Every year it seems like a few players that aren't expected to be cut end up being released before the regular season, and it will probably be no different this year for the Minnesota Vikings. So which guys will be a surprise cut on cutdown day? Let's breakdown some players who might not make this years Vikings roster.
Laquon Treadwell
Laquon Treadwell is a former first-round pick, but he has been nothing but a bust for the Vikings. Last year was supposed to be the year he took over the third wide receiver spot, and although that might have been where he was listed on the depth chart, his stats never looked like it. In 2018, he finished with 35 receptions for 302 yards and a touchdown. He finished fourth on the team in receiving with running back Dalvin Cook who only played 11 games finishing third.
The team has already declined his fifth-year option so he will become a free agent after this season anyway. The team had Chad Beebe on the roster who they seem to really like along with Bradon Zylstra who made the roster last year.
They also drafted Oregon receiver Dillon Mitchell and Colorado State wideout Olabisi Johnson in the seventh round. If the team is impressed with both of those guys, and the team wants to keep Beebe, or Zylstra Treadwell could very well be the wrong guy out.
Sean Mannion
The Vikings just signed Sean Mannion this offseason to back up quarterback Kirk Cousins, but that doesn't mean his job is safe. The team has Kyle Sloter on the roster who the team has talked highly about the last few years and has impressed with the team during preseason's games. The team also gave quarterback Jake Browning $140,000 to sign with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent.
Unlike the Vikings backups the last few years, Mannion doesn't have a ton of experience actually playing in the league. He has been in the league since 2014 but since that time has only appeared in 10 games throwing 258 yards, zero touchdowns and an interception.
The team won't be keeping four quarterbacks so much like Treadwell if the Vikings are impressed with Sloter and Browning Mannion might be the odd man out.
There is also a chance that there could be a surprise cut by another team that the Vikings are more comfortable with backing up Cousins, which is another situation where he could be out.
Dan Bailey
Dan Bailey joined the Vikings last year when the team cut Daniel Carlson, but there were times that it looked like he wouldn't make it through the season.
Bailey converted 21 0f 28 field goals and 30 of 31 extra points. That was good enough to earn him another contract, but I am not sold the Vikings are actually happy with him,
If he struggles during the preseason, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Vikings bring in another kicker to give him competition.
It would be cheap to cut him, and Bailey needs to make sure he is near perfect during the preseason if he wants to be on the Vikings this upcoming year.
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