7 Surprise Roster Cuts for Vikings — According to Fans

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

The Minnesota Vikings will shave their roster from 91 players to 53 in 24 days.

7 Surprise Roster Cuts for Vikings — According to Fans

First, three preseason games will occur, and the coaching staff will continue to evaluate players at training camp on the path to 53. So, we asked Vikings fans to name one player a piece who could end up as a surprise cut from the 53-man roster this month. These are their responses.

Request to all: Predict one surprising Vikings roster cut with trimdown day less than four weeks away.

1. Kene Nwangwu (RB | KR)

roster cuts
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

Who Said It?
Ivan, Czar of Bohunks
@Up4Discussion_7

While he’s known to be a speed demon on a straight line, the new kick off rule will likely value change-of-direction speed more!

2. Brian Asamoah (LB)

brian asamoah
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

Who Said It?
RedNPurple (from Norway)
@rednpurple77

It’s obvious he doesn’t fit Flores’ defense. He has been overtaken in the pecking order by Kamu Grugier-Hill. If one of Kwesi’s UDFAs steps up, Asamoah is living dangerously close to the edge. Maybe special teams will save him, though.

3. Loser of the RG Battle

The Dalton Risner
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Who Said It?
Eric Horstman
@EHorstman23

I don’t think Booth Jr. or Cine would be a surprise cut at this point. I’m almost assuming one or both of them will be gone by the start of the season. My guess for a surprising cut would be the loser of the RG battle, so I’m going with either Ed Ingram or fan favorite Dalton Risner. Akayleb Evans would have been another honorable mention for me, but I don’t think they can afford to cut too many more CBs with starting potential/experience.

4. Dalton Risner (OG)

Dalton Risner
Minnesota guard Dalton Risner addressed the media from the TCO Performance Center. D. Risner: “We All Know We Have A Great Culture But We Came Up Short This Season.”

Who Said It?
Skol Tom
@SKOLfromWI

He’s not owed too much at the present time, but he sat unsigned for a long time during the offseason. The Vikings paid Brandel and seem to trust him to play guard and serve as the backup LT. Ed Ingram has continued to show improvement as the seasons have passed.

5. Lewis Cine (S)

Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.

Who Said It?
SkolSister
@Babsdeedee

No trade value. Cine is my prediction, and I feel bad for the kid, but the Vikings will need the spot.

6 & 7. Jerry Tillery (DT) & Johnny Mundt (TE)

Vikings Offseason
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.

Who Said It?
Bruce Johnson
@sachikojohnson

They both make too much to be backups, but after a week or two, it won’t be a surprise.


Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL. 

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.