Minnesota Vikings fan reacts from the stands at U.S. Financial institution Stadium as Tampa Bay controls a tense third-quarter stretch throughout the season opener in Minneapolis. On Sep. 10, 2023, the group watched Minnesota seek for momentum in opposition to the Buccaneers whereas frustration mounted inside the house venue throughout an uneven afternoon. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports activities.
Almost each summer time, the Minnesota Vikings have at the very least one roster lower that makes a fan suppose, “What? They cut that guy?” And there’s no motive to consider 2026 shall be any totally different, particularly with new normal supervisor Nolan Teasley, who has allegiance to zero gamers on the present roster, within the saddle.
So, to get you enthusiastic about beautiful potential roster cuts, right here’s the checklist for 2026 in alphabetical order.
Coaching Camp Might Put Acquainted Names in Bother
Pittsburgh tight finish Gavin Bartholomew works by means of drills at Lucas Oil Stadium throughout the 2025 NFL Mix, displaying his motion expertise for evaluators from across the league. On Feb. 28, 2025, Bartholomew completes one other testing section as groups examine his athletic profile forward of the spring draft course of in Indianapolis that afternoon. Necessary Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Photos
Gavin Bartholomew | TE
The Vikings used a Sixth-Spherical choose on Bartholomew in a draft once they had so only a few picks after the costly Dallas Turner commerce in 2024. Each choose needed to make an affect to offset the shortage of rookies becoming a member of the depth chart.
The consequence? Barothomew missed all the 2025 season with a decrease again harm. He didn’t play a single snap on offense or particular groups as a rookie.
Quick ahead to 2026, and the person has one thing to show. He should present that he belongs on the depth chart, particularly that undrafted free agent Ben Yurosek didn’t steal his job. In concept, Minnesota may preserve 4 tight ends on the 53-man roster, but when it retains the customary three, coaching camp is a battle between Bartholomew and Yurosek at TE3.
And Bartholomew may lose.
Tai Felton | WR
Felton’s roster spot with the staff may hinge on the dynamics at coaching camp.
Drafted by the Vikings within the third Spherical simply over a yr in the past, the extensive receiver’s presence within the offense largely vanished as soon as the common season started, and his minimal involvement in passing performs was perplexing. Such an consequence can’t be repeated in his second yr.
With the addition of undrafted rookie Dillon Bell, the Vikings now have one other younger receiver to judge. Ought to Bell impress throughout camp, Minnesota could not contemplate Felton’s draft standing a assure for a roster spot.
Our Brevan Bane famous on Felton final month, “Now that the Vikings have signed WR Jauan Jennings to be WR3 behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, things are looking a bit murky for Tai Felton. Maybe, he’s still in the long-term plans since Jennings is on a one year deal.”
“However, it’s not a great look for those that have high hopes for Felton to be a major piece of the Vikings’ offense. Tai Felton is a speedster, posing a real threat to take the top off of defenses whenever he’s on the field. At least, he was that in college.”
Fortunately for Felton, if the Vikings lower him, one other staff would certainly give him a glance. Velocity kills.
“Felton couldn’t even manage to get the WR4 role coming out of training camp in his rookie year, as the Vikings would re-acquire WR Adam Thielen via trade with the Panthers, who would split reps with Jalen Nailor,” Bane added.
“Felton only played 40 total snaps at receiver in 2025 for the Vikings, with 293 coming on special teams. The Vikings likely do value Felton’s special teams ability, and to be fair, that is how Adam Thielen got his start in Minnesota.”
Ivan Tempo Jr. | LB
Tempo enters coaching camp with considerably much less job safety than earlier Julys.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Tempo Jr. reacts throughout second-half motion in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC Wild Card sport at State Farm Stadium. On Jan. 13, 2025, Tempo responds after one other defensive snap as Minnesota battles by means of a high-pressure postseason matchup in Glendale with its season hanging within the steadiness. Necessary Credit score: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Photos.
The Vikings benched him for Eric Wilson in 2025, a transfer that led to Wilson taking part in at a Professional Bowl stage. Though Minnesota later re-signed Tempo, his contract provides little safety; releasing him would incur no dead-cap hit.
The state of affairs may grow to be much more precarious with rookie Jake Golday. If Golday reveals he’s prepared for normal season play, Tempo would possibly discover himself off the roster earlier than Week 1.
In the end, Tempo’s destiny hinges on his tackling potential. He was an environment friendly tackler in his first two seasons, however that side of his sport disappeared in 2025. He should show that his earlier type remains to be intact.
Myles Value | WR
Seek advice from the WR state of affairs above. Suppose the Vikings preserve Felton and Bell. That may spell bother for Value, who’s “only” specialty in the intervening time is returning kicks and punts. Minnesota simply drafted working again Demond Claiborne, and consider it or not, he has the pace to carry out each jobs if referred to as upon.
Minnesota Vikings extensive receiver Myles Value returns a kickoff in opposition to New England at U.S. Financial institution Stadium, accelerating into open house throughout fourth-quarter preseason motion. On Aug. 16, 2025, Value showcases his burst and imaginative and prescient as Minnesota evaluates his particular groups worth and potential offensive position in opposition to the Patriots in Minneapolis that summer time afternoon. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photos.
It’s not troublesome to interchange a return man, and if the Vikings worth a roster spot for an additional extensive receiver, Value’s restricted utility on offense may ship him to the apply squad or outright free company.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
