The Minnesota Vikings sent shockwaves through the NFL on Sunday, August 24, 2025, as they began trimming their roster to meet the league’s 53-man limit by the August 26 deadline. In a series of bold moves, the team terminated the contracts of quarterback Brett Rypien and outside linebacker Cam Gill while waiving nine additional players, reshaping their roster ahead of the 2025 regular season. These decisions, reported by multiple sources including NBC Sports and KSTP.com, reflect the Vikings’ strategic overhaul, particularly in their quarterback room and depth positions, as they prepare for a competitive campaign. Below, we delve into the details of these roster cuts and highlight the contributions of the released and waived players during their time with the Vikings.
Terminated Contracts: Rypien and Gill
Brett Rypien, Quarterback
Brett Rypien, a veteran quarterback in his seventh NFL season, was a surprising cut after serving as the Vikings’ emergency third-string quarterback throughout the 2024 regular season. Signed by Minnesota in August 2024 after being released by the Chicago Bears, Rypien brought experience from stints with the Denver Broncos (2019-22), Los Angeles Rams (2023), Seattle Seahawks (2023), and New York Jets (2023). During his time with the Vikings, Rypien did not see regular-season action but played a critical role in the quarterback room, functioning as a coach-like presence due to his high football IQ. In the 2025 preseason, Rypien appeared in all three games, completing 15 of 29 passes for 151 yards with one interception and no touchdowns. Notably, in the preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans, he completed 7 of 14 passes for 62 yards but threw an interception and was evaluated for a concussion after a hard hit. Despite his release, his veteran presence and familiarity with head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system, similar to that of the Rams, made him a valuable asset in practices and meetings.
Cam Gill, Outside Linebacker
Outside linebacker Cam Gill, signed by the Vikings on August 13, 2025, was another unexpected release. Gill, who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, had a notable tenure with the Bucs from 2020-23, appearing in 40 regular-season games and recording 29 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and four quarterback hits. His standout moment came during Super Bowl LV, where he recorded two tackles and split a sack in just three defensive snaps. In 2024, Gill played 10 games for the Carolina Panthers before joining Minnesota. During his brief stint with the Vikings, Gill contributed minimally in the preseason due to his late signing, focusing primarily on depth and special teams roles. His release signals the Vikings’ confidence in their linebacker corps and a shift toward younger or more versatile players.
Waived Players: A Mix of Rookies and Veterans
In addition to the terminations, the Vikings waived nine players, most of whom were undrafted rookies signed in the spring of 2025, with a few bringing limited NFL experience. Below is an overview of each player and their contributions during their time with Minnesota.
Reddy Steward, Cornerback
Reddy Steward, a cornerback with one year of NFL experience, was a fan favorite during his brief stint with the Chicago Bears before joining the Vikings. Signed to a reserve/future contract after the 2024 season, Steward competed in the 2025 preseason but saw limited action, primarily on special teams and as a depth defensive back. His waiver reflects the Vikings’ depth at the cornerback position, with established players like Zemaiah Vaughn taking precedence.
Keenan Garber, Cornerback
Keenan Garber, an undrafted rookie cornerback, joined the Vikings in the spring of 2025. During the preseason, Garber showcased his potential in limited snaps, contributing in coverage drills and special teams. However, with a crowded secondary, he was unable to secure a roster spot. His waiver is not surprising, but he could be a candidate for the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Tre Stewart, Running Back
Undrafted rookie running back Tre Stewart made a case for a roster spot during the 2025 preseason, rushing eight times for 32 yards across three games. His most notable performance came in the preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans, where he carried the ball five times. While Stewart showed promise as a depth running back, the Vikings’ backfield is led by established players, making his waiver a tough but expected decision. He may be a candidate for the practice squad to continue developing.
Mishael Powell, Safety
Mishael Powell, another undrafted rookie, competed for a spot in the Vikings’ secondary during training camp and the preseason. Powell’s contributions were primarily on special teams, where he displayed athleticism and tackling ability. However, the safety position is highly competitive, with players like Josh Metellus anchoring the group, leading to Powell’s waiver. Like other rookies, he could return to the practice squad.
