Eleven Players Released, Including Veteran QB Brett Rypien, as Minnesota Finalizes Depth Chart
EAGAN, MN – The Minnesota Vikings began their march toward the mandatory 53-man roster with a series of strategic moves on Sunday, waiving nine players and terminating contracts for two veterans as the August 26 deadline looms. The cuts come on the heels of the team’s significant quarterback room restructuring that saw Carson Wentz signed and Sam Howell traded to Philadelphia.
Roster Moves Breakdown
Contract Terminations
The most notable departures were veteran quarterback Brett Rypien and outside linebacker Cam Gill, whose contracts were terminated rather than waived, indicating mutual agreements between player and organization.
Brett Rypien (QB, 29, 7 years experience)
- Background: Joined Minnesota before the 2024 season from Denver
- Role: Led the scout team offense throughout 2024
- Impact: His departure clears the way for the newly acquired Carson Wentz to serve as J.J. McCarthy’s primary backup
Cam Gill (OLB, 27, 5 years experience)
- Background: Joined the Vikings during the 2025 training camp
- Previous Experience: Five-year NFL veteran from Wagner College
- Timing: A Brief stint suggests he didn’t fit the defensive scheme
Players Waived
The Vikings waived nine additional players across multiple position groups:
Defensive Backs:
- Reddy Steward (CB, 24, Troy) – Second-year player from Decatur, Alabama
- Keenan Garber (CB, 25, Kansas State) – Rookie from Lawrence, Kansas
Offensive Players:
- Tre Stewart (RB, 22, Jacksonville State) – Rookie from Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Logan Brown (T, 24, Kansas) – Rookie tackle from Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Zack Bailey (OL, 29, South Carolina) – Three-year veteran from Summerville, South Carolina
- Silas Bolden (WR, 23, Texas) – Rookie receiver from Rancho Cucamonga, California
- Robert Lewis (WR, 23, Auburn) – Rookie from Covington, Georgia
Defensive Line:
- Travis Bell (DL, 26, Kennesaw State) – Second-year player from Montgomery, Alabama
Safety:
- Mishael Powell (S, 24, Miami) – Rookie from Seattle, Washington
Strategic Implications
Quarterback Room Clarity
The release of Rypien provides the clearest indication yet that Minnesota’s quarterback hierarchy is set. With J.J. McCarthy as the starter, Carson Wentz as the veteran backup, and rookie Max Brosmer showing promise in the preseason, the Vikings felt comfortable moving on from the scout team leader.
Rypien’s departure also represents significant cost savings, as his veteran contract carried more guaranteed money than a typical practice squad arrangement would provide.
Position Group Analysis
Secondary Concerns
The release of both Reddy Steward and Keenan Garber suggests the Vikings are confident in their cornerback depth. Steward had shown flashes during his rookie campaign, while Garber was competing for a roster spot as an undrafted free agent.
Offensive Line Decisions
Logan Brown and Zack Bailey’s releases indicate the Vikings have solidified their offensive line rotation. Bailey, at 29 with three years of experience, represented the most veteran player among the cuts, suggesting youth and upside won out over experience.
Receiver Competition Intensifies
The waiving of both Silas Bolden and Robert Lewis narrows the wide receiver competition significantly. Both rookies showed potential in training camp, but couldn’t crack a deep receiving corps that includes established veterans and promising young talent.
Roster Mathematics
Current Status
With these moves, Minnesota’s active roster stands at 79 players, including International Player Pathway participant Oscar Chapman. This leaves the Vikings with 26 additional cuts to make before Tuesday’s 3 p.m. CT deadline.
Remaining Decisions
The Vikings must still make difficult decisions across several position groups:
- Quarterback: Three remain (McCarthy, Wentz, Brosmer)
- Running Back: Multiple candidates competing for backup roles
- Wide Receiver: Deep group with several bubble players
- Defensive Line: Competition for rotational spots
- Special Teams: Specialists and coverage players under evaluation
Connection to Earlier Moves
Quarterback Domino Effect
Sunday’s roster moves directly correlate to the Vikings’ earlier quarterback transactions. The signing of Carson Wentz and the trade of Sam Howell to Philadelphia created a ripple effect that ultimately cost Rypien his roster spot.
The sequence demonstrates how one significant move can impact multiple position groups and roster decisions throughout the organization.
League-Wide Context
Industry Standard
The Vikings’ approach mirrors league-wide trends, with teams making initial cuts to create evaluation time for remaining bubble players. The mix of veterans and rookies released suggests Minnesota prioritized scheme fit and long-term potential over pure experience.
Waiver Wire Implications
Several of the released players, particularly the younger defensive backs and offensive linemen, could attract interest from other NFL teams. The waiver process will determine whether any find new homes before potentially returning to Minnesota’s practice squad.
Looking Ahead
Final Cut Deadline
With 26 roster spots still to be eliminated, the Vikings face increasingly difficult decisions over the next 48 hours. Position battles at linebacker, safety, and along both lines remain unresolved.
Practice Squad Considerations
Many of the released players remain candidates for the practice squad, particularly the younger players with developmental upside. The Vikings can retain up to 16 practice squad players, providing opportunities for continued growth within the organization.
International Player Impact
Oscar Chapman’s inclusion in the current roster count highlights the NFL’s continued commitment to international development. His status as an International Player Pathway participant provides additional roster flexibility as the Vikings navigate final cuts.
Historical Context
Roster Building Philosophy
These moves reflect head coach Kevin O’Connell’s emphasis on building a roster that fits his offensive and defensive schemes. The retention of younger players over veterans in several cases suggests a long-term vision for roster construction.
Preseason Performance Impact
While preseason statistics don’t tell the complete story, several of the released players struggled to make significant impacts during exhibition games. The Vikings clearly prioritized practice performance and scheme fit over preseason production.
Final Analysis
Sunday’s roster moves represent the beginning of what promises to be a challenging 48-hour period for the Minnesota Vikings organization. The decisions to release veteran quarterback Brett Rypien and outside linebacker Cam Gill signal a clear direction for the team’s immediate future, while the waiving of nine additional players creates opportunities for remaining bubble players to secure roster spots.
The connection between these cuts and the earlier Carson Wentz signing demonstrates the interconnected nature of NFL roster construction, where one significant move can create cascading effects throughout the depth chart.
As the Vikings prepare for their 2025 campaign with J.J. McCarthy at quarterback and championship aspirations, these roster moves represent the difficult but necessary decisions required to build a competitive team. The next 48 hours will determine which players earn the privilege of contributing to what the organization hopes will be a successful season.
With 26 spots still to be eliminated before Tuesday’s deadline, Vikings fans can expect additional surprises as the organization finalizes its roster for the upcoming season.
Vikings’ Related Articles:
- Vikings Secure Veteran Leadership with Carson Wentz Signing, Trade Sam Howell to Eagles
- Vikings Trade Phillips to the New York Jets
- Vikings Make Strategic Moves to Roster
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