MN Vikings Make Shocking Cut on Defense

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Gabriel Murphy, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The preseason is supposed to be a proving ground for fringe players looking to make an impact on NFL rosters. No Minnesota Vikings player ran with that opportunity better than quarterback Max Brosmer, who has made the initial 53-man roster.

Brosmer stepped up in collegiate competition last year, joining the Minnesota Gophers. He did so again this spring, when he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings. But one of the most difficult positions to claim a Vikings roster spot this summer, especially as a rookie, is on the defensive front seven.

That’s because Minnesota has spent the past two years injecting the group with an extreme amount of talent. This year, they added top free agents, (DL) Javon Hargrave and (DL) Jonathan Allen. Last year, they did the same thing at linebacker, and it couldn’t have worked out any better.

The additions of OLB Andrew Van Ginkel, ILB Blake Cashman, OLB Jonathan Greenard and OLB Dallas Turner almost immediately fixed most of the Vikings’ defensive problems from 2023. And now, entering 2025, the LB and DL rooms are far and away the MN Vikings’ most talented on that side of the ball.

Gabriel Murphy becomes a surprise Vikings roster casualty

All that talent is also why general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and defensive coordinator Brian Flores felt comfortable trading Harrison Phillips, over the weekend, before waiving UDFA standout Gabriel Murphy from the active roster on Tuesday, in shocking fashion.

Related: Vikings’ Perfect Fit WRs Hit Open Market

Gabriel Murphy entered 2024 Vikings training camp undrafted out of UCLA, where he signed on as one of the most expensive UDFA’s of the class and quickly rose to Mr. Mankato type hype, after standing out early in camp and jumping off the screen during preseason games.

Unfortunately, Murphy injured himself before 2024 camp closed, so he started the regular season Minnesota’s injured reserve. The former South Carolina State star was activated later in the year, and even got some game action as a rookie UDFA.

When the dust settled on his first NFL regular season, Murphy finished with two NFL games under his belt, recording 1 solo tackle and 1 QB hit. During his 15 months in purple, though, it was the preseason where Gabe Murphy shined.

Why did the Minnesota Vikings cut Murphy; Will he land elsewhere?

Murphy, 24, was battling for playing time behind an EDGE group led by Van Ginkel and Greenard. There have been plenty of voices suggesting concern towards 2024 first round pick, Dallas Turner. This may be a sign that the Minnesota Vikings do not share that concern.

Despite his preseason performances, Murphy will now look for a job elsewhere, and you have to think there will be interested parties, given he was very much expected to make the Vikings’ final 53-man roster.

As noted by Pelissero, it’s possible Kwesi could even find a trade partner, due to the expected interest around the league in Murphy, who has shown real burst off the edge, along with a propensity to find the quarterback.

Related: Rookie Punter Could Still Land Back with MN Vikings

By making the decision to waive Murphy, this likely goes beyond the Vikings’ belief in Turner. It means they must feel good about the health of Andrew Van Ginkel too, who hasn’t practiced in weeks.

There are a lot more roster moves to be had over the next 24 hours. We will have all of the Minnesota Vikings’ roster cuts for you HERE and the initial 53-man roster HERE. The Vikings kickoff their 2025 regular season schedule September 8 on Monday Night Football in Chicago against the Bears.

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