Minnesota Vikings long snapper Austin Cutting cleared to play in 2019

After some speculation as to whether seventh-round draft pick Austin Cutting would be able to play, it appears he will suit up for the Minnesota Vikings.

Following some breaking news today, it appears as though the Minnesota Vikings will have one more competition for fans to watch as during training camp and the preseason, with this battle happening on special teams.

When the team selected long snapper Austin Cutting in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft, it was a bit of a surprise. The Air Force special teams player had a military commitment and his availability was in question.

Turns out that Minnesota’s gamble paid off for the team and the rookie is expected to sign his contract with the team. The Pioneer Press reports that he has the green light to participate in camp and play in the NFL thanks to a policy announced by Donald Trump on June 26.

"“As I recently stated, these student-athletes should be able to defer their military service obligations until they have completed their professional sports careers,” Trump wrote. “Such cadets and midshipmen have a short window of time to take advantage of their athletic talents during which playing professional sports is realistically possible.”"

Cutting’s competition in camp will be Kevin McDermott, a seventh-year player who has spent the last four seasons of his career with the Vikings. However, with the entire special teams unit struggling in the last few years, bringing in some competition can only improve the position.

"“Competition is always a good thing,” McDermott said in an article published by the Pioneer Press. “It improves performance, and, so you know, I’m still here competing to be the long snapper for the 2019 season.”"

While McDermott has experience and familiarity on his side, Cutting has youth and a clean slate to build from.  At only 21 years old, the rookie may not have the crisp and clean techniques of a seven-year player in the NFL, but he does offer a fresh start for a unit that can’t seem to keep a combination of holder, kicker, and long snapper.

This will be an interesting competition to watch as Minnesota Vikings training camp and preseason approaches, especially since the team should be focused on making sure the special teams unit can bounce back from previous years.