The Minnesota Vikings cut their roster down to 53 players on Sunday afternoon, but perhaps the Vikings would have been better off referring to it as “subject to change.”
The Vikings had one of the most fluid roster situations in the NFL after cut day, and it resulted in the release of quarterback Max Brosmer and wide receiver Dillon Bell on Monday afternoon.
Brosmer’s release, which was reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, and Bell’s release, reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz, came hours after the Vikings claimed offensive linemen Nick Samac and Trevor Keegan off waivers, and it shows that while the Vikings trimmed down their roster, there could be several changes coming before they kick off against the Green Bay Packers on September 13.
Max Brosmer and Dillon Bell become the first changes on the Minnesota Vikings' 53-man roster
The inclusion of Bell and Brosmer on the final 53-man roster was one of the most surprising storylines on cut day.
Both players were on the roster bubble; many assumed they had made the team, so they wouldn’t be subjected to waivers if they didn’t make the final roster. But the truth was that neither player had secured their roster spot.
A UDFA who was the star of training camp a year ago, Brosmer’s stock dropped after appearing in seven games last season and entered this season as the fourth quarterback on the depth chart after the addition of Kyler Murray.
While The Athletic’s Alec Lewis noted the Vikings were fond of Brosmer’s “smarts and understanding of the offense,” that never showed up for him on the field this preseason, completing 32-of-54 passes for 269 yards and an interception, according to PFF.
Bell was another player who made strides during the offseason program, but it didn’t carry over to training camp.
With Myles Price and Tai Felton taking steps forward, Bell flashed athletic upside but was more of a project, catching seven passes for 59 yards, including six for 51 yards during the Vikings’ second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens.
This may not be the end for either player in Minnesota, as they can be placed on the practice squad if they pass through waivers unclaimed. But it’s also a sign the Vikings may not be done making moves as they finalize their roster in the coming days.
Minnesota Vikings may not be done making moves after Max Brosmer and Dillon Bell's departures
The biggest question is at the quarterback position, where J.J. McCarthy seems to have worn out his welcome but has an ankle injury that ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported could take “multiple weeks” to heal.
The Vikings also need an edge rusher after Tyler Batty tore his ACL in the preseason finale against the Denver Broncos and could still be waiting for a decision from Harrison Smith as he contemplates returning for another season.
While Minnesota could have delayed these moves as placeholders for potential waiver claims, there could be several other players who could be joining Brosmer and Bell on the waiver wire.
And after a pair of claims on Monday, the Vikings may not be done, giving their 53-man roster a much different look than it had at Sunday’s deadline.
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