During any given offseason, the Minnesota Vikings (and 31 other NFL teams) usually have at least one roster cut that prompts the fan base to collectively ask, “Wait, why’d they release that guy?” VikingsTerritory writers are here to predict that man’s identity in 2026.
A handful of recognizable Vikings players could enter dangerous roster territory as Minnesota trims its depth chart this summer.
Roster cuts are still three months away, but this is the list to get you thinking.
Minnesota’s Roster Bubble Has Several Familiar Names
Is unemployment around the bend for these dudes?
1. Zavier Scott | RB
VT Writer: Steve Hoikkala
With the addition of rookie RB Demond Claiborne and FB Max Bredeson, there will be crowded space to make room for a fourth back on the 53-man roster, even after Scott’s promising moments in the 2025 season. Expect the Vikings to try to stash him on the practice squad and have him ready in case of injury this year.
2. Myles Price | WR-KR-PR
VT Writer: Janik Eckardt
Though he looked like an excellent returner, Price made several crucial mistakes over the course of his rookie season. This summer, dynamic rookies Dillon Bell and Demond Claiborne will challenge Price for his spot and come out victorious.
3. Johnny Hekker | P
VT Writer: Ted Schwerzler
I don’t know if it winds up being a big surprise, but Brett Thorson was signed to win the punter job. He offers more long-term upside than the veteran Hekker, and he’ll get his opportunities to push him off the roster.
4. … Nobody This Time
VT Writer: Wes Johnson
The Vikings are a team that has largely missed on the NFL Draft over the past few years, and as a result, they have lacked depth over the past two seasons. That looks to have changed this season, as, by all accounts, they have added intelligently in the draft and through free agency.
While trading the loser of the QB battle is possible, rolling with an undrafted rookie QB at times last season should have left a bad taste in the coaching staff’s mouth, to the point that I would not want to trade my depth at the most important position in football.
t5. Theo Jackson | S
VT Writer: Henrique Gucciardi
I expected a lot more from Jackson as a starter, to be honest. Brian Flores has used a lot of three-safety packages, so maybe Jackson will stick around. However, Jay Ward had some nice moments late in the season. Metellus should be healthier in 2026, Jakobe Thomas will have the opportunity to play on defense, and I’m also buying UDFA Jacob Thomas’s stock.
t5. Theo Jackson | S
VT Writer: Dustin Baker
The Vikings usually keep nine defensive backs on the regular season roster. Because he has not expressly retired, let’s roll with Harrison Smith returning for Year No. 15. That completes this DB room for Brian Flores:
- Byron Murphy Jr. (CB)
- Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
- James Pierre (CB)
- Charles Demmings (CB)
- Harrison Smith (S)
- Joshua Metellus (S)
- Jay Ward (S)
- Jakobe Thomas (S)
- Tavierre Thomas (S)
Jackson is the odd man out.
t6. Tai Felton | WR
VT Writer: Cole Smith
The Jauan Jennings signing signals that Felton isn’t ready to take the next step, and Myles Price offers return ability. That makes me wonder whether the Vikings think they can replace whatever potential he has as WR4 with someone else.
t6. Tai Felton | WR
VT Writer: Brevan Bane
Felton may have had the chance to take the WR3 role before the Jauan Jennings signing; now, he may never get that opportunity. The Vikings letting Felton go before he ever gets a shot would be a “surprise”, but that’s in the name. Perhaps, they’ve seen all they need to see from him in practices and workouts. After all, they have more knowledge of him than we do.
t7. Ivan Pace Jr. | LB
VT Writer: Kyle Joudry
Hate to say Ivan Pace Jr., since I’ve speculated about him being traded away for a while before being wrong for several months now, but it’s hard to ignore Minnesota lessening his workload for consecutive seasons, and then his entire cap charge being able to get wiped off the books with zero dead money. So, I’ll say Mr. Pace, even if I have been wrong a lot here and wish nothing but good things for him.
t7. Ivan Pace Jr. | LB
VT Writer: Adam New
From undrafted to a starter, the fairytale of Pace Jr. has soured. If second-round rookie Jake Golday is an early success, Pace Jr. could slip further down the depth chart, and there is over $3 million to be saved by cutting him. It could become the smart decision.
t7. Ivan Pace Jr. | LB
VT Writer: Ali Siddiqui
The Vikings would save over $3 million by releasing Pace Jr., and they used their second pick on an LB. His role also decreased last year. Too many good linebackers is a wonderful problem. Champagne, even.
