After Alexander Mattison, These Are 6 Players Vikings Could Cut.
The Minnesota Vikings made Alexander Mattison’s release official on Monday, a few days after news of the outcome leaked from credible sources.
After Alexander Mattison, These Are 6 Players Vikings Could Cut.
And while the Vikings have over 25 internal free agents to ponder, more roster cuts could be on the way. These are six more cut candidates listed in alphabetical order.
1. Garrett Bradbury (C)
Minnesota can save about $5 million by releasing Bradbury with a post-June 1st designation, cash that could be used to pursue his replacement. The veteran center may be safe on the 2024 depth chart because the current coaching staff seems loyal to him, but Bradbury has begun battling injuries in recent seasons.
Too, he’s never served as a tremendous pass blocker, and if the Vikings roll with a rookie quarterback in 2024, they may want to get him all the advantages necessary to succeed, including a trustworthy center via pass protection.
2. C.J. Ham (FB)
Many believed Ham would be released last year — mainly because the 2022 Vikings didn’t use him much on offense — but then the fullback was extended before the start of 2023.
Ham’s usage in the offense climbed from 15% in 2022 to 19% in 2023. Baby steps. If the Vikings release him with the post-June 1st marker, they will save $2.5 million.
3. Dean Lowry (DT)
Perhaps the most likely to be released on the list, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah can save about $4 million by cutting Lowry in June. His 2023 campaign was ended abruptly by injury in the middle of the season, and Minnesota may finally swing for the fences at DT in free agency or the draft.
4. Nick Mullens (QB)
Mullens could be released this offseason; Mullens could play QB1 in September. The stakes are mighty for the veteran gunslinger. Minnesota could need a “bridge quarterback” to a rookie if Kirk Cousins departs in free agency. Mullens can be the bridge.
Otherwise, if Cousins returns or a different patchover passer is signed while the Vikings draft a rookie quarterback, Mullens might be the odd man out. His placement on this list is one of the most fascinating.
Minnesota would save $1.8 million by severing ties with him. In all likelihood, he’ll remain on the Vikings’ roster.
5. Kene Nwangwu (RB)
Nwangwu’s 2024 roster spot might’ve become cozier when Mattison was released Monday; we shall see. For a third consecutive season, the Vikings hardly utilized Nwangwu on offense in 2023, even though he’s faster than a gazelle.
Nwangwu also battled injury last season, and Minnesota will presumably reshape its RB room this offseason, hoping to finally improve the ground game. Releasing Nwangwu would only net the club about $1 million in savings.
6. Harrison Smith (S)
If the Vikings hit a point this offseason when they’re cash-strapped (for whatever reason), here’s where they’d look for restructuring or a release. Adofo-Mensah can free up a whopping $15 million by releasing Smith after June 1st, enough to sign a good football player or two.
More realistically, Smith’s future could boil down to retirement or a paycut, but an outright release cannot be wholly ruled out. The beloved Viking turned 35 last month.
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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