Latest Roster Cuts Could Open Up Opportunity for the Vikings
Josh Frey
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The Minnesota Vikings and the rest of the NFL can begin negotiating contracts with potential free agents on Monday.
As the much-anticipated free agency period gets closer, teams have continued to make roster cuts in order to trim their salary cap totals in order to become cap compliant by Wednesday. Here is a look at some players from the latest batch of roster cuts who could be of interest to the Vikings.
Roster Cuts Could Open Up Opportunity for the Vikings
CB Xavien Howard
After spending his entire eight-year NFL career with the Miami Dolphins, Xavien Howard is set to be released by the team at the start of the new year. As such, it could open up an opportunity to reunite with his former head coach, Brian Flores, in Minnesota. Howard will turn 31 years old in July, so age could be a factor in the coming years, but he has remained a very productive player over the past few seasons.
CB Darious Williams
If the Vikings want to find another starting presence in their secondary without forking over top dollar, Darious Williams could be a strong option. Like Howard, Williams will celebrate his 31st birthday later this year, but he is coming off the most productive season of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars. To boot, Williams won a Super Bowl with Kevin O’Connell and the Los Angeles Rams back in 2021, so there is a connection that could be worth exploring.
LB Eric Kendricks
Speaking of connections, what better connection is there for the Vikings than Eric Kendricks? The linebacker spent the first eight years of his NFL career in Minnesota, earning a first-team All Pro selection in 2019. Kendricks has certainly taken a step back in recent years, and the Vikings shouldn’t spend a massive amount for a reunion, but Kendricks can still fill some much-needed depth at the LB position for Minnesota.
DT Lawrence Guy
Minnesota desperately needs more help at the defensive tackle spot this offseason, particularly if they are going to lose Jonathan Bullard in free agency along with multiple other depth pieces. Lawrence Guy has been in the NFL for over a decade because of his massive size and brute strength in the middle of a defensive line and would be a nice addition to the team that doesn’t have a true nose tackle at the moment.
TE Hayden Hurst
T.J. Hockenson’s ACL injury very well could mean that he misses a decent chunk of the 2024 season. If that is the case, Josh Oliver and Nick Muse are the only healthy tight ends under contract for the Vikings this season. Even if Hockenson is ready to go, Minnesota needs more depth at that position. Hayden Hurst has been a steady receiving presence over the years and could help take some pressure off Minnesota’s wide receivers.
S Jamal Adams
There is at least a decent chance that the Vikings part ways with Harrison Smith this offseason. If that were to happen, they likely need to find another safety to help out in Flores’ defense unless someone like Lewis Cine is able to step up and put together a strong year. Jamal Adams has struggled with injuries over the past couple seasons, so he probably won’t be all that expensive on the open market this offseason, but when he is healthy, he still is one of the better strong safeties in the NFL.
Now That the Vikings Have Made 1 Roster Cut, Who Could Be Next on the Chopping Block?
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.