Former Vikings Defender Out in Miami after Promising Preseason
Dustin Baker
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Ex-Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman was authoring a promising summer with the Miami Dolphins, his second NFL stop after departing Minnesota in 2022.
But as teams trimmed rosters in preparation for Tuesday’s 53-man depth chart deadline, Twyman was among the odd men out amid Dolphins cuts.
Former Vikings Defender Out in Miami after Promising Preseason
ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques tweeted Monday, “Per source, the Dolphins have waived DT Jaylen Twyman. Keep an eye on this position over the next couple days. Not a lot of depth on interior defensive line, but this clears a path for Brandon Pili to make the initial 53.”
Last week, VikingsTerritory’s Janik Eckardt posted on the X app, “Jaylen Twyman has been quietly dominating the preseason with the Miami Dolphins. Easy guy to root for.” Probably because of preseason highlights like this:
And this (the bottom video):
But no cigar, as Twyman will now encounter the NFL’s waiver process and either join the Dolphins practice squad or hit open free agency.
Minnesota released Twyman last October from the practice squad to make room for free-agent addition Khyiris Tonga. Miami then scooped Twyman a few days before the Vikings traveled to Miami for a Week 6 showdown. The Vikings were triumphant at Hard Rock Stadium, and Twyman remained in the Dolphins orbit for about 10.5 months.
Ex-Vikings bossman Rick Spielman chose Twyman in the 6th Round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he was a fan favorite because of low draft cost and high potential. His story is also exceptional, recovering from multiple gunshot wounds in the summer of 2021, just months after the Vikings found Twyman in the draft. But the Pittsburgh alumnus didn’t make the Vikings 53-man roster in August and jaunted to the practice squad.
Making a name for himself via brute-force strength, Twyman repped 225 pounds on the bench press 40 times at the University of Pittsburgh’s 2021 Pro Day — which is Aaron Donald-like strength (who is also a Pittsburgh alumnus). But because Twyman didn’t play in the 2020 collegiate season (COVID precautions), his draft stock fell. He became a “high-upside guy” for the Vikings in 2021 and 2022 before departing the team. During his final season at Pittsburgh, Twyman tallied 10.5 sacks in 13 games as a sophomore interior lineman.
The Dolphins currently employ Christian Wilkins, Emmanuel Ogbah, Zach Sieler, Brandon Pili, and Da’Shawn Hand at Twyman’s position.
Twyman, 24, will likely latch onto some team’s practice squad in 2023. perhaps Miami’s.
The Dolphins also employ former Vikings cornerback Parry Nickerson, at least for the moment.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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