Roster Bubble Just Got Real for One Vikings WR
In March, the Minnesota Vikings signed once-promising and speedy wideout Rondale Moore to a team-friendly free-agent contract.
A notable Vikings wide receiver has found the roster bubble as training camp heats up. Here’s why his spot on the 53-man roster is far from a lock this summer.
Moore has performed decently at training camp, and in about two and a half weeks, he’ll learn if he makes the 53-man roster.
His case might be slightly more favorable with Jordan Addison’s incoming three-game suspension, but with the preseason two days away, Moore is firmly on Minnesota’s roster bubble.
Will Rondale Moore Make the Cut?
The speed merchant is near the cut-off of the Vikings’ 53-man decision-making.
Rondale Moore: Roster Bubbler No. 1
One week ago, The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis predicted a 53-man roster for Minnesota, and Moore was omitted.
He explained, “Four spots are secure: Jefferson, Addison, Nailor and Felton. The rest of the group is in a heated competition for what could be two backup roles. Moore isn’t a given. The Vikings only guaranteed him $250,000, a sensible deal given Moore’s rehab from last fall’s serious knee injury. His shiftiness still shows up, but learning O’Connell’s offense in sped-up fashion is no easy task.”
“Jackson and Jeshaun Jones have the most experience, and each has had a good camp. Bolden’s returning ability keeps him in play, and Fleming’s range wowed the crowd Monday on a deep ball from Howell. May the best men win.”
Moreover, Star Tribune‘s Ben Goessling released a depth chart projection, too, and he also left Moore off the final roster.
So, this creates a grand mystery for those interested in the Vikings’ 2025 roster dealings.
Depth Chart Placement
The first tangible depth chart evidence hit the digital stratosphere on Wednesday. Minnesota published its first unofficial depth chart, listing Moore at WR5 or WR6.
That’s also known as right on the edge. He has the big-name clout to earn a roster spot, but with two credible Vikings analysts, Lewis and Goessling, predicting otherwise, it’s one big enigma regarding Moore’s roster outlook.
Minnesota usually keeps five or six wideouts for the September roster. Moore is walking the line.
Lucky Jackson’s Ascent
Why is this happening to Moore — a roster bubble scenario? The answer is two words: Lucky Jackson.
Jackson has taken training camp by storm, with his speedy antics stealing center stage on the aforementioned depth chart release. Minnesota labeled Jackson the WR4 entering the preseason, a mind-boggling climb up the roster for a player who’s never taken a regular season snap despite his age of 28.
Moore is in the spot — wondering about his active roster fate — because Jackson is suddenly a big deal in the purple team’s WR room. Back in the spring, most Vikings-themed depth charts had Jackson around WR7 or WR8.
Not anymore. He’s the WR4 — notably ahead of Moore.
Punt Returner Saving Grace
The Vikings did provide a juicy Moore clue, however. Last year’s punt returner, Brandon Powell, was not re-signed this offseason. Therefore, special teams coordinator Matt Daniels needs a punt returner.
Guess who Minnesota listed as the primary punt returner? Rondale Moore.
Moore’s case for staying attached to the roster in September might be his special teams capabilities.
Kyle Joudry on Moore
Our own Kyle Joudry wrote this week about Moore and his special teams upside, “With Kevin O’Connell and Matt Daniels in charge, the punt returning has been lackluster. Can Rondale Moore change that reality? He certainly looks like a promising candidate, someone who isn’t the largest player on the field but who could be the quickest. After all, we’re talking about someone who ran a 4.28 forty, an elite time.”
“His 22 career punt returns have gone for a total of 182 yards, working out to a modest average sitting at 8.3 yards per return. Minnesota would be hoping that the average could be closer to 10 yards were Mr. Moore to become the PR1.”
The Vikings have 19 days to determine if Moore will be retained on the depth chart as WR4, WR5, or WR6.
Joudry continued, “Ideally, the returner could even inspire some concern in the punter for the other team; knowing that one is booting the ball to a home-run threat of a returner may prompt the other team to emphasize placement rather than just hang-time and distance. Rondale Moore is working on a single-season, prove-it deal.”
“The total compensation sits at just $2 million and the cap charge rests at $1.4 million. A cut would mean recouping $1.15 million in cap space.”
Lucky Jackson’s emergence has tossed Moore on the bubble. Thankfully, a verdict is near.
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