Vikings Waive 7th-Round Pick DeWayne McBride
As the NFL roster cutdown deadline approaches, the Minnesota Vikings continue to inch closer to their final 53-man roster.
In their latest move, the Vikings waived their seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, DeWayne McBride. The release was reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, who tweeted, “The #Vikings are waiving rookie seventh-round pick RB DeWayne McBride, per source. The former UAB star scored two preseason TDs.”
Vikings Waive RB DeWayne McBride
The running back spent his collegiate years at UAB where he was one of the most productive backs in all of college football. Over three years with the Blazers, McBride amassed 484 carries for 3523 yards and 36 TDs. His 19 rushing touchdowns in 2022 ranked third in FBS play.
Throughout his collegiate career, McBride was a bit of a one-trick pony at the running back position. While he was able to rack up massive rushing yardage totals at UAB, he very rarely got involved in the passing game. The RB totaled just five receptions over his collegiate career, and he left much to be desired as a blocker.
Minnesota tried him out at kick returner during the preseason opener against the Seahawks, but that did not go to plan. McBride totaled three returns for an average of just 16.7 yards per return.
However, the running back showed some promise near the goal line during preseason play. He scored both touchdowns on one-yard attempts, and should he return to the practice squad, there could see some opportunities in these scenarios for him during the season.
Ultimately, though, Minnesota has a pair of talented backs in Alexander Mattison and Ty Chandler who should eat up much of the touches in the backfield this season. As a result, McBride became expendable despite a strong showing in the final preseason game against Arizona.
As 3 PM approaches, the Vikings now have five RBs on their roster: Mattison, Chandler, Kene Nwangwu, C.J. Ham, and Aaron Dykes. With Nwangwu’s health being a question, this could be a group to keep an eye on even past the cutdown deadline.
2023 Vikings Roster Cuts Tracker
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.