5 Vikings players who could be cut before taking a snap in 2021
By Nik Edlund
Nick Vigil – LB
Nick Vigil was one of the Vikings’ first signings of the 2021 offseason. While he may be one of the first, he also could be among those who never see a meaningful snap with the club. Vigil has been a fine player so far in his career. He’s averaged about 69 tackles a season and has proven to be a solid special teams player.
When he was first signed, it was assumed he’d start on the weakside as second-year player Troy Dye was penciled in that position after an underwhelming and injury-riddled rookie season. Since then, the depth has gotten a little bit better.
The Vikings drafted Chazz Surratt and he is a versatile player who can be used at just about any of the linebacker spots. The team also gets Cameron Smith back after he went through open-heart surgery and he’s a great story and will be motivated to have a complete return to the field and make the most of his second chance at a career in the NFL.
Blake Lynch is also back in the mix. He was an undrafted rookie from a season ago who shined in the brief playing time he got. He could be much better in his second year and be ready to push for a spot on this suddenly crowded linebacking depth chart.
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Vigil is still probably going to make the team, but the Vikings usually keep five or six linebackers, and with Barr and Kendricks locks for two of those spots, the veteran could be the odd man out if young players like Dye, Lynch, and Smith outperform him in camp.