4 Vikings players who clung to their roster spot in 2022

James Lynch – DL

The Vikings made one of the most surprising cuts of the summer by waiving Armon Watts. The defensive lineman was tabbed by many to fill a starting role as a 3-4 defensive end, but those in power felt like they had enough young options to justify his departure.

Minnesota will see Watts twice next season after he was claimed by the Chicago Bears. But the question of who’ll slot alongside established starters Dalvin Tomlinson and Harrison Phillips was not around for long after the Vikings struck a deal with the Houston Texans for Ross Blacklock.

One player that might have a part to play based on recent events is James Lynch. The versatile player notched 30 tackles and one sack last season, but impressing fresh sets of eyes this summer was a difficult task for anyone further down the depth chart.

Lynch will have to settle for a backup role at best following Blacklock’s arrival. The former Baylor standout can also lend his support on special teams, which is always essential for those lower on the pecking order.

This was a vote of confidence in Lynch by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell. Whether this is enough for the player to further establish himself during the upcoming campaign is another matter entirely.