The Popular Vikings Players Who Could Be Cut This Summer

June 7, 2026 - 00:13

As summer turns to fall, the Minnesota Vikings will face the annual grind of trimming their roster from 90 players down to 53. While the team has some locked-in stars, a handful of popular names from recent seasons are suddenly on shaky ground. The pressure of the salary cap and the emergence of younger talent mean that even familiar faces could be shown the door before Week 1.

One of the most notable candidates is veteran cornerback Joejuan Williams. Once a second-round pick by the Patriots, he was brought in last year as a depth piece with upside. But with the Vikings investing heavily in their secondary through the draft and free agency, Williams has struggled to stand out in camp. His physical style is a fit for defensive coordinator Brian Flores, but if he doesn't show consistent coverage skills in preseason games, his roster spot is far from safe.

Another name to watch is tight end Johnny Mundt. He has been a reliable blocker and a locker room favorite since signing with the team, but the Vikings have a logjam at the position. With T.J. Hockenson recovering from injury and younger players like Josh Oliver and Nick Muse pushing for snaps, Mundt's role as a pure blocker may not be enough to justify a spot. The team could opt for a more versatile pass-catching option instead.

On the defensive line, veteran edge rusher D.J. Wonnum is also in a precarious spot. He had a career year in 2023 with eight sacks, but a quad injury ended his season early. Now, with rookie Dallas Turner and free-agent addition Andrew Van Ginkel in the mix, the Vikings have more speed off the edge. Wonnum's recovery timeline and his ability to regain his burst will be critical. If he looks slow in practice, the team might cut ties to save cap space.

Finally, wide receiver Jalen Nailor, a fan favorite for his deep speed, faces an uphill battle. The Vikings have Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Brandon Powell locked in, leaving just one or two spots for the rest. Nailor has dealt with injuries and inconsistency, and with rookie Trishton Jackson and veteran Blake Proehl pushing for the same role, he needs a strong finish to camp.

These decisions won't be easy, but the NFL is a business. The Vikings have to balance sentiment with winning. By the end of August, some familiar names will be looking for new teams.