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3 Players Who Definitely Won't Be on the Vikings Roster Next Year

By Steven Kubitza

Laquon Treadwell has been a bust for the Vikings.
Laquon Treadwell has been a bust for the Vikings. / Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

The Minnesota Vikings have to focus on cutting spending to be under the salary cap in 2020. That means making some tough choices, while also cutting ties with those who have become disappointments on the roster. Three players in particular stand out as easy cuts in 2020, regardless of how the rest of the postseason goes.

3. DE Everson Griffen

Everson Griffen will likely be elsewhere in 2020.
Everson Griffen will likely be elsewhere in 2020. / Sean Gardner/Getty Images

Everson Griffen had eight sacks in the regular season, and also had his second career interception. He is a defensive leader and is under contract through 2022, but has a team option at the end of every campaign. The two sides could come to an agreement to clear his nearly $14 million cap hit in 2020, especially with very little dead cap already under his belt ($800k). If Griffen finds himself elsewhere, this will strictly be a business move.

2. WR Laquon Treadwell

Laquon Treadwell has not lived up to his first-round potential.
Laquon Treadwell has not lived up to his first-round potential. / Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Laquon Treadwell was a first-round pick in 2016. Since then, he has recorded only 65 receptions for 701 yards in 53 career games. These stats, along with two career touchdowns, is not what the team had in mind when he was drafted. He was already released once earlier this season before being re-signed. The Vikings will officially cut ties in 2020, and just accept Treadwell is a bust.

1. CB Xavier Rhodes

Xavier Rhodes has struggled since 2017.
Xavier Rhodes has struggled since 2017. / Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Xavier Rhodes struggled against New Orleans last weekend, and has not been the same player since being named an All-Pro in 2017, visibly more frustrated with each week that passes. He is owed nearly $13 million in 2020, but has a dead cap hit of just $4.8 million. He has not had an interception all season, and is not playing at a $13 million level. Minnesota will take the cap savings and invest it in players with potential, and both parties will be better off.