It’s time to start thinking about potential Minnesota Vikings roster cuts at the end of the summer, as that portion of the calendar will arrive before you know it.
We asked Vikings fans to name a player apiece who could be surprisingly cut this summer, and their answers varied.
First, Vikings mandatory minicamp kicks off next week, followed by training camp in late July.
VikingsTerritory detailed notable players last week who could be cut here; now it’s fans’ turn.
Here’s what our panel of fans said about surprise cuts this summer.
1. Blake Brandel (G)
Fan: Eric Horstman | @ehorstman23
My pick for this one is going to be Blake Brandel. I would be surprised if it happens, just given the need for quality depth, but the other additions they made this offseason could be trouble for Blake. C.J. Ham is always my other pick, but I think he’ll be here forever, lol.
2. Brian Asamoah (LB)
Fan: Ivan, Czar of Bohunks | @Up4discussion_7
Maybe not even all that surprising after last season, but he’s a serviceable depth guy buried beneath a top-heavy middle linebacker room. Also, he’s the last defensive player of Kwesi’s first-year picks..
3. Ryan Wright (P)
Fan: Bruce Johnson | @sachikojohnson
I’m not predicting anything major. Ryan Wright might seem to have the upper leg (no pun intended) on his punting competition, but he could lose out on a roster spot to someone cut from another team. I will say that’s the biggest surprise, but it’s not earth-shattering.
t4. Rondale Moore (WR)
Fan: Jens | @rednpurple77
I really hope he makes it, but the severity of his injury makes it a real possibility that his best football is behind him. He’s not a sure thing to make the team.
t4. Rondale Moore (WR)
Fan: SkolTom | @SKOLfromWI
Rondale Moore would be a guy that I could see being a surprise cut this offseason. He was brought in on a one-year contract to compete for a starting spot, and he’s had a fine career — nothing special, but nothing that would offend the senses when watching him play. The WR room for the Vikings is deep, and it wouldn’t be impossible that someone else could step up and make him redundant.
t5. C.J. Ham (FB)
Fan: Chris | @skol227
My surprise cut candidate is C.J. Ham, even though they are making the running game better, I feel he’s the odd man out.
t5. C.J. Ham (FB)
Fan: Tadd | @ST7cubs
Everyone loves C. J. Ham, but a few things are working against him. He’ll be 32 entering this season, has a very minor offensive role, and the team will face a tough roster crunch, allowing them to save $2 million by cutting him.
