53 Man Cutdown Sun 08/30 ~ Transactions ~Trades? Cuts?

Who is RB3 for this team?

Do Scott/Claiborne both make the 53?

purplefaithful wrote:

Who is RB3 for this team?
Do Scott/Claiborne both make the 53?

I think it's going to be Claiborne.

I think you'll have 5 RBs, including Max (FB): AJ, Mason, Claiborne, Scott, Maxie.

StickierBuns wrote:

I think you'll have 5 RBs, including Max (FB): AJ, Mason, Claiborne, Scott, Maxie.

I'm thinking AJ, Mason, Claiborne, Bredeson (FB), & Scott to the PS.

purplefaithful wrote:

Who is RB3 for this team?
Do Scott/Claiborne both make the 53?

Claiborne certainly does make the 53 both as RB3 and on special teams. You can even make a case for Zavier Scott behind as RB4 (I wouldn't).

Which Scott? Actually, I think all 3 make the squad. Jacob has certainly earned his spot. Jacobe has earned a spot because of draft position in spite of his back issues and Tavierre is right in the mix. That would change if Harry comes back.

Other predictions:

I think the team keeps Hekker and puts Thorson on PS with an International Exemption. That's close call though. Do you want a reliable kicker on a short term rental or do you make a move for the future. Thorson could end up somewhere else.

I think Rouse is gone.

Bartholomew over Yurosek.

Demmings makes the squad.

Cricket wrote:

I'm thinking AJ, Mason, Claiborne, Bredeson (FB), & Scott to the PS.

There ya go, that may be the way. 👍

purplefaithful wrote:

Who is RB3 for this team?
Do Scott/Claiborne both make the 53?

I like Scott, but as a RB he is just another body. Decent receiver, but nothing special in the run game. He will likely go to PS.

I think most of the offense skill spots are settled. 3QB, 5WR, 3RB, 2TE. With 9OL, that leaves 3 spots of which I would expect another 1 TE and 1 RB. So I think it comes down to loser of Bartholomew/Yurosek, loser of Clairburn/Scott, 6th WR, vs. 10th OL for one spot. My guess is that 4 TE make it or 3 TE and another OL. The depth WR talent and Scott's talent do not seem to be 53 man worthy. But it will probably come down to special teams, which is hard to predict.

On the other hand, I do this exercise every year, only to have all the fringe guys cut and a waiver wire guy picked up!

The #Vikings have signed DL Jonathan Harris and TE Matt Lauter.

CB Tyreek Chappell and DL Taki Taimani have been waived-injured.

📰: https://t.co/L6JNO18cL3 pic.twitter.com/mdewtzFxBp

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 24, 2026

Tell me where I'm wrong in our @espn 53-man Vikings roster projection. https://t.co/QkHfvURKF2

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) August 24, 2026

Quarterbacks (3)

Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz

It's possible the Vikings will look to put No. 4 quarterback Max Brosmer on the practice squad. Otherwise, the only question was deciding whether McCarthy or Wentz will be No. 2 on gamedays behind Murray. It appears that McCarthy will open the season there, with Wentz as the emergency No. 3, but that is always subject to change.

Running backs (5)

Aaron Jones Sr., Jordan Mason, Demond Claiborne, Zavier Scott, Max Bredeson (FB)

Two veterans in the final year of their contracts (Jones, Mason) and two members of the 2026 draft class (Claiborne, Bredeson) make up the crux of this position. Jones and Mason will be the primary ball carriers, but Claiborne has a burst that neither of them possess. Based on usage in training camp and the preseason, Bredeson figures to play a prominent blocking role.

Wide receivers (5)

Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, Tai Felton, Myles Price

Jefferson, Addison and Jennings will comprise the Vikings' three-receiver sets, which Jennings has compared to the Golden State Warriors' championship trio of Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Felton and Price were both impressive during training camp but will play limited roles unless there are injuries.

Tight ends (3)

T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Gavin Bartholomew

Could this position get a makeover next spring under new general manager Nolan Teasley? Hockenson's contract expires after the season. Oliver has been an elite blocker over the past three seasons but has been used minimally in the passing game, catching 59 passes while earning $22 million. Bartholomew emerged as a smooth pass-catcher after missing his rookie season because of a back injury.

