Justin Jefferson warms up before facing the Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) went through his pregame routine on the field before the matchup with the Baltimore Ravens on Nov 9, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The scene captured Jefferson’s usual mix of focus and looseness as he prepped for another central role in Minnesota’s offense, drawing early attention from fans settling into their seats. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

Yesterday, the major news focused on the trades involving left guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Some of the former Vikings players may have therefore been lost in the shuffle.

On social media, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson (his Twitter) tends to grind through the league’s roster transactions. He did so yet again, bringing word of a pile of former Vikings earning a chance to tryout, putting pen to paper, or being set loose from their current employer.

Pile of Former Vikings Players in the News

Go ahead and consider the basics that got sent along from Mr. Wilson:

  • RB Zavier Scott <—> Signed to Bears 53
  • DT Taki Taimani <—> Signed to Lions PS
  • CB Dwight McGlothern <—> Tryout with Colts
  • DB Ambry Thomas <—> Tryout with Colts
  • CB Natrone Brooks <—> Signed by Colts
  • OL Tristan Leigh <—> Tryout for Jets
  • TE Ben Sims <—> Tryout for Seahawks
  • QB Brett Rypien <—> Released by Buccaneers

So, quite the pileup of former Vikings players. Of the names above, Mr. Brooks jumps out since he got canned by the Vikings last weekend to make room for DeeJay Dallas. Note that Dallas got cut from the 53-man roster to make room on the 53 for Jordan Mason. That game of dominoes led to Brooks being set free, but he has landed his next contract.

NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings
Oct 25, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) rushes the ball against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Otherwise, those top three names stand out.

Zavier Scott is a versatile runner who boasts nice size. Far from the world’s most explosive runner, Scott offers silky mitts, allowing him to be a 3rd down option. Ben Johnson is far better at using his RBs than Kevin O’Connell, so the possibility exists that he finds a nice role in the Windy City.

Taki Taimani got added as an undrafted player in 2024, earning a spot on the roster as a run stuffer of a defensive tackle. Part of the issue for him is that the recent version of the Vikings opted for Domonique Orange, a run-first player who got snagged in the 3rd of the 2026 NFL Draft. Taimani was therefore facing an uphill battle.

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And then Dwight McGlothern was a well-liked played in both of 2024 and 2025. Nicknamed “Nudie,” McGlothern boasts great length and has an impressive top speed. What was odd, though, was Minnesota’s great effort to find room on the 53-man roster while then seeing Minnesota make a great effort to not play him.

Choosing Chuck Demmings in the 5th of the 2026 NFL Draft made McGlothern’s roster outlook shaky.

Vikings RB Zavier Scott in the preseason
Aug 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Zavier Scott (36) runs with the ball against the New England Patriots in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Around the NFL, the focus largely rests on who is going to be made available for trade. GM Nolan Teasley can work with multiple 3rds, 5ths, and 6ths for 2027 picks. Does he find a team willing to move off a talented runner for a pick or two?

Next up for the Minnesota Vikings is a November 1st game against the Lions.

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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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