5 recent NFL roster cuts that could interest the Vikings in 2023

Player No. 5

Duke Shelley - CB

The 2022 Vikings fan favorite, Duke Shelley, is available again after recently being let go by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Shelley is a man who needs little introduction amongst Minnesota fans, as his stellar end to the 2022 season gained him immediate admiration from the purple and gold faithful. While it was hard to see him leave in free agency, the Vikings front office now has the opportunity to bring him back for another run.

There is a real potential that Shelley's time with Minnesota was just lightning in a bottle, so let's get that addressed first.

A sixth-round pick in the 2019 draft, Shelley was nothing more than a practice squad player before his arrival to the Vikings last season, and with injuries ahead of him on the depth chart, he made the most of it.

His recent release from the Raiders may have been his falling back to Earth moment, but the jury is still out on whether he actually has what it takes to stick around in the league.

But adding Shelley to a thin cornerback room that he is already well acclimated with is of little risk to Minnesota. He knows the players, most of the coaching staff and front office, and the fans love him. If he doesn't work out, there is little harm to be had, as he is not going to return to the Vikings as much more than depth.

If Shelley can capture that lightning again, then Minnesota certainly gets a major win in that regard. The Vikings should right their wrongs and bring the Duke back home.