Offensive linemen (10)

Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Blake Brandel, Will Fries, Brian O'Neill, Ryan Van Demark, Michael Jurgens, Joe Huber, Caleb Tiernan, Walter Rouse

Four starters return from 2025, while Brandel completes the transition from guard/tackle to center following the retirement of Ryan Kelly. The Vikings hope they have upgraded their depth at all positions, particularly after prying Van Demark away from the Buffalo Bills via restricted free agency.

Defensive linemen (6)

Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Caleb Banks, Domonique Orange, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Elijah Williams

The Vikings have infused this position with young talent, and they should have five players in their rotation with no more than three years of experience. That includes two rookies in Banks and Orange, both of whom received first-team work during training camp as defensive coordinator Brian Flores tested various packages.

Linebackers (8)

Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, Eric Wilson, Blake Cashman, Jake Golday, Ivan Pace Jr., Bo Richter, Tyler Batty

Camp did not reveal obvious depth at edge pass rusher, where Turner has taken over the spot vacated by the trade of Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles. But Ingram-Dawkins has shown some position flexibility, and Golday got work at the off-ball position and edge.

Cornerbacks (4)

Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, James Pierre, Charles Demmings

It's possible the Vikings will add to this position during the flurry of cuts, but for now they were encouraged to see Demmings -- a fifth-round draft pick from FCS Stephen F. Austin -- challenge some of their top receivers and push Pierre for the No. 3 cornerback job. In some cases, however, Flores will use a safety as his nickel.

Safeties (6)

Joshua Metellus, Jay Ward, Theo Jackson, Jakobe Thomas, Tavierre Thomas, Jacob Thomas

The Vikings didn't backfill Harrison Smith's starting role as if they were certain he would retire. (He hasn't made any announcements one way or the other.) Following Jamal Adams' season-ending torn right quadriceps in the first preseason game, two rookies with nearly identical names -- Jakobe Thomas was a third-rounder, Jacob Thomas was an undrafted free agent -- are on track to make the roster.

Special teams (3)

Will Reichard (K), Johnny Hekker (P), Andrew DePaola (LS)

Rookie punter Brett Thorson has had a strong camp, but Hekker is the more reliable option for a veteran team hoping to make a playoff push.

@StickierBuns ~ According to Seifert, you may be right about having 5 RBs.

Edit ~ Also according to Coller.

Took a swing at projecting the Vikings' 53-man rosterhttps://t.co/PWmuvyWyCF

— Matthew Coller (@MatthewColler) August 24, 2026

Quarterback (3)

Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz, JJ McCarthy

Biggest question: Is McCarthy QB2 or QB3?

McCarthy’s camp and preseason play has been erratic but we haven’t seen Wentz take a lot of reps during practice. However, Wentz was the better of the two QBs in game performance last year and during the two preseason games.

Max Brosmer seems destined for the practice squad.

Running back (5)

Jordan Mason, Aaron Jones, Zavier Scott, Demond Claiborne, Max Bredeson

Biggest question: Will they add someone?

Last year Scott ran 32 times for 114 yards and caught 14 passes for 98 yards. The 27-year-old is a key special teamer and has shown an ability to pass block at 220 pounds. It would seem that combo of factors would keep him on the rosters but that depends on whether the Vikings want to upgrade the RB position overall. Demond Claiborne hasn’t looked ready to take on a big workload when he’s played in the preseason but has too much potential to make it through waivers.

Wide receiver (5)

Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, Tai Felton, Myles Price

Biggest question: Will there be a sixth? What’s the depth chart order with Felton/Price?

All summer long, Felton, Price and Jeshaun Jones have held down the three receiver slots on the second unit. Felton and Price are locked into the 53-man as specialists and depth receivers but could they have been impressed enough with Jones, who has been a constant target of QBs during camp, to keep him?

Over the past few weeks, Price has put together an outstanding highlight reel in camp and preseason but Felton has the deep-threat element that offers something different from Jauan Jennings. That may get him on the field faster than Price.

Tight end (3)

TJ Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Gavin Bartholomew

Biggest question: Who is TE3?

The 2025 sixth-round pick has stepped up during training camp and looked like a capable pass catcher with good enough size to block as well. But last year the Vikings used 2025 UDFA Ben Yurosek as a blocker and he was fairly effective. There is a chance they could elect to keep the blocking TE with further emphasis on the run game.

Offensive line (9)

Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Blake Brandel, Will Fries, Brian O’Neill

Ryan Van Demark, Joe Huber, Michael Jurgens, Caleb Tiernan

Biggest question: Will they keep 10? Will they add another IOL?

