The 8 Starters That the Vikings Must Replace in 2023
Josh Frey
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The Minnesota Vikings lost a number of pieces from the 2022 roster this offseason. On both offense and defense, young players are going to have to step up in order to replace the production left behind. Here is a look at the 8 starters who must be replaced in 2023.
RB Dalvin Cook
Dalvin Cook is the most recent player to be released by the Vikings this offseason, and he is still looking for his next team in 2023. Apparently, there is an offer on the table from the Miami Dolphins, and all reports have suggested that he is getting lots of interest on the free agency market. With Cook gone, the Vikings now turn to a group of RBs that includes Alexander Mattison, Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu, and DeWayne McBride.
WR Adam Thielen
After his incredible rise through the ranks of the Vikings roster over the past decade, Adam Thielen is no longer playing in purple and gold during 2023. Instead, he is going to spend his 11th NFL season playing for the Carolina Panthers after he signed a three-year deal worth $25 million. The Vikings have a position battle at wide receiver now for that WR2 spot between first-round pick Jordan Addison and veteran K.J. Osborn.
DL Dalvin Tomlinson
Dalvin Tomlinson sat out with injury for the first time this season, but when he was on the field, he remained very productive for the Vikings during his second year with the team. However, he landed a massive four-year contract with the Cleveland Browns worth a total of $57 million. With him no longer in Minnesota, expect to see much more Khyiris Tonga this season.
EDGE Za’Darius Smith
The Vikings signed Za’Darius Smith last offseason, and after just one year in Minnesota, Smith is on the move after being traded to the Cleveland Browns. He recorded 10 sacks last year, so he leaves a huge void at EDGE that must be filled by free agent signing Marcus Davenport and other depth pieces such as Patrick Jones, Luiji Vilain, and D.J. Wonnum.
LB Eric Kendricks
Another of the main staples of the Vikings franchise over the past few years is gone in 2023 after the Vikings released LB Eric Kendricks this spring. It opened up a large chunk of cap space, but Kendricks’ presence in the defense surely will be missed this year. Brian Asamoah looks like the main candidate to take on the starting role that the veteran leaves behind, but Troy Reeder could also be in the mix.
CB Patrick Peterson
After a legendary career with the Arizona Cardinals, Patrick Peterson joined the Vikings prior to the 2021 season and spent two years in Minnesota before leaving this spring for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Vikings are going through a serious overhaul in their CB room this year, and Peterson will likely be the toughest to replace.
CB Cameron Dantzler
Cameron Dantzler struggled through injuries during his final season with the Vikings, and at the end of the year, he was surprisingly waived by the team despite having a year left on his contract. He was claimed by the Washington Commanders, but cut not long after; Dantzler now finds himself competing for a spot on the Bills roster.
CB Chandon Sullivan
Joining Smith as the ex-Packers to sign with the Vikings last season, Chandon Sullivan spent the year manning the slot cornerback position in Minnesota. However, he had his fair share of struggles, and this spring, he signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, joining Peterson.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.