Aug 26, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) throws as Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jabril Cox (14) defends during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings conducted roster maintenance on Thursday, an expected turn of events, as training camp is primetime for roster tweaks.
The franchise is on deck for six or seven wins in 2024, according to sportsbooks, so the roster must be in optimal shape to beat the odds.
With plenty more on the way before Minnesota’s Week 1 date at the New York Giants, the Vikings made these four moves.
The Vikings lost the cornerback at the bottom of this list on Wednesday and evidently need depth reinforcements for the preseason and beyond. Francis has never taken a defensive snap in the NFL, though he played some special teams for the 2022 Houston Texans.
He’s 5’11”, about 195 pounds, and played college ball at Memphis. Francis was last part of the Texans’ practice squad in 2023 but was waived in October.
Unlikely to make Minnesota’s September roster, he’ll battle for a 53-man roster spot nevertheless and perhaps land on the practice squad.
Cox was a total stud in college, and if his name sounds familiar to Midwesterners, it’s because he played most of his college career at North Dakota State — the Trey Lance teams.
The Dallas Cowboys drafted Cox in Round 4 of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he played 26 games in Dallas, mostly as a special teamer. So far in the pros, Cox has notched 46 career defensive snaps.
With NaJee Thompson currently on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, Cox may be in the house for special teams depth, which is his modus operandi so far in the NFL.
To make room for Francis or Cox, someone had to become the odd man out, and that was Cloyd, a linebacker from the University of Miami.
Cloyd played 49 career collegiate games at Louisville and Miami before joining Minnesota’s summer roster as an undrafted free agent three months ago. He might stick around the Vikings’ orbit, perhaps returning later this summer if another depth defender is needed.
Otherwise, he’ll hit the open market in the meantime.
Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon tore his ACL on the first day of live activities at training camp. He will miss all of 2024. Minnesota will have to pivot, probably to a Plan C (after Khyree Jackson’s tragic death, too), with free agency or the promotion of an unsung Viking who would otherwise play CB4 or CB5.
Duke Shelley rejoined Minnesota’s roster this week, a timely transaction. Other free agents on the open market include Stephon Gilmore, Xavien Howard, and Adoree’ Jackson.
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 Vikings 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.