The Minnesota Vikings have decided to make a change to their roster as they prepare for their Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears. This move comes as the team faces a roster crunch, leading to the decision to waive cornerback Akayleb Evans, a somewhat surprising move given his role and performance since joining the team.
Evans, a 2022 fourth-round draft pick (118th overall), had become a key part of the Vikings’ defense. He made 17 starts across his two-plus seasons with the team and contributed on special teams as well. However, with the Vikings dealing with a crowded roster and the need to make tough decisions, Evans became the odd man out. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on November 23 that Evans would be waived, adding that while this move was unexpected, it was necessary given the roster limitations the Vikings are facing.
To make space for Evans’ departure, the Vikings also designated undrafted rookie edge rusher Gabriel Murphy to return, which could be the corresponding roster move. Murphy, who has spent most of the season on the practice squad, now has the chance to join the active roster. This transaction could be a reflection of the team’s focus on shoring up their pass rush or perhaps a response to injury or performance-related concerns.
While this could be the end of Evans’ tenure with the Vikings for now, there is a possibility that he could return to the team next week, potentially as a member of the practice squad. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert pointed out that the timing of the cut makes it plausible for Evans to be brought back in the near future, though there is no guarantee he will return, especially considering that the Vikings’ top three cornerbacks are all on expiring contracts.
Evans’ performance over the past two seasons has been solid, and this decision seems to be more about roster management than a reflection of his individual play. In his rookie season, Evans played in 10 games and started two, gradually becoming a more prominent fixture in the Vikings’ secondary. In 2023, Evans started 15 games, leading all Vikings cornerbacks in that category.
Over his career, Evans has accumulated 65 tackles, 7 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. His performance in coverage has been a mixed bag, however. According to Pro Football Reference, opposing quarterbacks completed 70.4% of their passes when targeting him, resulting in 780 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Despite this, Pro Football Focus has graded Evans as having his best season to date, suggesting that his overall development as a cornerback has been positive, though his statistics show he still has room for improvement, particularly in terms of limiting big plays and touchdowns.
This decision also carries some additional context. The Vikings are currently dealing with a number of roster decisions, particularly with their cornerback group. The team’s top three cornerbacks—Patrick Peterson, Byron Murphy Jr., and Cam Dantzler—are all on expiring contracts, and the Vikings are likely looking to make long-term plans for the position.
While Evans may not have been a long-term solution at cornerback for the Vikings, his departure opens up room for future acquisitions or development of younger players. Moreover, the Vikings are likely evaluating their depth at the position and may have felt that the current crop of cornerbacks offers more promise in the short term.
In summary, the Vikings’ decision to waive Akayleb Evans is a reflection of a larger roster management issue as the team navigates a crowded roster and prepares for the rest of the season. While Evans has shown potential, the move opens up space for other players, including the possibility of Murphy joining the active roster.
The team’s ongoing decisions at cornerback, particularly with key players on expiring contracts, will shape how this move plays out over the remainder of the season and beyond. Evans may not be done with the Vikings yet, but for now, his future with the team remains uncertain.
