Vikings Say Goodbye to a Young Player Ahead of Draft
A minor surprise, perhaps, but one that appears to be due to health concerns.
Indeed, Minnesota’s social media released the following update about depth offensive lineman Trevor Reid: “The #Vikings have waived/non-football injury OL Trevor Reid.” Minnesota is currently working through the opening phases of their offseason program — players are back in the building — and the “non-football injury” tidbit looks like the culprit for Reid’s departure.
Vikings Say Goodbye to Trevor Reid
All things considered, Minnesota is working in a time of ample optimism.
The team is rallying behind J.J. McCarthy — someone who recently received a great health update — entrusting the soon-to-be sophomore with taking over at QB1 a year after Sam Darnold got his career moving in the right direction. Supporting the young passer is a revamped offensive line, skill that’s second to none, and a defense that most expect to be very strong.
The Trevor Reid news thus stands out since it runs counter to the good feeling that’s emanating from TCO Performance Center. Indeed, most people following the team are looking forward to the additions, not expecting a subtraction to hit a couple of days before the 2025 NFL Draft.
Trevor Reid is a 6’5″ lineman who weighs 307 pounds. Originally, he joined the NFL as an UDFA with the Philadelphia Eagles, a team with a well-earned reputation for knowing a thing or two about offensive linemen.
After failing to stick around with the Eagles, Reid got some work as a Falcon down in Atlanta. That opportunity similarly failed to result in a lasting home for the 24-year-old lineman. Minnesota, in like manner, won’t be a lasting spot for Reid.
The decision to move on from Reid won’t be impacting Minnesota’s draft strategy. There could, however, be an extra emphasis on snagging an offensive tackle as part of the UDFA haul now that the position has thinned a bit.
The offensive tackle depth is sitting in a good spot. Christian Darrisaw is doing well in his injury recovery and Brian O’Neill is set to return as a difference-maker at right tackle. Behind those two is new swing tackle Justin Skule. Walter Rouse could get a look as a backup OT (he’s also being considered as a guard option) and then Blake Brandel can play any OL position in a pinch.
Going into the draft, the offensive line’s most uncertain position is left guard. True, Darrisaw’s ACL recovery could delay his ascent to the LT1 spot until fully healthy, but there’s no mystery when Darrisaw is fully healthy. Brandel, meanwhile, is working through a competition, as Kevin O’Connell openly discussed.
Snagging an upside guard at No. 24 wouldn’t be a surprise (keep an eye on a specific player).
Reid’s deal in Minnesota was modest, coming in at $840,000 but with no guarantees. Moving on doesn’t have any negative cap ramifications for the Vikings.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
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