It’s Cutdown Day

It’s the most difficult day of the NFL calendar. All 32 teams must reduce rosters to 53 players by 1pm PT. Nearly 1200 players that were on an NFL roster last week won’t be by today. Many will find opportunities with other teams. Although those will come at the expense of another player. Just over 500 of the released players will have continued opportunities on practice squads. All of this means that about 700 football players will have their NFL dreams dashed. It’s a difficult day. 

The Minnesota Vikings started the cutdown process on Sunday with the release of 11 players. 

Brett Rypien, QB

Cam Gill, OLB

Reddy Steward, CB

Keenan Garber, CB

Tre Stewart, RB

Mishael Powell, S

Logan Brown, OT

Zack Bailey, OL

Silas Bolden, WR

Robert Lewis, WR

Travis Bell, DL

The Vikings also traded Sam Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles and signed quarterback Carson Wentz. 

The moves trimmed the roster to 79 players. 

Yesterday, two more players were released. 

Leroy Watson IV, OT

Oscar Chapman, P

It would appear that incumbent punter Ryan Wright has kept his job for another year. It would be no stretch to say that it’s a tenuous hold on the job. 

The Vikings also traded cornerback Mekhi Blackmon to the Indianapolis Colts. 

Monday’s moves further trimmed the roster to 76 players. Another 23 to go. It’s probable that more than 23 will be released as the Vikings will surely trade for a player, or more, or sign a player, or more, released by other teams. With Jordan Addison’s three-game suspension as well as injuries at the position, the Vikings have a significant, immediate need at receiver. They are rumored to be negotiating a deal with the Carolina Panthers for Adam Thielen. He’s an easy target as he has recent experience with the Vikings and knows the offense. He could step right in and contribute immediately. The trade of Mekhi Blackmon increased the need for cornerback depth. Whether through trade or signing, I expect a new corner arriving in Minnesota today. 

It’s going to be a very busy day.