In this scenario, they would cut Henry Byrd, who has been a practice squad player for years, and keep the younger Huber. The backup interior O-line has been a question because there is very little real game experience between Huber, Jurgens and Byrd. Will they look for a veteran who has been on the field more during their career to be a backup for Jackson and Fries or just roll with what they have?

Defensive line (6)

Can't read the rest w/o subscribing to Purple Insider.

Time for a new Vikings 53-man roster projection!

I went through each position and came up with the biggest question pertaining to that room. One week left until cutdown day.https://t.co/BXfXmkhOsG

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 24, 2026

This upcoming Sunday, general manager Nolan Teasley and the Vikings must trim their roster from 90 players down to 53, plus a 16-player practice squad. They’ll also be playing close attention to cuts or trade candidates around the league as they consider potential additions to bolster their depth.

To set the stage, here’s another 53-man roster projection. With each position, we’ll take a quick look at the biggest question regarding that room.

Quarterbacks (3)

• Kyler Murray

• Carson Wentz

• J.J. McCarthy

Cut: Max Brosmer

Biggest question: Are the Vikings and McCarthy headed for a breakup?

After two preseason games, my gut tells me Wentz is going to be the Vikings’ backup when the regular season begins. McCarthy may just be too volatile right now to trust in the event of Murray missing time. And if he’s going to be QB3, has this already reached the point where the Vikings could look to move on, give McCarthy a fresh start somewhere else, and bring in a new third-string option? I’m not saying that’s going to happen, but it at least feels like a possibility.

Running backs and fullback (4)

• Aaron Jones

• Jordan Mason

• Max Bredeson (FB)

• Demond Claiborne

Cut: Zavier Scott, Jermar Jefferson

Biggest question: Can you get Scott through waivers?

Claiborne has averaged just 2.6 yards per carry this preseason, but with his speed and upside, the Vikings aren’t going to risk putting him through waivers. Scott is a solid player who gained some valuable experience last year, but he feels like a better candidate to get through waivers to the practice squad. That may be a risk worth taking in order to keep a player at another position on the roster.

Wide receivers (5)

• Justin Jefferson

• Jordan Addison

• Jauan Jennings

• Tai Felton

• Myles Price

Cut: Jeshaun Jones, Dillon Bell, Dontae Fleming, Marcus Sanders Jr., Michael Briscoe, Terrill Davis, Trayvon Rudolph

Biggest question: Will they keep a sixth receiver?

The top five receivers on the roster are all locks, and the only depth chart question is if Felton or Price will be WR4. Are the Vikings going to keep a sixth receiver? You could make arguments for Jones, Bell, and Fleming. I also think you can probably get all three to the practice squad.

Tight ends (3)

• T.J. Hockenson

• Josh Oliver

• Gavin Bartholomew

Cut: Ben Yurosek, Bryson Nesbit, Marshall Lang

Biggest question: Bartholomew or Yurosek?

Last year, while Bartholomew missed the season with a back injury, it was the undrafted Yurosek who held the Vikings’ TE3 spot. Bartholomew is now back and has had a strong training camp as a pass-catcher. The Vikings can probably get away with keeping only three tight ends because Bredeson can be used on the line of scrimmage if needed. Nesbit is a practice squad candidate.

Offensive linemen (9)

• Christian Darrisaw

• Brian O’Neill

• Donovan Jackson

• Will Fries

• Blake Brandel

• Ryan Van Demark

• Caleb Tiernan

• Michael Jurgens

• Joe Huber

Cut: Henry Byrd, Gavin Gerhardt, Walter Rouse, Vershon Lee, Tristan Leigh, Delby Lemieux, Tomas Rimac, Joshua Gray

Biggest question: Do you need a tenth lineman?

The Vikings’ five starters on the O-line are set. Van Demark and Tiernan are locks as depth tackles, while Jurgens and Huber are the top backups at center and guard, respectively. Is that enough depth? Byrd has value because he can play guard and tackle, but he struggled at times in Saturday’s preseason game. I’d imagine nine is enough, with at least three more going to the practice squad.

Defensive linemen (6)

• Jalen Redmond

• Levi Drake Rodriguez

• Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

• Caleb Banks

• Domonique Orange

• Elijah Williams

Cut: Isaiahh Loudermilk, Taki Taimani, Jahvaree Ritzie, Smith Vilbert

Biggest question: Williams or Loudermilk?

