3 Vikings in Danger of Depth Chart Demotions
Some chatter out there that J.J. McCarthy is going to lose his spot as the Vikings’ QB1. Look elsewhere if you’re searching for that (misguided) opinion.
Instead, consider 3 Vikings players who may be losing hold of their spot within the team’s hierarchy. The Vikings are getting healthier in the bye week while the coaching staff seeks to nail down the team’s identity. Figuring out who the team is will better equip the Vikings to develop a strategy for winning. Does that adjusted strategy lead to some demotions and promotions?
3 Vikings in Danger of Demotion
#1 — Ivan Pace, LB2
Brought back to town for a $2.6 million deal that spans just a single season, Eric Wilson has been looking good in the Brian Flores defense.
The veteran has been collecting the play call from Brian Flores since Blake Cashman went down. The suggestion is that Minnesota’s DC sees higher level communication abilities in Wilson over Ivan Pace, someone who has seen his young career align perfectly with Flores’s time in Minnesota (2023-2025).
Pace is an attacking linebacker who complements Cashman well. If, however, the desire is to lean into a more well-rounded ‘backer twosome following the return of the LB1, then Wilson sticking around as the LB2 may be the move.
#2 — Ty Chandler, RB3
Currently, the Vikings’ running back position is working through a decent bit of shuffling. Consider what the complete hierarchy looks like:
- Jordan Mason, RB2 (On the 53)
- Zavier Scott, RB4 (On the 53)
- C.J. Ham, FB1 (On the 53)
- Aaron Jones, RB1 (On the IR)
- Ty Chandler, RB3 (On the IR)
- Cam Akers, RB5 (On the PS)
- Corey Kiner, RB6 (On the PS)
One could make the case that moving on from Akers would be a mistake. The depth runner can carry the ball, catch, help on specials, and even function as the emergency QB3. Valuable depth.
And then Zavier Scott isn’t making it easy to demote him since he’s someone with size and pass-catching ability, coveted traits in a modern NFL that loves moving the pigskin through the air (though Scott’s Week 5 fumble stung).
Add all of those realities together and Ty Chandler may get squeezed out. After all, his main role was being the second kickoff returner, but Tai Felton has been solid enough in that job.
A top running back pair consisting of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason is strong. Leaning on C.J. Ham, Cam Akers, and Zavier Scott makes the backfield very deep. Does Ty Chandler still have a job to return to once healthy?
#3 — Jeff Okudah, CB3
Presumably, the bump down would only occur if there was someone picked up via trade.
Otherwise, Dwight McGlothern is on the roster. The team could pivot toward Fabian Moreau, a depth option on the practice squad. Most likely of all is a greater reliance on the team’s big nickel formation.
Harrison Smith is back, restoring the team’s top trio at safety. Smith can partner with Theo Jackson (commonly in the deep area of the field) alongside Josh Metellus (commonly in the box or slot) to give Brian Flores the defensive backs he commonly covets.
Another option among the safeties is third-year player Jay Ward, someone who had some positive moments while filling in for Smith.
Mr. Okudah offers great size and abilities. He has nevertheless fallen short of his potential while operating as the CB3. Seeing the Vikings shift away from the former Lions No. 3 pick wouldn’t hit as too much of a surprise.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
