The Clock is Ticking: Roster Cuts for the Vikings

As the Minnesota Vikings race against the clock to trim their roster down to 53 players by the Tuesday 3:00 PM Central deadline, it's a good time to break down the intricacies of roster management that teams across the NFL must navigate. Understanding these nuances can clarify how upcoming team decisions will unfold.

The Crucial Difference: Released vs. Waived

In the coming days, the NFL will witness a flurry of player movements, including both waives and releases, and it's critical to know the difference. For players with less than four accrued seasons in the league, being waived means they enter a waiver process—allowing teams with poorer records the first chance to claim them.

Currently, the waiver priority reflects the 2025 NFL Draft order, positioning the Tennessee Titans at the number one spot. This means if a player is waived, the Titans can snag them first. Meanwhile, the Vikings find themselves sitting at 24th on the list—making any waiver claim a gamble, dependent on whether 23 teams ahead of them pass on the same player.

Conversely, players with four or more seasons get released outright, granting them immediate free agency. For instance, when Brett Rypien's contract was terminated, he instantly became available to any team willing to sign him.

Who’s on the Waiver Wire Watch?

Should the Vikings choose to cut some of their roster players, names like WR Jordan Addison and OLB Dallas Turner are safe bets—not being waived anytime soon. However, if they decide otherwise, here’s a glimpse of the players who would fall under the waiver process if let go: QB J.J. McCarthy, CB Mekhi Blackmon, RB Ty Chandler, and more. Keeping close tabs on this list will be crucial as roster decisions unfold.

Injury and Suspension Updates

In terms of injuries, tight end Gavin Bartholomew has been placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List due to a significant back issue, allowing him to be excluded from both the 90-man and 53-man rosters. With a timeline suggesting he could miss more than just the first four games, the Vikings may need to strategize around his absence.

Additionally, Jordan Addison is facing a three-game suspension due to a recent DUI settlement, meaning he won’t count against the roster while sidelined.

International Player Exemption: A Possible Twist

The Vikings have been carrying an expanded roster with punter Oscar Chapman partaking in the NFL's International Player Partnership. If they waive Chapman without a claim, they could bring him back to the practice squad, which could expand to 17 players if they choose to retain him over Ryan Wright.

What Happens After the Deadline?

The pivotal roster deadline is set for 3:00 PM Central on Tuesday, August 26. After that, teams can start claiming players who’ve been waived until 11:00 AM Central on August 27. It's a fast-paced environment where teams can also begin signing unclaimed players to their practice squads, with specific limitations on player experience levels.

As roster cuts shape the future of the Vikings, fans will be eagerly watching how this all unfolds. Be sure to keep an eye on any breaking news as players seek to find their footing in an unpredictable league!