This room has five locks. The sixth spot comes down to a former rookie tryout player who has done nothing but impress and a 6’7″ veteran with 60 games of NFL experience. Loudermilk’s five years with the Steelers make him interesting, but Williams has simply been too good for me to imagine him getting cut.

Elijah Williams (99) belongs on the Vikings’ 53-man roster, imo pic.twitter.com/KRVcWgfdMJ

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 23, 2026

Outside linebackers (4)

• Andrew Van Ginkel

• Dallas Turner

• Tyler Batty

• Bo Richter

Cut: Chaz Chambliss, Kenny Dyson, Cam’Ron Stewart

Biggest question: Who are the Vikings going to add to this room?

As the season gets closer, it still feels like the Vikings need to add a No. 3 edge rusher. The free agents include Haason Reddick, Leonard Floyd, Denico Autry, and Kyle Van Noy. A trade is also a possibility. For now, we’ll keep two of the Batty/Richter/Chambliss trio. It is worth noting that Dyson had four pressures on ten pass-rush snaps on Saturday.

Linebackers (5)

• Blake Cashman

• Eric Wilson

• Jake Golday

• Ivan Pace Jr.

• Jacob Roberts

Cut: Josh Ross, Bangally Kamara

Biggest question: Pace, Roberts, or both?

Golday is obviously a lock behind starters Cashman and Wilson. If the Vikings only keep four off-ball ‘backers, it’s between Pace and Roberts for the final spot. I think I’d keep both. Pace has limitations but his downhill tenacity still gives him value in Brian Flores’ system. Meanwhile, Roberts — who was most recently with the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders — has had an unbelievably good preseason.

Safeties (6)

• Josh Metellus

• Theo Jackson

• Jay Ward

• Jacob Thomas

• Jakobe Thomas

• Tavierre Thomas

Cut: Kahlef Hailassie

Biggest question: What’s Harrison Smith up to?

Six safeties is more than teams usually keep, but Jacob Thomas has forced his way onto the roster, Jakobe Thomas isn’t getting cut, and Tavierre Thomas is a pure special teams guy. Even with those six names, all eyes are still on Harrison Smith and his retirement decision. He’ll be welcomed with open arms if he decides to come back, especially with Jamal Adams out for the season.

Cornerbacks (5)

• Byron Murphy Jr.

• Isaiah Rodgers

• James Pierre

• Charles Demmings

• Zemaiah Vaughn

Cut: Dwight McGlothern, Da’Veawn Armstead, Marcus Allen, Tyreek Chappell, Jarod Washington, Bryce Phillips

Biggest question: Who gets the fifth spot?

There’s a lot of competition for the CB5 job behind the three veterans and Demmings. Vaughn continues to be the most interesting to me because of his length and speed. A sneaky name to watch is Armstead, who has had a good preseason.

Specialists (3)

• Will Reichard (K)

• Johnny Hekker (P)

• Andrew De Paola (LS)

Cut: Brett Thorson

Biggest question: Who’s the punter?

The punting stats have been pretty even through two preseason games. The veteran Hekker has six punts, with a 46.3-yard average and net of 38.7. The rookie Thorson has five punts, averaging 44.8 yards with a net of 39.8. Both have landed three inside the 20. It’s probably going to be Hekker, but a case could be made for either.

Trade:

Trade! The Patriots are sending WR Kayshon Boutte to the Texans for safety Jaylen Reed and a draft pick, sources tell @ringer @netflixsports. pic.twitter.com/NZXCdOX4RT

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 24, 2026

Words can't express enough how rare Caleb Banks' movement skills are pic.twitter.com/J0CAQwFxRY

— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) August 24, 2026

I hope the Vikings find a spot on the 53-man roster for Jacob Roberts. He's good pic.twitter.com/zPv3hEI3Bc

— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) August 24, 2026

Thought Taki Taimani had a chance to be a practice squad guy again https://t.co/lOHzAXEm5O

— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) August 24, 2026

I can't get enough of Elijah Williams pic.twitter.com/hGCUZcVkGt

— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) August 24, 2026

Savvy move from Bangally Kamara pic.twitter.com/nlHGajBmHh

— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) August 24, 2026

I do not get the one projection of 4 CBs and 6 safeties, I would think it would be reversed with more way more reps needed for CBs. I think that is what we did last year, which makes no sense especially considering our safety group is not that great.