A Look at the Salaries for the 2023 Vikings Practice Squad Heading into the Regular Season
The Minnesota Vikings finalized their initial 53-man roster last week. In addition, they also brought on 16 players to fill out their practice squad.
While much of the salary cap went towards Minnesota’s active roster, the Vikings also spent a chunk on these practice squad players. Today, we will be taking a look at the salaries for the 2023 Vikings practice squad.
The 2023 Vikings Practice Squad Salaries
Leading the way for Minnesota’s practice squad in terms of cash (per Over the Cap) is veteran LB Nick Vigil. He reunited with the Vikings after playing the 2021 season in purple, recording 85 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception. He would start 12 games for the Vikings that year.
This year, Vigil brings depth to the Vikings LB position on the practice squad and is set to make $370,800 this season. Here is a look at the salaries for the other 15 players on Minnesota’s practice squad:
- DT Sheldon Day ($289,800)
- WR N’Keal Harry ($289,800)
- OT Hakeem Adeniji ($289,800)
- CB Joejuan Williams ($289,800)
- OLB Luiji Vilain ($216,000)
- OLB Benton Whitley ($216,000)
- CB C.J. Coldon ($216,000)
- WR Thayer Thomas ($216,000)
- DT T.J. Smith ($216,000)
- RB DeWayne McBride ($216,000)
- WR Trishton Jackson ($216,000)
- WR Lucky Jackson ($216,000)
- IOL Henry Byrd ($216,000)
- IOL Tyrese Robinson ($216,000)
- CB Jaylin Williams ($216,000)
In total, the Vikings are spending an estimated $3.906 million on their practice squad this year. This is the largest number in the NFC North division (again, per Over the Cap’s estimations).
The Detroit Lions came in right behind the Vikings at $3,839,400. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers are spending $3,765,600, and the Chicago Bears bring up the rear at $3,704,400.
The most recent acquisition for the Vikings practice squad was WR N’Keal Harry, whom the Vikings released last week as they trimmed down their roster from 90 players to 53. Because of the sheer depth at the WR position, Minnesota simply didn’t have room for him on the active roster, but they were able to bring him back on Monday.
Both Harry and Vigil could see time on the field at some point this season because of their veteran status in the NFL. Other potential contributors include rookie RB DeWayne McBride, OLB Luiji Vilain, and CB Joejuan Williams.
While McBride was a somewhat expected cut due to the Vikings depth at RB, both Vilain and Williams were surprises with how well they played during the summer. Particularly for Williams, it seemed that he would make it onto the active roster to provide veteran depth at the CB position. Regardless, all three players are back and can suit up for the Vikings when needed.
The Vikings begin their 2023 regular season on Sunday, September 10th as they play host to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the days prior to the game, we will see if any of these practice squaders are called up to the active roster for that matchup.
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.
