 runs for a touchdown against Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (43) during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/C.J.-Ham.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=617,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/C.J.-Ham.jpg”><figcaption><span>Nov 13, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Minnesota Vikings full back C.J. Ham (30) runs for a touchdown against Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (43) during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>The Minnesota Vikings’ roster cutdown deadline is 10 days away, <a href=)
shaving the depth chart by 41% on a single day.
Some potential surprise roster cuts could shake up the Vikings before the season begins. Here’s who might be on the chopping block per our writers.
That process typically involves at least one surprise release, a transaction that leaves fans thinking, “What? Him? Really?”
So, if one assumes that could happen in 2025, we asked our writers to pick the surprise roster cut for the 2025 Vikings.
These are their individual picks. Obviously, not all of these players will be cut.
Who Will Be the Vikings’ Surprise Roster Cut on August 26th?
VikingsTerritory Writers weigh in on the eyebrow-raising release possibilities.
 against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Michael-Jurgens.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=727,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Michael-Jurgens.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Michael-Jurgens.jpg” alt=”Vikings guard Michael Jurgens in playoff game vs Rams.”><figcaption>Minnesota Vikings guard Michael Jurgens (65) prepares for action against the Los Angeles Rams on Jan 13, 2025, during an NFC wild card playoff game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. The lineman shows intensity and focus as he engages in postseason play. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<h3>1. Michael Jurgens | C</h3>
<p>VT Writer: <strong>Janik Eckardt</strong></p>
<p>Jurgens has never really stood out in any capacity since joining the team 16 months ago, and the Vikings could pivot to <a href=)
Joe Huber at center or explore a recently released target after the NFL’s cutdown process.
2. Max Bromser | QB
VT Writer: Wesley Johnson
Look, I get it, he’s looked fantastic so far, and ultimately, I firmly believe that the Vikings want him around. But typical NFL roster construction has teams generally carrying two QBs on the active roster during the season. The Vikings will likely attempt to thread the needle and get him onto the practice squad.
3. Sam Howell | QB
VT Writer: Josh Frey
 hands the ball off to running back Ty Chandler (32) against the Houston Texans in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/USATSI_26814766.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/USATSI_26814766.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/USATSI_26814766.jpg” alt=”Sam Howell hands off to Ty Chandler vs Texans.”><figcaption>Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Howell (8) hands off to running back Ty Chandler (32) during the second quarter on Aug 9, 2025, against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Both players executed the exchange cleanly in front of the home crowd during preseason action. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>I remain of the belief that Minnesota’s QB2 for the regular season still is not on the roster at this point, but regardless, it’s undeniable that Max Brosmer has outperformed Howell throughout all of camp. </p>
<p>The Vikings may not have enough trust in Brosmer to make him the long-term backup, but it is certainly reasonable to trust him more than Howell. </p>
<h3>4. Taki Taimani | DT</h3>
<p>VT Writer: <strong>Sean Borman</strong></p>
<p>I don’t have any surprising cuts, but <a href=)
Taki Taimani is likely the odd man out at DT. The Vikings made it a point to drastically improve the trenches on each side of the ball this offseason.
After signing big boys Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave and drafting Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, there’s only so much room for depth. Levi Drake Rodriguez and Jalen Redmond are locks to make the final roster, which means Taimani may need to clear waivers to remain in Minnesota on the practice squad.
5. C.J. Ham | FB
VT Writer: Tony Schultz
Two players should be allowed to end their careers with the Vikings. Harrison Smith is one, and the other usually goes unheralded, but he has an impact on the offense. He has faced challenges over the years, and his position has nearly been phased out of the NFL.
C.J. Ham would be a surprise to me if he got cut.
I’ve seen some younger and cheaper options do some positive things, but Ham keeps producing as a lead blocker and as an occasional pass catcher and runner. He deserves to stay, and hopefully he and Smith can hold up that trophy together and announce their retirements. If they let him go, I’d be shocked.
6. Blake Brandel | OL
VT Writer: Kyle Joudry
 against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Blake-Brandel.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=686,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Blake-Brandel.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Blake-Brandel.jpg” alt=”Vikings guard Blake Brandel in playoff game vs Rams.” ><figcaption>Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel (64) competes against the Los Angeles Rams during the NFC wild card contest on Jan 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. The veteran lineman lines up prepared for his role in a critical postseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>I think Blake Brandel gets moved out in a cost-savings decision (purely on a football level, Brandel deserves to be on the team). Joe Huber, Walter Rouse, Michael Jurgens, and Logan Brown are all younger, cheaper depth. Brandel gets cut or traded — I think a trade — to save money in 2025 and 2026.</p>
<h3>7. Lucky Jackson | WR</h3>
<p>VT Writer: <strong>Henrique Gucciardi</strong></p>
<p>Jackson has been one of the stars of training camp and is constantly working with the starters in the <a href=)
absence of Justin Jefferson. But with Addison’s suspension and Nailor’s recent injury, they could look to sign a more proven player. Last year, they also cut a player who had a great camp (Trishton Jackson), so it wouldn’t be a first.
8. Ryan Wright | P
VT Writer: Ali Siddiqui
Wright is entering year four with the team. He’s always had a booming leg, but has not been very good at pinning teams deep. Oscar Chapman is also having a good training camp.
9. Ben Yurosek | TE
VT Writer: Dustin Baker
Holding off on choosing Ty Chandler or Ryan Wright because those would-be cuts won’t be too surprising, Yurosek is the choice here.
The Vikings will toss Gavin Bartholomew on injured reserve or leave him on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Yurosek will hit the practice squad, while Nick Vannett assumes TE3 duty. Vannett has played 111 games in the NFL, mostly at TE3. Minnesota will opt for his experience while keeping Bartholomew and Yurosek in the chamber for a rainy day. Giovanni Ricci is also a TE option.
t10. Ty Chandler | RB
VT Writer: Ted Schwerzler
 eyes the goal line on a touchdown run in the first quarter of a Week 15 NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=666,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/USATSI_22118119.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/USATSI_22118119.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=666,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/USATSI_22118119.jpg” alt=”Vikings RB Ty Chandler scores touchdown vs Bengals.”><figcaption>Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler (32) eyes the end zone during a touchdown run in the first quarter on Dec 16, 2023, in a Week 15 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. Chandler bursts past defenders to secure the score. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>The Vikings don’t have a ton of depth behind Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, but Ty Chandler still doesn’t do enough for me. He gets cut with someone else being brought in.</p>
<h3>t10. Ty Chandler | RB</h3>
<p>VT Writer: <strong>Adam New</strong></p>
<p>After the three seasons in Minnesota, when the final roster cuts take place, I don’t see a place for Ty Chandler. Zavier Scott has been more impressive, and there’s still time for the Vikings to bring in another running back. Chandler will be out.</p>
<h3>t10. Ty Chandler | RB</h3>
<p>My most surprising Vikings cut is Ty Chandler. One of two remaining picks from the infamous 2022 draft class, Chandler has never been able to firmly secure a role since joining the team. </p>
<p>The emergence, and more specifically, versatility, that Zavier Scott brings forces the Vikings to make a decision that will bring up haunting memories of failed drafts of yesteryear from Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.</p>
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