Team waives 14 players, terminates four veteran contracts in final roster construction phase
Eagan, MN — The Minnesota Vikings made significant roster moves on Monday, August 26, as the organization continues fine-tuning its 53-man roster ahead of the 2025 NFL season. The sweeping changes included waiving 14 players, terminating contracts for four veterans, and making several reserve list designations.
Major Cuts Include Veteran Presence
Among the most notable moves was the contract termination of veteran tight end Nick Vannett, whose 10-year NFL career included stops with multiple franchises. The 32-year-old Ohio State product brought experience to a Vikings tight end room that will now rely more heavily on younger talent.
Also released was cornerback Ambry Thomas, a former fifth-year veteran from Michigan who had been competing for a roster spot in Minnesota’s defensive backfield. The Detroit native’s departure signals the Vikings’ confidence in their current cornerback depth chart.
The team also parted ways with tight end Giovanni Ricci, a four-year veteran from Western Michigan, and defensive lineman Jonathan Harris, who brought six years of NFL experience from Lindenwood University.
Rookie Class Takes Hit
Several rookies and young players fell victim to the roster crunch, including wide receiver Dontae Fleming from Tulane, who had been competing for a spot in Minnesota’s receiving corps. The 23-year-old from LaPlace, Louisiana, showed promise during training camp but couldn’t crack the final roster.
Other notable rookie cuts included linebacker Dorian Mausi from Auburn, offensive lineman Michael Gonzalez from Louisville, and tight end Bryson Nesbit from North Carolina, all of whom were competing for their first NFL roster spots.
Injury Designations Provide Hope
The Vikings placed veteran fullback C.J. Ham on Reserve/Injured with a designation for return, indicating the team expects the nine-year veteran to recover and contribute this season. The 32-year-old Duluth native has been a cornerstone of Minnesota’s offensive system and special teams units.
Outside linebacker Tyler Batty, a rookie from BYU, also received the Reserve/Injured designation for return, suggesting the coaching staff sees potential in the 26-year-old from Payson, Utah.
Suspension and PUP List Updates
Wide receiver Jordan Addison was placed on the Reserve/Suspended list, though the team did not specify the length or reason for the suspension. The 23-year-old USC product has been a key contributor to Minnesota’s passing attack since joining the team.
Rookie tight end Gavin Bartholomew from Pittsburgh was placed on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list, indicating he’ll miss at least the first four games of the regular season while recovering from an undisclosed injury.
Roster Construction Strategy
The moves reflect the Vikings’ commitment to building a competitive roster while maintaining salary cap flexibility. By terminating veteran contracts and waiving younger players, the organization is balancing experience with youth while creating opportunities for practice squad signings.
The waived players will now enter the NFL’s waiver system, where other teams can claim them. Those who clear waivers may be candidates for Minnesota’s practice squad, depending on their eligibility and the team’s needs.
Looking Ahead
With the regular season approaching, these roster moves position the Vikings for their final preparations. The team will likely continue making adjustments as they evaluate remaining roster spots and potential practice squad additions.
The Vikings’ decision-making reflects the harsh realities of NFL roster construction, where talented players often become casualties of the number games and salary cap considerations. As the organization prepares for the 2025 campaign, these moves represent the final steps in building what they hope will be a competitive roster.
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