3 Vikings who could be cut after the NFL Draft

February 19, 2023 ndowd

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19)Eric Kendrick: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings need to make big moves this offseason with NFC North dominance within reach. To make said moves, they need to make some hard cuts.

The Minnesota Vikings are in a weird in-between state. Despite being a serious contender and coming off a season in which they won the NFC North, it’s hard to know whether or not they should be taken seriously moving forward. As currently constructed, it’s tough to expect much from this team come playoff time. This offseason could be huge for the Vikings.

Minnesota fans are in for a wild offseason after firing Rick Spielman in January 2022 and hiring new GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. We’re one year into the new regime, and there will be moves made to replenish some of the funds lost to Rick Spielman’s moves. To bring in new talent, Adofo-Mensah has to get rid of some of the old.

It makes sense to make some cuts after the NFL Draft. This could save the Vikings big bucks. The Vikings are $23 million over the cap according to Over The Cap. It’s time to make some smart moves to allow this team to get better. Addition by subtraction will be this offseason’s strategy. Here are three cut candidates that might surprise Minnesota fans.

NFL rumors: Vikings should cut WR Adam Thielen

This one may be tough to hear, but Adam Thielen was pretty terrible in Kevin O’Connell’s system last season. While Justin Jefferson was thriving, Thielen averaged 42 yards per game. Despite playing all 17 games, he had fewer yards than he did the year before in 13 games. Thielen is 33 years old, and things might only get worse.

The real reason for this cut is how easy it makes things for the Vikings’ salary negotiators. Cutting him after June 1 would save the Vikings more than $13 million. This player is a legend for this team, but this is a business. Minnesota have to play with their head, not their heart. This will surprise fans at first, but it will make sense in the long run.

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