The Minnesota Vikings are making a somewhat surprising roster move by waiving wide receiver Jalen Reagor.
Earlier on Wednesday morning, it was revealed that the Minnesota Vikings were expected to sign Myles Gaskin, a running back who was recently released by the Miami Dolphins. However, no corresponding move was announced to keep the roster at 53 players.
The transaction is now known, as it is being reported by ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter on X (formerly Twitter) that wide receiver Jalen Reagor will be the one who is waived to make room for the running back.
Here is Schefter's tweet announcing the move:
Vikings are waiving former first-round draft pick Jalen Reagor, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2023
Why is this Minnesota Vikings transaction a minor surprise?
Jalen Reagor was having a solid training camp and preseason but struggled to be a consistent contributor on the Vikings roster last season. He was the team's primary punt return specialist as well, but had mixed results on that duty as well.
One of the biggest reasons this is a bit of a surprise is because releasing Reagor doesn't help the salary cap situation at all. There is no relief in waiving the former first-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Still, the Vikings have five receivers on the roster: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, K.J. Osborn, Jalen Nailor, and Brandon Powell. It will be interesting to see if one of them will take on punt return duty for the upcoming season.
The 24-year-old receiver will likely get another opportunity in the NFL based on his potential and speed. However, his time with the purple and gold has come to an end.
We at The Viking Age would like to thank Jalen Reagor for his time with the Minnesota Vikings and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. He will now be subject to waivers since he is not a vested veteran in the NFL.