Vikings release Jeff Gladney after indictment for assault

The Minnesota Vikings released cornerback Jeff Gladney after he was indicted for assault.

After only one year with the organization, the Minnesota Vikings have cut ties with Jeff Gladney.

Minnesota’s decision to part ways with the talented cornerback on Tuesday stems from him being indicted for assault. The Vikings released an official message on the matter to release Gladney on their team Twitter account on Tuesday afternoon, but provided no further comment on the matter. Minnesota used the No. 31 overall pick on Gladney in the 2020 NFL Draft out of TCU last spring.

The Vikings sure are having a rough go of it early this week during training camp, are they not?

Minnesota Vikings release former first-round pick in cornerback Jeff Gladney

On paper, the Vikings should push for a playoff berth this year. While they may not have what it takes to usurp the Green Bay Packers atop the NFC North, Minnesota should be good enough to earn one of three wild card spots this year. However, cutting bait with a first-round pick before the start of his second NFL season is alarming. Two of their quarterbacks are also in COVID protocol.

Given that the Chicago Bears were a playoff team a year ago and upgraded the quarterback position by trading up for former Ohio State standout Justin Fields, Minnesota cannot afford to mess around in training camp. If the Vikings are a top-seven team in the NFC, then all is well in the Twin Cities. If they fail to reach the NFL playoffs, that might cost head coach Mike Zimmer his job.

Gladney’s brief tenure with the Vikings ends after little more than a season with the organization.