Nov 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings working again Zavier Scott (36) runs the ball in the course of the second half towards the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Area. Obligatory Credit score: Steven Bisig-Imagn Pictures.
Throughout any given offseason, the Minnesota Vikings (and 31 different NFL groups) often have at the very least one roster lower that prompts the fan base to collectively ask, “Wait, why’d they release that guy?” VikingsTerritory writers are right here to foretell that man’s identification in 2026.
A handful of recognizable Vikings gamers might enter harmful roster territory as Minnesota trims its depth chart this summer season.
Roster cuts are nonetheless three months away, however that is the record to get you pondering.
Minnesota’s Roster Bubble Has A number of Acquainted Names
Is unemployment across the bend for these dudes?
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Rypien (11) pitches the ball to working again Zavier Scott (36) throughout third-quarter motion towards the Houston Texans on Aug. 9, 2025, at U.S. Financial institution Stadium in Minneapolis. Rypien operated Minnesota’s offense in preseason play whereas Scott labored beneath site visitors on a growing possibility look in the course of the exhibition matchup. Obligatory Credit score: Brad Rempel-Imagn Pictures.
1. Zavier Scott | RB
VT Author: Steve Hoikkala
With the addition of rookie RB Demond Claiborne and FB Max Bredeson, there will likely be crowded house to make room for a fourth again on the 53-man roster, even after Scott’s promising moments within the 2025 season. Count on the Vikings to attempt to stash him on the apply squad and have him prepared in case of harm this yr.
2. Myles Value | WR-KR-PR
VT Author: Janik Eckardt
Although he appeared like a superb returner, Value made a number of essential errors over the course of his rookie season. This summer season, dynamic rookies Dillon Bell and Demond Claiborne will problem Value for his spot and are available out victorious.
3. Johnny Hekker | P
VT Author: Ted Schwerzler
I don’t know if it winds up being a giant shock, however Brett Thorson was signed to win the punter job. He gives extra long-term upside than the veteran Hekker, and he’ll get his alternatives to push him off the roster.
4. … No person This Time
VT Author: Wes Johnson
The Vikings are a staff that has largely missed on the NFL Draft over the previous few years, and in consequence, they’ve lacked depth over the previous two seasons. That appears to have modified this season, as, by all accounts, they’ve added intelligently within the draft and thru free company.
Whereas buying and selling the loser of the QB battle is feasible, rolling with an undrafted rookie QB at instances final season ought to have left a foul style within the teaching workers’s mouth, to the purpose that I’d not need to commerce my depth at a very powerful place in soccer.
t5. Theo Jackson | S
VT Author: Henrique Gucciardi
Minnesota Vikings security Theo Jackson (26) traces up defensively towards the Los Angeles Rams in the course of the NFC wild-card spherical on Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Jackson dealt with an expanded position in Minnesota’s secondary in the course of the postseason matchup because the Vikings tried to sluggish the Rams’ passing assault beneath the brilliant playoff highlight. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Pictures.
I anticipated much more from Jackson as a starter, to be sincere. Brian Flores has used a number of three-safety packages, so possibly Jackson will stick round. Nevertheless, Jay Ward had some good moments late within the season. Metellus ought to be more healthy in 2026, Jakobe Thomas can have the chance to play on protection, and I’m additionally shopping for UDFA Jacob Thomas’s inventory.
t5. Theo Jackson | S
VT Author: Dustin Baker
The Vikings often hold 9 defensive backs on the common season roster. As a result of he has not expressly retired, let’s roll with Harrison Smith returning for Yr No. 15. That completes this DB room for Brian Flores:
Byron Murphy Jr. (CB)
Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
James Pierre (CB)
Charles Demmings (CB)
Harrison Smith (S)
Joshua Metellus (S)
Jay Ward (S)
Jakobe Thomas (S)
Tavierre Thomas (S)
Jackson is the odd man out.
t6. Tai Felton | WR
VT Author: Cole Smith
The Jauan Jennings signing indicators that Felton isn’t able to take the following step, and Myles Value gives return capability. That makes me wonder if the Vikings assume they’ll substitute no matter potential he has as WR4 with another person.
t6. Tai Felton | WR
VT Author: Brevan Bane
Felton could have had the possibility to take the WR3 position earlier than the Jauan Jennings signing; now, he could by no means get that chance. The Vikings letting Felton go earlier than he ever will get a shot can be a “surprise”, however that’s within the identify. Maybe, they’ve seen all they should see from him in practices and exercises. In any case, they’ve extra information of him than we do.
t7. Ivan Tempo Jr. | LB
VT Author: Kyle Joudry
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Tempo Jr. (0) celebrates after recording a sack towards the Jacksonville Jaguars throughout second-quarter motion on Nov. 10, 2024, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. Tempo energized Minnesota’s protection with the momentum-shifting play because the Vikings constantly pressured Jacksonville’s offense all through the opening half of the highway contest. Obligatory Credit score: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Pictures.
Hate to say Ivan Tempo Jr., since I’ve speculated about him being traded away for some time earlier than being fallacious for a number of months now, nevertheless it’s exhausting to disregard Minnesota lessening his workload for consecutive seasons, after which his total cap cost with the ability to get wiped off the books with zero lifeless cash. So, I’ll say Mr. Tempo, even when I’ve been fallacious loads right here and want nothing however good issues for him.
t7. Ivan Tempo Jr. | LB
VT Author: Adam New
From undrafted to a starter, the fairytale of Tempo Jr. has soured. If second-round rookie Jake Golday is an early success, Tempo Jr. might slip additional down the depth chart, and there may be over $3 million to be saved by slicing him. It might change into the smart move.
t7. Ivan Tempo Jr. | LB
VT Author: Ali Siddiqui
The Vikings would save over $3 million by releasing Tempo Jr., and so they used their second decide on an LB. His position additionally decreased final yr. Too many good linebackers is an excellent drawback. Champagne, even.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
