Before we dive into the final Minnesota Vikings roster breakdown, we need to cover some news and notes that have come up as players are beginning to report for training camp. Perhaps the most important news, and certainly the biggest (literally and figuratively) news, newly acquired defensive tackle Michael Pierce has elected to sit this season out because he is at a higher risk of having serious health issues were he to contract Covid-19. This leaves the Vikings with a big hole in the middle of the defensive line, and as of yet, the team has not signed a free agent to replace Pierce.
The Vikings, along with every other NFL team, have put systems in place to test players and staff daily. Any players or coaches who show symptoms or have come into contact with someone who has tested positive will be placed into quarantine. There have been eight players placed on the reserve/Covid-19 list so far, including Anthony Barr, Justin Jefferson, and Ifeadi Odenigbo. The Head athletic trainer and person overseeing the team’s virus response, Eric Sugerman, has also tested positive and has been quarantined.
Dalvin Cook has reported to training camp. He originally said he wouldn’t report to camp without a new deal, so it remains to be seen if he has changed his mind or if the Vikings are close to signing him to an extension.
Head coach Mike Zimmer, who was on the last year of his contract, has been given a three-year extension. General Manager Rick Spielman is also on the last year of his contract and has yet to receive an extension.
Now on to the final roster breakdown: special teams
Dan Bailey had a rocky start to his Vikings career, hitting 21 of 28 field goals (75%) in 2018. Last year, however, Bailey was much better, connecting on 27 of 29 field goals (93.1%, fourth best in the league). He also made all three attempts from 50-yards and beyond. Bailey also handled kickoff duties last season where he got a touchback on 75.9% of his kickoffs, eighth best in the league. He signed a three-year, $10 million deal back in March.
Britton Colquitt will be back as the Vikings’ punter this season. He was signed to a one-year deal in 2019, and his 45.2 yards per punt average wasn’t great (19th in the NFL), but the Vikings liked what they saw enough to sign him to a three-year, $9 million deal this offseason.
Austin Cutting is entering his second year in the NFL. He was the first long snapper ever drafted by the Vikings, and he’s under contract through the 2022 season. As a rookie, Cutting didn’t have any bad snaps, which is about all you can say about a long snapper.
Next week I’ll be answering your questions, so reach out to me on Twitter (@JordanWrightNFL) and get your questions in. Skol!