Vikes releasing Akayleb Evans

[MaroonBells]

The cuts must have to do with Muse and Murphy. Muse goes on the 53 because of the injury to Oliver. Murphy maybe because of Blackmon?

You mean Evans? Yes, I think that's right. Murphy returning to health required the Vikings to release someone. Evans it is. It was on its death bed before this year, but with both Chandler and Ingram being demoted and Evans being released, this was the final nail in the coffin of the '22 draft class. May she rest in peace.

[mblack]

The Vikings let go of the final defensive back from their 2022 draft class on Saturday, cutting cornerback Akayleb Evans in the middle of a season where his role on defense had dissolved, according to two sources with knowledge of the team’s plans.

He is the fifth member of General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s first draft class to leave the team, though it’s possible Evans could still return to the practice squad. 

Guard Ed Ingram, the team’s second-round pick in 2022, was pulled out of the starting lineup last week against the Titans, and third-round pick Brian Asamoah II is playing special teams.

The Vikings have only Mekhi Blackmon, Dwight McGlothern and NaJee Thompson under contract at cornerback for 2025, though they could explore a new deal for the 26-year-old Byron Murphy Jr. and pursue help in free agency. Blackmon and Thompson are out this season with injuries.

Evans could have a way back into the picture if he returns on the practice squad, but the loss of his defensive role would seem to indicate he will have to change the Vikings’ minds.

The move cleared a roster spot for the Vikings as two players — tight end Nick Muse and outside linebacker Gabe Murphy — prepare to return from injured reserve. 

Both are in their 21-day practice windows before the Vikings will have to make a decision on their status for the rest of the season; the team listed both as questionable for Sunday’s game against Chicago, and could make a roster move to activate one of them by 3 p.m. Saturday in time for the Bears game.

Startribune

How much of this has to do with the vision or plan of the DC? I am assuming you draft players that fit your scheme or what you are planning to implement

[StickierBuns]

That Draft class is probably the reason the Wilfs should think twice about extending KAM. I don't know what the right answer is but that 2022 was a master class in failure.