5 most surprising cuts the Minnesota Vikings made in 2021

Dakota Dozier – G

Based on his play, no Vikings fan should’ve been surprised the team cut Dakota Dozier. The guy had been a turnstile at guard since the day he signed with the Purple and was again this preseason when he played against second and third-team defensive linemen.

As bad as he’s been, Minnesota never once pulled him from the starting lineup and even went out and re-signed him to a new deal in the offseason. It was so head-scratching the team brought him back that many fans theorized that Dozier had some sort of dirt on Vikings general manager Rick Spielman or head coach Mike Zimmer, as there was no other reason to roster this guy.

So when news broke that Minnesota actually went ahead and excused this disappointment on their offensive line, it was a little surprising. The team will be rolling with a youth movement at guard with Ezra Cleveland, Oli Udoh, and Wyatt Davis topping the depth chart. All of those guys are more talented than Dozier and still have plenty of upside.

For fans thinking they have seen the last of Dozier in purple, that may not be the case. The team could still sign him to their practice squad, keeping the chance alive that we see him playing in a meaningful game for the Vikings once again.