Former Vikings Pass Rusher Stolen by Dolphins
In the NFL, a team can steal any player from another’s practice squad — no harm done, and no questions asked — and that process occurred with ex-Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Andre Carter II this week.
One former Minnesota Vikings pass rusher spent the season on the Detroit Lions’ practice squad but was stolen this week by the Miami Dolphins.
Working on the Detroit Lions’ practice squad, the Miami Dolphins pilfered Carter II, sending the man from first to worst in win-loss standings with the snap of two fingers.
Ex-Vikings OLB Andre Carter II to Dolphins
Another step in the journey for the Army alumnus.
Miami Plucks Carter II from DET PS
It’s the Dolphins for Carter II. NBC Sports’ Josh Alper wrote Wednesday, “The Dolphins announced on Wednesday that they filled the roster spot they opened up by trading edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to the Eagles earlier this week. They signed linebacker Andre Carter off of the Lions’ practice squad. Carter signed with the Lions in late August after being cut by the Raiders.”
“Carter had a tackle and a half-sack for the Raiders in three games last season. He played for the Vikings in 2023 and made two tackles in his 12 appearances for the NFC North team. Bradley Chubb, Matthew Judon, and Chop Robinson remain on the roster as edge options, but Robinson will need to clear the concussion protocol before he’s able to return to action.”
With Phillips now on the Eagles’ depth chart, there’s a small chance that Carter II sees some game action in Miami, particularly down the stretch of the season.
Carter II’s Career to Date
The Raiders poached Carter from Minnesota’s practice squad late last season, giving him a small window—four games, 16 defensive snaps, and half a sack—to make an impression. When Las Vegas cut him loose during final roster trims, the Detroit Lions swooped in. Now, the former Army standout’s NFL journey continues one team at a time, still chasing his breakout story.
Here’s his updated resume:
- Minnesota Vikings (2023–2024)
- Las Vegas Raiders (2024)
- Detroit Lions (2025)
- Miami Dolphins (2025)
His Time in Minnesota
After the 2023 NFL Draft, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah moved fast, snagging over 15 undrafted free agents to fill out the 90-man summer roster. Among them was Carter II, a possible hidden gem who quietly earned his way onto the final 53-man depth chart.
Once considered a mid-round talent — projected in the 4th or 5th like Ivan Pace Jr. — Carter slipped through draft weekend without hearing his name called. Scouts were puzzled. The consensus? He looked too lean for EDGE work in the NFL, with questions about whether his frame could handle pro-level trench warfare. Still, his versatility at Army made him one of the more intriguing UDFAs in the class.
Carter appeared in 12 games with the Vikings as a rookie, playing 68 defensive snaps with two tackles and chipping in on 142 special teams reps. He flashed just enough to stay on the radar, but not enough to stick.
Dolphins EDGEs with Carter II
Phillips to Philadelphia, and Carter II to Miami. Check. These are the Dolphins’ outside linebackers entering Week 10:
- Bradley Chubb
- Chop Robinson
- Matthew Judon
- Cameron Goode
- Derrick McLendon (Practice Squad)
- Quinton Bell (Practice Squad)
Chubb and Judon frequented the NFL’s trade rumor mill in the last few weeks, but Tuesday’s deadline came and went with both still on the roster. Only Phillips got his marching orders.
Sun Sentinel on Carter II
Chris Perkins of the Sun Sentinel added about Carter II to Miami, “The Dolphins have edge rushers Quentin Bell and Derrick McLendon on the practice squad and they could be elevated. Bell has been elevated twice, meaning he must be signed to the active roster after one more elevation.”
“McLendon hasn’t been elevated yet this season. Carter has had the opportunity to learn his craft from pass rushers such as former Minnesota edge rusher Danielle Hunter, Las Vegas edge rusher Maxx Crosby and Detroit edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. The Dolphins, who host Buffalo this week, are tasked with limiting Bills quarterback Josh Allen with their pass rush and limiting Bills running back James Cook with their run stuffing.”
Carter II turned 25 last summer.
“It’s likely a longshot to think Carter will be a major factor in either effort at this point, but it’s a possibility. The Dolphins are 29th in the NFL run defense (145.6 yards per game) and tied for 21st with 17 sacks,” Perkins concluded.
The Dolphins are 10-point home underdogs this Sunday facing the Bills.
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