The Minnesota Vikings decided a roster change was needed.
With their Week 12 game against the Chicago Bears just a little more than a day away, the Vikings made adjustments, particularly in the cornerback group.
“NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport shared on X on November 23, “The #Vikings are waiving CB Akayleb Evans. It’s a bit surprising for the 2022 draft pick who has 17 starts and contributes on special teams. Facing a significant roster crunch, Minnesota makes a difficult decision.”
The Vikings designated undrafted rookie edge rusher Gabriel Murphy to return.
That might be the anticipated corresponding roster move. Evans could also come back next week, possibly to a spot on the Vikings’ practice squad.
“The timing of Vikings CB Akayleb Evans’ expected release is set up to allow for his return next week, if they choose,” ESPN’s Kevin Seifert posted on X on November 23. “However, there are no assurances, making this a significant decision for a team with its top 3 cornerbacks on expiring contracts.”
The Vikings picked Evans at No. 118 overall in the 2022 draft.
According to Pro Football Focus, Evans is currently having the best season of his two-plus-year career, but there’s a notable drawback.
Akayleb Evans Fell Out of CB Rotation Early
At 25, Evans played in 10 games during his rookie season, starting in two of them. In 2023, he moved into a starting role, leading all Vikings cornerbacks with 15 starts.
In his second season, Evans recorded 65 total tackles, 7 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. However, Pro Football Reference notes that opposing quarterbacks completed 70.4% of their passes for 780 yards and 6 touchdowns when targeting his coverage.
Evans has played three snaps on defense and 83 on special teams in his seven games in 2024.
After facing multiple injuries and the tragic loss of rookie Khyree Jackson, the Vikings overhauled their cornerback group.
They added veterans Shaquill Griffin, Stephon Gilmore, and Fabian Moreau. Griffin and Gilmore have taken on significant roles alongside established starter Byron Murphy, pushing Evans out of the rotation.
Evans was in the third year of his four-year, $4.4 million rookie contract.
This season, Evans carried a cap hit of $1.1 million, rising to $1.3 million in 2025. According to Over The Cap, the Vikings saved $794,731 in cap space but took on a $380,538 dead cap hit.
Vikings Down to 50% of 2022 Draft Class on Current Roster
Evans’ release marks another significant setback for the Vikings’ 2022 draft class, the first overseen by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
The Vikings drafted 10 players from the 2022 class. Five of them are no longer with the team, with Evans joining first-round pick Lewis Cine as roster cuts. In August, the Vikings traded second-round pick Andrew Booth to the Dallas Cowboys.
Booth is currently labeled as “cut” on the Cowboys’ roster on the team’s website.
Another second-round pick, offensive lineman Ed Ingram, started his first 41 games but was benched in Week 11 in favor of veteran Dalton Risner.
Third-round pick Brian Asamoah is still with the team but has remained primarily a reserve linebacker and special teamer. Along with Asamoah and Ingram, the remaining 2022 draftees are Ty Chandler (fifth round), Jalen Nailor (sixth round), and Nick Muse (seventh round).
Defensive lineman Esezi Otomewo played in five games with the Vikings as a fifth-round rookie.
He has since joined the Jacksonville Jaguars, playing in four games and starting two for them in 2024.
Sixth-round offensive lineman Vederian Lowe appeared in four games for the Vikings in 2022 but has spent the past two seasons with the New England Patriots, starting 15 of his 19 games.