Logan Brown, Offensive Tackle
Logan Brown, an undrafted rookie offensive tackle, joined the Vikings in 2025 and participated in the preseason, primarily as a reserve lineman. His contributions were limited to depth roles, and he struggled to stand out in a competitive offensive line group that includes players like Walter Rouse. Brown’s waiver reflects the team’s preference for more experienced linemen as they finalize their roster.
Zack Bailey, Offensive Lineman
Zack Bailey, an offensive lineman with three years of NFL experience, was one of the more seasoned players waived. Bailey, who previously played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and other teams, provided depth on the interior line during the 2025 preseason. He played significant snaps, including 55 in the preseason opener against the Houston Texans, but did not earn a standout grade. His experience may attract interest from other teams, but the Vikings opted for younger or more versatile linemen.
Silas Bolden, Wide Receiver
Silas Bolden, an undrafted rookie wide receiver, was considered a “deep sleeper” by some Vikings fans earlier in the offseason due to his speed and potential as a return specialist. In the preseason, Bolden saw action as a receiver and on special teams, including a notable performance against the Houston Texans where he was tackled by cornerback Myles Bryant late in the game. Despite his potential, Bolden’s waiver suggests the Vikings are confident in their receiving corps, led by Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
Robert Lewis, Wide Receiver
Robert Lewis, another undrafted rookie wide receiver, competed for a depth role in the Vikings’ receiving group during training camp and the preseason. His contributions were minimal, with limited targets and snaps, as he was overshadowed by established receivers and other rookies like Myles Price. Lewis’s waiver was expected given the depth at the position, but he could be a practice squad candidate.
Travis Bell, Defensive Lineman
Travis Bell, a defensive lineman with two years of NFL experience, was waived after providing depth during the 2025 preseason. Bell, who previously played for the Chicago Bears, saw action in rotational roles but did not record significant stats. His release aligns with the Vikings’ decision to prioritize other defensive linemen, such as Levi Drake Rodriguez, as they finalize their roster. Bell’s experience may make him a candidate for another team’s roster or practice squad.
Context and Implications
The Vikings’ roster cuts come on the heels of significant changes to their quarterback room. Hours before Rypien’s release, the team traded backup quarterback Sam Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles and signed veteran Carson Wentz to serve as the backup to starter J.J. McCarthy. Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer, who outperformed Rypien in the preseason, is likely to remain on the roster as the third quarterback. These moves indicate a strategic shift toward a more experienced backup in Wentz and a promising young option in Brosmer, leaving Rypien as the odd man out.
The waiver of nine players, most of whom were undrafted rookies, underscores the Vikings’ focus on youth and potential while maintaining a competitive edge with veterans at key positions. The release of Cam Gill, signed just weeks earlier, suggests the team’s linebacker depth is sufficient, with players like Blake Cashman and Brian Asamoah II leading the unit. The waived players, particularly the rookies, may have opportunities to return to the Vikings’ practice squad if they clear waivers, allowing Minnesota to continue developing their talent.
Looking Ahead
With the NFL’s roster deadline looming at 3 p.m. Central on August 26, 2025, the Vikings’ roster now stands at 79 players, requiring further cuts to reach the 53-man limit. The team’s recent moves, including the trade of defensive lineman Harrison Phillips to the New York Jets and the signing of Wentz, signal an aggressive approach to finalizing a competitive roster. Fans and analysts will be watching closely for any additional surprises, as the Vikings have a history of making unexpected cuts. For now, the release of Rypien, Gill, and the nine waived players marks a significant step in shaping Minnesota’s 2025 squad, with an emphasis on balancing experience, youth, and system fit under head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
As the Vikings prepare for their season opener against the Chicago Bears on September 8, 2025, these roster decisions set the stage for a team aiming to build on their unexpected 14-3 record from the previous season. The focus now shifts to how the retained players, including emerging stars like J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer, will perform in the regular season.