Linval Joseph’s release a necessary evil for cash-strapped Vikings

Joseph’s contract situation

Linval Joseph might still be of use to the Minnesota Vikings, but that was not enough to see him remain on the roster.

After proving his worth to the organization, Joseph penned a four-year, $50.35 million deal that included a $6 million signing bonus and $31.5 million guaranteed.

This gave Joseph financial security during the prime years of his career, but it also gave the Vikings an out after the 2019 season. The defensive tackle was set to count $12.88 million against the Minnesota salary cap next season and his release costs just $2.4 million in dead money.

This represents a significant saving of $10.48 million that as too difficult to ignore for the front office. They needed to make adjustments to ensure they are in a position to compete for a playoff berth once again in 2020.

Given the double-digit saving, they have made on Joseph, the potential of him moving on to pastures new was inevitable.

Minnesota gambled on winning now with big-money deals to performing stars on the current roster and high-profile free agents with mixed success. They are now paying the price and Joseph was a financial burden the Vikings needed to remove to boosted their long and short-term ambitions.