5 Minnesota Vikings who could be shocking cuts in 2024

Training camp is less than two weeks away for the Minnesota Vikings where players will be giving their all to earn a spot on the team's 53-man roster for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. The competition will be tough, with many young individuals fighting for an opportunity to prove their worth on the field.

This should be a fairly straight forward training camp and preseason for the Vikings. Most of the expensive veterans are no longer with the team and roster spots will likely be earned based on performance.

However, there seems to be some surprising cuts made once in a while. Guys like former edge rusher Brian Robison have been part of Minnesota's final cuts in the past despite having a productive career in the NFL.

There might not be a cut of that size this year, but there are some familiar faces to Minnesota Vikings fans who might end up on the cutting room floor.

5 Minnesota Vikings who could be shocking cuts in 2024

1. Kene Nwangwu, running back

Entering his fourth year in the league, Kene Nwangwu has been a backup running back who handled kickoff duties. Taking only 60 offensive snaps in his career and changes to the kickoff rules in 2024 could lead to his release. Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler are likely to be a one-two punch with Cam Akers possibly returning. That leaves Nwangwu fighting for a fourth halfback spot with DeWayne McBride and Myles Gaskin. And that's IF Minnesota keeps four halfbacks.

2. Nick Muse, tight end

There might not be a tougher position to make on the Vikings' roster than tight end. T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, and Johhny Mundt are all contributors, and new arrival Robert Tonyan could easily carve out a role for himself. Even if Hockenson starts the year on the PUP list, guys like Trey Knox, N'Keal Harry, and Sammis Reyes will be fighting Nick Muse for a possible roster spot.

3. James Lynch, defensive line

One of the weaker areas on Minnesota's roster is the defensive line. James Lynch may have played 640 defensive snaps in three seasons, but he may not be able to take a spot from Jonathan Bullard or Jonah Williams. He should be able to hold off Jalen Redmond, but that might not be enough.

4. Jaren Hall, quarterback

The Minnesota Vikings are not keeping four quarterbacks. Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy are essentially locks to make the roster, leaving a battle between Jaren Hall and Nick Mullens for the QB3 spot. Mullens has the experience to be a backup and mentor and would likely not clear waivers if released, making Hall the odd man out to hopefully slide on the practice squad.

5. Patrick Jones II, edge

Patrick Jones II has potential as an edge rusher but he's got a crowded group to try to infiltrate. Three spots will go to Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner. If the Vikings keep four edge rushers, that leaves Jones, Jihad Ward, Andre Carter II and three rookies battling for one spot, where Ward could be considered the favorite.

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