The Vikings’ December Roster Moves Contain 1 Waiver, 2 Signings, and Some PS Shuffling
The Vikings’ December moves haven’t been too plentiful, but Minnesota isn’t entirely static, either.
GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is seldom passive. Things will heat up for the top executive in March and April — those are the climactic moments on his calendar — but he’s a man who is keen to improve. Consider some of the decisions that have been made across close to two weeks of December.
The Vikings’ December Roster Moves
At first, there was the decision to waive receiver Adam Thielen.
Doing so came a game too late. Failing to acknowledge the obvious and move on from the washed veteran meant seeing a 6th turn into a 7th due to the conditions attached to the trade. Mr. Thielen is now a Steeler, working alongside Aaron Rodgers for a Pittsburgh team that could get into the playoffs but not do much once there.
Moving on from Thielen creates a trio of benefits:
- Some added cap space.
- More snaps for young receivers.
- A clear turn toward building for 2026.
There have then been a pair of adds to the practice squad. Minnesota signed receiver Joaquin Davis (read more) and linebacker Josh Ross (read more). Neither appears close to getting onto the field in 2025, but stranger things have happened.
The receiver, Mr. Davis, stands at 6’4″ and weighs 195 pounds. His frame could stand to be a touch heavier, but he’s super long. Partner that with some top-end speed and it’s easy to see the appeal. Any chance he could one day be a speedster to take the top off a defense? He is 23.
Meanwhile, Ross is an undersized ‘backer, one coming in at 6’0″ and 229 pounds. Some recent examples of Vikings linebackers with a similar build are Brian Asamoah and Kamu Grugier-Hill. Essentially, a large safety. His path to playing time likely rests on specials.
Note, as well, that running back Ty Chandler has seen his 21-day practice window opened. If healthy, Chandler can get worked back into the mix at any time. He’s likely moving into his final weeks as a Viking.
John Wolford has been signed to the active roster, giving Minnesota a trio of passers for games. J.J. McCarthy remains the QB1 and Max Brosmer is the QB2. Wolford, the “psycho,” is being kept around as the veteran insurance policy.
Oh, and practice squad enthusiasts could be keen to learn that corner Dwight McGlothern and defensive tackle Taki Taimani have been bumped up for games, too.
The Vikings are soon to enter a game against the Cowboys. Unless a miracle occurs, Minnesota is going to continue marching along a well-worn path: one season in the playoffs, the next outside of the playoffs. Repeat the cycle to infinity.
If the pattern holds, the moves that the Vikings’ GM is making are ones that will contribute toward what will be a playoff season for Minnesota in 2026.
Kickoff for the Week 15 game is at 7:20 p.m. CT since the Minnesota/Dallas game is on Sunday Night Football.
