catching tight end with some YAC ability but Yurosek showed last season that he can be a blocker and catch the ball when called upon. They elected to keep both, giving them backup options if Hockenson’s role needed to be replaced or Oliver’s spot. The four-TE room might also be tenuous depending on other moves that happen on the roster.
Offensive line
Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Blake Brandel, Will Fries, Brian O’Neill
Ryan Van Demark, Caleb Tiernan, Joe Huber
Analysis:
The Vikings placed backup center Michael Jurgens on short-term injured reserve, leaving them with only eight linemen and Huber to be the current backup center. They decided to cut Henry Byrd and trade Walter Rouse to the New England Patriots, leaving them with a clear need for another interior offensive linemen. Presumably they will be looking for a player with center/guard experience.