6 players the Vikings should cut bait with before the 2022 season

C.J. Ham – FB

This is a tough one because C.J. Ham is so beloved by the fan base, but the fact is that he just plays a position that is heading toward extinction in the NFL.

Minnesota’s previous coaching staff ran an offense that emphasized their rushing attack, so Ham was a useful piece of the team. But with Kevin O’Connell bringing a more modern offensive philosophy to the Vikings, the need for a fullback is pretty much non-existent.

During O’Connell’s two seasons as the offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams in 2020 and 2021, he didn’t even have a fullback on the team’s roster.

As much as Minnesota might talk this summer about how much they value Ham being on their team, it doesn’t make a ton of sense to have a guy take up $3.45 million of the salary cap if he’s not really going to be a part of the offense.

Maybe O’Connell will be able to find a role for him, but the head coach’s time spent running the offense for the Rams suggests that the Vikings won’t have a need for a fullback next season.