EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings are facing a crucial deadline as they need to finalize their roster to 53 players by Tuesday afternoon. The process of trimming the roster has already commenced, with Monday marking the first round of cuts.
In the initial wave, the Vikings released running backs DeWayne McBride and Mo Ibrahim, backup quarterback Matt Corral, along with several undrafted free agents. These moves, while impactful, contained few surprises given the competitive nature of the preseason.
The final roster must be confirmed by 3 p.m. on Tuesday. Among the names under scrutiny is safety Lewis Cine, who was the first draft pick for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Cine’s rookie season was marred by injury, and since his return, he has struggled to make a significant impact in a well-stocked safety group. His potential release is a notable development as the Vikings refine their roster.
Additionally, fans will be keenly observing whether preseason standout players such as defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez and cornerback Dwight McGlothern secure their positions on the team. Their performances during the preseason have generated considerable excitement, making their roster status a topic of interest.
Even after the official roster is set, the Vikings are expected to continue making adjustments. They will likely explore adding players from other teams’ cuts as they look to optimize their squad.
As the Vikings prepare for the season opener against the New York Giants on September 8, the team will be led by starting quarterback Sam Darnold. Rookie QB J.J. McCarthy, who suffered a torn meniscus in the preseason, will miss the entire 2024 season and is slated to make his debut in 2025.
This offseason has been marked by several significant moves by the Vikings. They not only drafted McCarthy but also traded up to select pass rusher Dallas Turner in the first round. Furthermore, they secured major contract extensions for wide receiver Justin Jefferson and left tackle Christian Darrisaw. The defense has undergone a notable overhaul with key free-agent signings, including former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore, signaling a strong push to enhance their competitive edge.
