5 Vikings players who could be cut before taking a snap in 2021

Tye Smith – CB

The Vikings really hit the defensive side of the ball hard in free agency and no position was addressed more than cornerback.

Minnesota brought in future Hall of Famer Patrick Peterson and then signed one of their own in Mackensie Alexander. Peterson will start on the outside and Alexander excelled in the slot when he was previously with the Vikings, so he will probably resume that role this year.

Cameron Dantzler and Bashaud Breeland will battle for the other starting spot opposite Peterson and there is plenty of young talent behind them.

Jeff Gladney’s legal battle continues to drag out and he could actually end up playing this season and Harrison Hand has been having a fantastic start to OTAs, making plays in the opportunities he’s been given. Kris Boyd has been developing for two seasons now and is another young player who could take a major step forward this season.

That makes the team seven corners deep before even mentioning Tye Smith. The Vikings brought him in about a month ago, and while he is an experienced player with decent size, it’s hard seeing him make the final roster.

In fact, the only way he does would be if either someone higher on the depth chart suffers a season-ending injury or Jeff Gladney ends up getting suspended. If neither of those events transpires, then Smith will be the odd man out and his tenure with the Vikings will be over before it officially begins.