The Minnesota Vikings have finalized their 53-man roster with two weeks to go before they start the 2026 season.
Plenty of moves were made, along with some roster surprises. Many Vikings fans wondered whether quarterback J.J. McCarthy would be traded, but he remained on the roster.
Across the NFL, over 1,000 players were released or waived from their rosters. Minnesota can look at a few of them and bring them onto the roster to help the team in 2026.
Newly cut players that would make good fits for the Minnesota Vikings in 2026
Greg Dortch - WR
Previous Team: Detroit Lions
Why not bring in a guy that Kyler Murray knows well? The two were together in Arizona over the last five years, with Dortch catching 145 passes for 1,310 yards and 10 touchdowns in 66 games. Murray and Dortch had good chemistry, and the veteran receiver was perfect in the slot.
The Vikings would not mind adding another slot receiver to help in the passing game. It could make Murray's transition as the new starter easier, knowing he has a weapon he can trust on the field.
Sam Williams - EDGE
Previous Team: Dallas Cowboys
Williams has all the capabilities to be a solid edge rusher in the NFL, but never emerged as a starter for the Cowboys. He has racked up 9.5 sacks in four seasons, missing 2024 after suffering an ACL injury.
Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner are the top edge rushers on the team, but they could use another depth piece. Williams could thrive in Brian Flores' defense and match the same kind of production Turner had last year as a third edge rusher.
Trevon Diggs - CB
Previous Team: Seattle Seahawks
Diggs was a big surprise as a cut for the Seahawks, but Seattle has plans to bring him back on the practice squad. This could be an opening for the Vikings to help at a position that needs more depth.
Byron Murphy Jr. is a solid cornerback, but the Vikings are taking chances with Charles Demmings and James Pierre despite having good camps.
Diggs might be inconsistent at times, but he could start for the Vikings on the outside. Also, his brother, Stefon Diggs, played in Minnesota for a while, so that could be a possible connection to lean on.
K.J. Osborn - WR
Previous Team: Tennessee Titans
The former Vikings receiver is back on the market and could be a good fit for the offense to add some more depth. Osborn had 158 receptions for 1,845 yards and 15 touchdowns in four seasons.
Osborn hasn't had much of a career since leaving Minnesota, so a reunion benefits both sides. The Vikings could use Osborn as a backup, and the veteran receiver could revive his career by helping his old team out.
Geno Stone - S
Previous Team: Buffalo Bills
After losing Jamal Adams for the season due to a quad injury, the Vikings could use some more depth at the safety position. Some believe Harrison Smith could still be signed, but that hasn't happened yet, and Vikings fans shouldn't hold their breath.
Stone has been a reliable starter for the Cincinnati Bengals over the past two years. It was a bit of a surprise to see him available after the Bills let him go, but he's reliable to play on the field. Even if Stone doesn't start, he can at least give the Vikings more depth at the safety position.
James Lynch - DL
Previous Team: Chicago Bears
Another former Vikings player who might make sense to bring back. Lynch started his career in Minnesota and has built an interesting career as a backup.
The Bears have seen Lynch play well in training camp and was a surprise of a release, but they do plan on bringing him back on the active roster. It would be funny to see the Vikings steal him from Chicago and let him be in rotation with the defensive line.
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