Minnesota Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans was claimed by the Carolina Panthers on Monday, November 25, marking the end of his time in Minnesota.
The Vikings waived Evans on Saturday, November 23, to make space on the roster for tight end Nick Muse, who was needed due to starter Josh Oliver’s ankle injury. There had been hope within the Vikings’ organization that Evans would clear waivers and be signed to the practice squad, but Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Ben Goessling noted that the team didn’t expect that to happen.
“Akayleb Evans is gone, after the Vikings waived him on Saturday,” Goessling wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “A source said then that Evans likely wouldn’t make it through waivers; he’s officially with a new team.”
At 6-foot-2 and 198 pounds, Evans appeared to fit the profile of the physical press cornerback head coach Brian Flores prefers in his defensive scheme. Evans started 15 games in 2023, but was benched twice in the final three weeks of the season. His inconsistent performance led the Vikings to sign veteran Stephon Gilmore late in training camp. Evans ended up playing just three defensive snaps before being released.
The Panthers have taken on the remainder of Evans’ $4.4 million rookie contract. He joins a growing list of former Vikings now on the Panthers, including Adam Thielen, D.J. Wonnum, Mike Boone, Xavier Woods, and Dan Chisena.
Evans: A Bust in the 2022 Draft Class
Evans, a fourth-round pick (118th overall) in the 2022 draft, is the latest disappointment from Minnesota’s 2022 draft class. He joins fellow underperforming draft picks such as cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. (second round, 42nd overall), linebacker Esezi Otomewo (fifth round, 165th overall), and tackle Vederian Lowe (sixth round, 184th overall).
The rest of the 2022 draft class hasn’t fared much better either. Right tackle Ed Ingram (second round, 59th overall) started every game through two-and-a-half seasons but was benched in Week 11.
Inside linebacker Brian Asamoah (third round, 66th overall) showed promise as a rookie but has primarily contributed on special teams this season, alongside Muse (seventh round, 227th overall). Wide receiver Jalen Nailor (sixth round, 191st overall) caught his fifth touchdown of the season in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears but has remained inconsistent, averaging just 1.5 catches per game.
It’s Not All on Adofo-Mensah
While the blame for the disappointing 2022 draft class ultimately falls on general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, there are several factors to consider. Adofo-Mensah arrived in January 2022 with a shortened scouting season, and as part of his restructuring of the front office, he retained Rick Spielman’s scouting department for that year. Adofo-Mensah’s own scouts have been more involved in subsequent drafts.
Additionally, the defensive players from the 2022 draft class were selected for Ed Donatell’s system, but after Donatell’s firing, they were asked to adapt to Brian Flores’ more demanding defensive scheme.
