**Vikings’ Offseason Strategy: 5 Potential Cap Casualties to Fuel Free Agency Moves**
The Minnesota Vikings are positioned with the **7th-most salary cap space** in the NFL this offseason and have multiple avenues to create even more financial flexibility. Restructuring contracts or extending key veterans could free up future funds, but the most impactful route may involve cutting underperforming players. Below, we break down five candidates who could be released to bolster the Vikings’ pursuit of high-profile free agents:
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**1. Garrett Bradbury (C)**
**Cap Savings**: $3.62 million | **Dead Money**: $2.44 million
The 2019 first-round pick has been a mainstay at center, starting 91 games (including playoffs) over six seasons. While Bradbury excels as a run blocker and locker-room leader, his pass protection has been a glaring weakness—except during his 2022 contract year, when he earned a top-20 PFF grade and a three-year, $15.7 million extension. That season now looks like an anomaly, and with Bradbury turning 30 this summer, the Vikings may target younger upgrades like free agents **Drew Dalman** (Falcons) or **Ryan Kelly** (Colts) to anchor their line for the J.J. McCarthy era.
**2. Ed Ingram (RG)**
**Cap Savings**: $3.32 million | **Dead Money**: $385K
The 2022 second-rounder was benched midseason for Dalton Risner after inconsistent play at right guard. With no clear path to reclaiming his starting role, Minnesota could save cap space by releasing Ingram and letting him seek a fresh start elsewhere.
**3. Blake Brandel (LG)**
**Cap Savings**: $2.58 million | **Dead Money**: $1.33 million
Brandel briefly impressed as the starting left guard in 2023 before regressing to mediocrity. The Vikings might opt to replace him with cheaper backups like **Michael Jurgens** or **Henry Byrd**, prioritizing upside over his limited ceiling.
**4. C.J. Ham (FB)**
**Cap Savings**: $2.65 million | **Dead Money**: $767K
A fan favorite and special teams captain, Ham’s role is shrinking in a league that increasingly phases out fullbacks. Though his leadership is invaluable, the Vikings could eventually reallocate his $2.65 million toward positions of greater need.
**5. Brian Asamoah II (LB)**
**Cap Savings**: $1.45 million | **Dead Money**: $293K
Buried on the depth chart behind **Blake Cashman** and **Ivan Pace Jr.**, the 2022 third-rounder has logged just 70 defensive snaps over two seasons. His special teams contributions are replaceable, making him a low-risk cut.
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**The Big Picture**: Minnesota’s front office faces a balancing act between loyalty and progress. While Bradbury and Ham carry sentimental value, upgrading the offensive line and modernizing the roster could justify tough decisions. With ample cap space and a potential franchise quarterback in place, this offseason could define the Vikings’ trajectory for years to come.
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