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One punch — and his career’s gone! Vikings slash the veteran after a brawl with their $88 million star

Posted on August 13, 2025 - 2:41 am by

In a shocking turn of events, the Minnesota Vikings have parted ways with linebacker Brian Asamoah, a 2022 third-round pick, just days after a heated altercation with newly signed guard Will Fries. The incident, which saw Asamoah throw a punch at Fries—who inked a massive five-year, $88 million deal in March—proved to be the final straw for a player who once seemed secure in his role on the team’s special teams unit. With the Vikings enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on fighting, Asamoah’s release on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, has sent ripples through the NFL.

Asamoah’s departure is a head-scratcher for many, especially considering he played in the Vikings’ preseason opener just days prior. The linebacker, one of only three remaining players from the Vikings’ 2022 draft class under general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, was still in the mix to compete for a roster spot. With joint practices against the New England Patriots set to begin on August 13—practices head coach Kevin O’Connell has emphasized as critical for evaluations—the timing of the move raises eyebrows.

Was Asamoah’s fate sealed the moment his fist connected with Fries? If so, allowing him to suit up for the preseason game could have been a calculated gesture by the Vikings, giving the 25-year-old a chance to showcase his skills for potential suitors elsewhere. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that the Vikings were close to trading Asamoah at last year’s trade deadline, suggesting he still held value. “Could be effective in a new scheme,” Fowler added, hinting at a fresh start for the linebacker.

The Vikings’ decision to waive Asamoah wasn’t just about discipline—it also made financial sense. According to Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Ben Goessling, the move frees up $1.45 million in cap space, a sum comparable to a veteran minimum deal. This newfound flexibility could signal an imminent roster move, especially as the Vikings navigate a thin wide receiver room.

In addition to Asamoah’s release, the Vikings placed wide receiver Rondale Moore on season-ending injured reserve and waived center Zeke Correll with an injury designation. While Correll could still clear waivers and land elsewhere, the open roster spots leave Minnesota with room to maneuver. With star wideout Jordan Addison facing a three-game suspension to start the season, the Vikings are in dire need of depth at the position.

The Vikings’ wide receiver corps is looking precarious as rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy prepares for his first season as a starter. While Lucky Jackson has shown promise in training camp and Jalen Nailor has stepped up in Addison’s absence, the team may need more firepower to support their young signal-caller. McCarthy, despite his immense potential, is bound to face growing pains, and bolstering the receiving unit could be key to smoothing his transition.

Rumors are swirling about potential targets. A reunion with Adam Thielen, currently with the Carolina Panthers, has been floated, though it would require a trade. A more seamless option could be Brandon Powell, a familiar face who spent the last two seasons in Minnesota and knows O’Connell’s system inside and out. Powell’s return wouldn’t cost draft capital, making him an attractive, low-risk addition.

However, the biggest name on the market is Amari Cooper. The veteran receiver could slide in as the No. 2 option opposite Justin Jefferson, providing McCarthy with a reliable target before potentially shifting to a rotational role once Addison returns. Cooper’s proven track record would be a game-changer for a Vikings offense looking to make a statement in 2025.

Asamoah’s release further highlights the struggles of the Vikings’ 2022 draft class. Outside of Nailor and Ty Chandler, the group has yielded little return for Adofo-Mensah’s first draft as GM. Asamoah, once a promising third-round pick, now finds himself searching for a new home, his time in Minnesota cut short by a single moment of frustration.