As the Minnesota Vikings, like every team in the NFL, stared down the task of whittling their roster down to 53 players before Sunday evening's deadline, one question loomed above all the rest: What to do at quarterback? It was clear that JJ McCarthy had just about worn out his welcome, ceding not only the starting job to Kyler Murray but also backup duties to Carson Wentz. Then again, he was the No. 10 overall pick just 30 months or so ago; would Minnesota really risk losing him for nothing so soon?
The answer, as it turns out, was no. Kevin O'Connell and Co. opted to kick the can down the road a bit at QB, keeping all of their options open — but at some cost to the rest of their roster flexibility. How will the Vikings line up for their Week 1 matchup against the Packers? Here's how the team's initial 53-man roster shook out when the dust settled on Sunday night.
Minnesota Vikings 53-man depth chart after roster cut deadline
Offense
Position | Starter | Second team | Third team |
|---|---|---|---|
QB | Kyler Murray | Carson Wentz | JJ McCarthy/Max Brosmer |
RB | Jordan Mason | Aaron Jones Sr. | Demond Claiborne |
FB | Max Bredeson | ||
WR | Justin Jefferson | Tai Felton | |
WR | Jordan Addison | Myles Price | |
WR | Jauan Jennings | Dillon Bell | |
TE | TJ Hockenson | Josh Oliver | Ben Yurosek/Gavin Bartholomew |
LT | Christian Darrisaw | Ryan Van Demark | |
LG | Donovan Jackson | Joe Huber | |
C | Blake Brandel | ||
RG | Will Fries | ||
RT | Brian O'Neill | Caleb Tiernan |
No, your eyes don't deceive you; the Vikings really did choose to carry both four quarterbacks and four tight ends — eight roster spots out of a total of 53. It remains to be seen how long McCarthy might remain in Minnesota, or whether Brosmer will reward the organization's faith in him. Right now, though, it's clear the Vikings weren't ready to risk losing either of them for nothing. They also plan on using some heavy personnel this season, with Yurosek and Bartholomew providing some beef behind Hockenson and Oliver.
That comes with opportunity cost though, of course. Minnesota is carrying only three running backs, cutting Zavier Scott, while they have just eight total linemen on their initial 53-man roster.
Defense
Position | Starter | Second team | Third team |
|---|---|---|---|
DE | Levi Drake Rodriguez | Elijah Williams | |
DT | Caleb Banks | Domonique Orange | |
DE | Jalen Redmond | Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins | |
EDGE | Dallas Turner | Bo Richter | |
EDGE | Andrew Van Ginkel | Chaz Chambliss | |
LB | Blake Cashman | Jake Golday | |
LB | Eric Wilson | Ivan Pace Jr. | |
CB | Charles Demmings | Isaiah Rodgers | |
CB | James Pierre | Zemaiah Vaughn | |
NB | Byron Murphy Jr. | ||
FS | Theo Jackson | Jakobe Thomas | Jacob Thomas |
SS | Josh Metellus | Jay Ward |
If the rookie duo of Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange are ready from day one and Dallas Turner can take the much-anticipated leap, this could be an awfully salty defense with Brian Flores at the controls. The secondary is overflowing with talent, and while there are some athletic questions at linebacker — and replacing Harrison Smith is no easy tas — Minnesota should have one of the better units in football, one that preys on unprepared opponents.
Special teams
Position | Starter |
|---|---|
K | Will Reichard |
P | Brett Thorson |
LS | Andrew DePaola |
Reichard is back for another year as Minnesota's kicker, while there's a bit of a surprise at punter in the rookie Thorson. More on him in just a bit.
Minnesota Vikings roster cuts and trades, ranked
CB Tre Hawkins III
Hawkins was the first notable roster cut for the Vikings, as he signed with the team less than a week ago. The 26-year-old appeared in 21 games throughout his short NFL career, but has just one interception to show for it. Yet, Hawkins had a brutal hill to climb to make Minnesota's roster, as he was invited to camp just a week ago. He failed to make much of an impression, and while he could still sign to the Vikings practice squad, it's looking more likely he'll have to find a job elsewhere.
RB Zavier Scott
This time last year, Scott was seen as an ascending player after he made the final 53 as a former UDFA. But the sixth-round selection of Demond Claiborne last season crunched the numbers, as did Jordan Mason's emergence as a potential bellcow alongside Aaron Jones Sr. Minnesota opted not to carry a fourth running back, which meant no room for Scott on the roster.
P Johnny Hekker
Most thought that Hekker, signed over the offseason to replace the departed Ryan Wright, was a shoo-in to be Minnesota's punter/holder in 2026. But in a bit of a shocker, the Vikings decided to go with rookie Brett Thorson, who turned heads in camp after winning the Ray Guy Award last season at Georgia as college football's best punter.
JJ McCarthy trade rumors
McCarthy had been floated in trade rumors for the last few weeks. First, he lost the starting job to QB Kyler Murray, who was signed this offseason. Now, Carson Wentz appears slotted into the backup role. So where does that leave a former first-round pick who is just 23 years old? It likely leaves him on the outs despite Sunday's development, as the Vikings will never be able to get more value for him than right now — especially if he's taking third-string reps.
The Dolphins would've made a lot of sense for JJ, but Miami traded for Packers QB Kyle McCord to back up Malik Willis. FanSided's Zach Rotman mocked trades to the Chargers, Ravens and Colts, all of which could use an upgrade at backup QB. Don't expect speculation to die down just because he's made the initial 53-man roster.
Complete list of Minnesota Vikings roster cuts
- RB Jermar Jefferson
- RB Zavier Scott
- WR Michael Briscoe
- WR Terrill Davis
- WR Dontae Flemming
- WR Trayvon Rudolph
- WR Marcus Sanders Jr.
- TE Bryson Nesbit
- TE Marshall Lang
- TE Matt Lauter
- C Gavin Gerhardt
- G Henry Byrd
- G Joshua Gray
- G Vershon Lee
- G Tomas Rimac
- OT Tristan Leigh
- OL Delby Lemieux
- DL Jonathan Harris
- DL Isaiahh Loudermilk
- DL Jahvaree Ritzie
- DL Smith Vilbert
- ILB Bangally Kamara
- ILB Jacob Roberts
- ILB Josh Ross
- OLB Kenny Dyson
- OLB Cam'Ron Stewart
- CB Marcus Allen
- CB Da'Veawn Armstead
- CB Tyreek Chappell
- CB Tre Hawkins III
- CB Bryce Phillips
- CB Jarod Washington
- S Kahlef Hailassie
- S Tavierre Thomas
- P Johnny Hekker
Add us as a preferred source on Google