Player No. 1
Troy Dye - ILB
Troy Dye was a former fourth-round pick in 2020 who was seen as a speedy linebacker who could go sideline to sideline and could stick stride for stride with tight ends and running backs in coverage. That prognosis has yet to come to pass, as Dye has struggled to ascend the depth chart and has been relegated to backup and special teams duties.
Dye has just six starts in his three-year NFL career. He has racked up 63 tackles in that span with zero sacks and zero tackles for a loss. After three years, it looks like his role as a backup linebacker and special teamer could be his ceiling and will be all he ever is in the NFL.
That's fine, a lot of players have lengthy careers with that role, but Dye definitely finds himself on the roster bubble at the start of Vikings camp. He isn't a threat to take the starting jobs from Brian Asamoah or Jordan Hicks but will be battling for a spot on the depth chart with the likes of Troy Reeder, William Kwenkeu, and undrafted rookie Ivan Pace Jr.
The Vikings could choose to go with the new free agent and a young player with upside over Dye, and that shouldn't shock anyone. However, the Vikings could also decide to keep experience over upside and keep the veteran backup and special teamer in Dye, making the underperforming linebacker one of the worst players on the roster.