The Minnesota Vikings typically make one surprise cut each summer, leaving fans thinking, “What the —-?” Not long ago, defensive tackle Armon Watts got the boot after being listed as one of the club’s starters all summer. Ihmir Smith-Marsette felt ultra-safe as a WR4 in 202. No cigar. Last summer, OLB Gabriel Murphy looked uncuttable. He plays nowhere in the NFL now. Wild cuts happen.
So, who might that be in 2026? Let’s take a look.
Disclaimer: This article does not predict the following players will be released; it only mentions them as possibly shocking roster-cut candidates – – if there are any at all.
Where Minnesota Could Spring a Sunday Surprise
1. Gavin Gerhardt | C
Would this be a wildly shocking event? No. Would it be strange to cut a guy four months after drafting him? Yes, a little bit.
The Vikings don’t usually keep three centers on the September roster, but they had to know in April that Blake Brandel and Michael Jurgens probably weren’t going anywhere. So, we ask – – why draft Gerhardt just to get rid of him in August?
His draft status offers some protection, but 7th-rounders are obviously never untouchable. If the Vikings believe Gerhardt can clear waivers and reach the practice squad, they could use his roster spot on a more versatile players.
Still, the question remains: if the franchise was never destined to keep three centers, why not draft an EDGE rusher or something similar in Round 7? Stay tuned.
2. Theo Jackson | S
Jackson will very likely be a part of the regular season festivities when the Vikings kick things off against the Green Bay Packers on September 13, but just in case, he gets a mention.
Josh Metellus is secure, Jay Ward has emerged, rookie Jakobe Thomas carries a 3rd-round investment, Tavierre Thomas offers special teams value, and undrafted Jacob Thomas has generated preseason buzz. Jackson’s 2026 salary is fully guaranteed, making a release particularly financially awkward. That is why he probably stays.
But if the Vikings prioritize youth and special teams, Jackson could become an unexpected casualty. Just a warning.
Remember: Flores benched Jackson for Ward down the stretch of the 2025 campaign.
3. J.J. McCarthy | QB
Mike Florio advanced a theory this week, suggesting McCarthy could be cut on Sunday. That would be simply mind-boggling. Yet, because Florio is sometimes accurate, McCarthy is included on this list.
And make no mistake – – this would be nuclear in the scheme of Vikings history. McCarthy was the 10th overall pick two years ago, but Kyler Murray won the starting job, and Carson Wentz has pushed him for QB2 work. Minnesota also has Max Brosmer, while McCarthy has only 115 passing yards and no touchdowns through two preseason games.
Releasing him would save nothing if he clears waivers, making a trade far more logical.
The only way a McCarthy cut makes sense is if he has somehow become a hassle behind the scenes. And there are just no indicators of that.
4. Ivan Pace Jr. | LB
Imagine a world where the Vikings don’t want UDFA Jacob Roberts to hit the waiver wire because they know a team will pounce. In that offbeat scenario, Minnesota could keep Roberts over Pace Jr.
Pace Jr. feels safe because he has proven he can play in Brian Flores’s defense, but Eric Wilson overtook him in 2025, Blake Cashman remains entrenched, Jake Golday was a 2nd-round pick a few months ago, and Jacob Roberts has impressed.
The veteran linebacker also carries a $3.52 million salary with no guaranteed money. Cutting him would still qualify as stunning, especially after the defense took a hit following Jamal Adams’s season-ending injury.
If the coaching staff has decided that Pace Jr.’s tackling has improved since last year, he’s probably good to go.
5. Jay Ward | S
Ward had a sweet sack on Jaxson Dart two weeks ago, and generally speaking, his arrow is pointed up. The point of this article, though, is shocking roster cuts.
With so many safeties, perhaps there’s a world where Harrison Smith returns, the Vikings keep the aforementioned Jacob Thomas, and Ward is the odd man out.
Otherwise, Ward is due for a contract extension, and in a far different light, he could end up as a starting Vikings safety for years to come if Smith is gone for good.
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VikesNow Verdict: Minnesota has enough depth at several positions that even a recognizable name could become the Vikings’ annual surprise casualty. There is typically one big surprise.
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