Vikings Announce Salary Cap Saving Moves, Cut Rhodes, Joseph, and Morgan
Kirby O'Connor
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The Minnesota Vikings announced a couple of their first salary cap saving moves Friday morning by cutting Cornerback Xavier Rhodes and Linval Joseph. Both Rhodes and Joseph were pro bowlers In their time with the Vikings, and were part of some historic defenses.
By cutting Rhodes, the Vikings have freed up $8.1 million in 2020, with a dead cap hit of $4.8 million. Although at one point in time Rhodes was considered to be one the best corners in the NFL, his play had fallen off in the last two seasons. Cutting the former All-Pro opens up the checkbook to potentially bring back Mackensie Alexander or Trae Waynes. Over seven seasons with the Vikings, Rhodes recorded 372 total tackles, 10 interceptions, one touchdown, and 73 passes defended.
Cutting Linval Joseph saves the Vikings almost $10.5 million, with a dead cap hit of only $2.4 million. Joseph was an anchor for the Vikings after coming to the team from the New York Giants in 2014. Joseph made two pro bowls while playing for the Vikings, but a knee injury last season limited him and his age seems to be catching up to him. Joseph will be 32 in October. Over six seasons with the Vikings, Joseph collected 350 total tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, and one touchdown. Cutting Joseph could mean the Vikings will be targeting defensive tackles heavily in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Vikings also anounced the cutting of tight end David Morgan. Morgan missed the entire 2019 season with a knee injury which required surgery. The Vikings have plenty of tight ends under contract with Kyle Rudolph, Irv Smith Jr., and Tyler Conklin. In three seasons with Minnesota, Morgan recorded 135 receiving yards, 16 receptions, and one touchdown.
This is just the first round of moves to give the Vikings the necessary money to fill needs and sign rookies, more are expected over the coming weeks. Stay tuned to VikingsTerritory and PurplePTSD.