The Vikings Had Some Losers This Offseason

Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Brian Asamoah II (6) celebrates his teams fumble recovery against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images. The Minnesota Vikings’ roster has fully taken shape in the last two months, inching to 90 men for the spring and summer. Some Vikings players fell by the wayside this offseason or at least appear to be trending in the wrong direction. The team used free agency to add notable veterans, especially on the offensive and defensive lines, and the draft to pluck Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson from Round 1. Along the way, some players experienced tumbles on the depth chart or at least reduced pizazz. These are those players, listed alphabetically. Brian Asamoah (LB) For starters, it’s not like Brian Asamoah played much on defense anyway. But when the Vikings arrived at Round 6 of April’s draft, they yanked Penn State’s Kobe King off the board, and the club may have big plans for him in the “Asamoah role.” Nov 6, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson (24) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Brian Asamoah II (33) during the second quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports. Asamoah showed a few flashes of promise as a rookie in 2022, but thereafter, the Vikings coaching staff buried him on the defensive depth chart, only dusting him off for special teams. Theoretically, Asamoah has one last chance to contribute on defense in 2025, but with King around, Asamoah could be a roster cut candidate. Blake Brandel (G) The era of Blake Brandel as a starting guard for the Vikings is kaput. Gone. Not coming back. Minnesota drafted Donovan Jackson from Round 1 on April 24th, 2025, an Ohio State standout to presumably take Brandel’s job. Brandel, in all likelihood, will return to his roots — a backup offensive lineman who does a commendable job when called upon. Aug 27, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Blake Brandel (64) stretches before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports. After the Vikings signed Will Fries and Ryan Kelly, there was a chance that Brandel remained in place to fill out the offensive line, but Jackson ended the dream. PurplePTSD.com’s Kyle Joudry wrote about Brandel this month: “Truth be told, the Vikings very likely want to retain Mr. Brandel. He can offer depth at literally all five spots on the offensive line while also having a history of playing jumbo tight end (also known as a sixth o-lineman). So, lots of value in having someone so capable of filling in anywhere up front. Every baseball team loves having a utility player; every football team loves having an ultra-versatile o-lineman.” “The problem that arises, though, is Minnesota could consider Brandel a luxury. To my mind, Blake Brandel only gets moved if the player requests a change of scenery. But, to be sure, the NFL is an unpredictable place. Keep an eye on this one.” Janik Eckardt from the same site added, “Brandel entered the draft as the lone remaining player from the interior line, but his future is now in jeopardy. Perhaps another team could be interested? It’s hard to predict trade markets, but Ed Ingram generated a sixth-round pick from the Texans, so why shouldn’t the more reliable player have a market?” Ty Chandler (RB) Minnesota did not draft a running back in April, an odd development because the class was ultra-deep at the position. In that vein, Chandler was not a loser. His job is actually safer. However, in March, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah shipped a 6th-Round pick to the San Francisco 49ers for running back Jordan Mason. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, the trade ended Chandler’s hopes for the RB2 job. In fact, the Vikings always find a way to pull the RB2 gig away from Chandler, usually involving a move with Cam Akers. Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs (15) hands the ball off to running back Ty Chandler (32) in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports. This time, Mason showed up to demote Chandler on the depth chart. Jalen Nailor (WR) Adofo-Mensah drafted Maryland’s Tai Felton in Round 3 on Day No. 2 of the draft. Few saw a wide receiver coming in Round 3. Nailor should still have a prominent role in the 2025 offense, but Felton’s arrival put him on notice. Nailor’s contract expires after the 2025 season, and it seems a bit unlikely that Minnesota will re-up for his services with Felton in the house. Sep 22, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward (20) in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images Teams don’t draft Round 3 wide receivers for WR4 assignments. For better or worse, Nailor became an offseason “loser” during the draft.