One of the most difficult times for NFL front offices is when teams are forced to trim their rosters to 53 players. In the past, some surprising names have been included among the players parting ways with the team.
Most of the time, the released individuals are young, unknown players who struggle to make an impression during training camp and the preseason, but sometimes they are players who have been around for a while and don't have a spot on the team anymore.
Let's take a look at some of the more well-known players entering Minnesota Vikings training camp who have a solid chance of not making the 53-man roster for the upcoming 2024 NFL season and will be part of upcoming roster cuts.
5 Vikings cuts before the 2024 season that would surprise no one
1. Lewis Cine, safety
At one time, it looked like the Minnesota Vikings had big plans for Lewis Cine. The young safety was described as an athletic player and a hard-hitter who could fit into the team's defensive schemes. Sadly, after two seasons in the league, Cine only played ten defensive snaps and was a healthy scratch for numerous games when he wasn't recovering from an injury. With Harrison Smith, Camryn Bynum, and Josh Metellus logging major snaps in the secondary, it could be difficult to find a place for the former first-round pick on the 2024 roster.
2. N'Keal Harry, tight end
Switching from wide receiver to tight end this season may have actually decreased N'Keal Harry's chances of making the Vikings' 53-man roster this season. Minnesota has a lack of depth at receiver but may have one of the most talented groups of tight ends entering training camp. T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver are locks to make the team and that still leaves guys like Johnny Mundt and new arrival Robert Tonyan fighting for spots. Even if Hockenson starts the year on the PUP list, Harry will need to be very impressive to win a roster spot.
3. Jaren Hall, quarterback
Normally, a young quarterback like Jaren Hall is a great candidate to be a team's third quarterback. However, when you have Sam Darnold, J.J. McCarthy, and Nick Mullens on the roster, that decision becomes more challenging. Mullens looked better when plugged into the offense last year and has more to offer experience-wise for McCarthy. Don't be surprised if Hall is released and the Vikings try to slide him on the practice squad.
4. Nick Muse, tight end
Entering his third season with the Vikings, Nick Muse has been an interesting special teams player but has only registered two snaps on offense. That competition only got tougher with the arrival of former Packers, Bears, and Lions tight end Robert Tonyan, who is already impressing coaches. If T.J. Hockenson starts the year on the PUP list and Minnesota needs special teams help, then Muse may have a chance of earning a roster spot. Otherwise, his odds are not good.
5. John Parker Romo, kicker
The writing was already on the wall for 26-year-old kicker John Parker Romo. Despite never attempting a kick with an NFL team, he is going on his fourth NFL team since being an undrafted free agent in 2022. Minnesota used a draft pick on Alabama's Will Reichard, creating an uphill battle for the former UFL San Antonio Brahmas kicker to make the roster in 2024.