Minnesota Vikings Lose 2 Potential Practice Squad Members To Waiver Claims

The Minnesota Vikings struck out on this cycle’s waiver claims, coming away empty despite hopes of bolstering their roster. Meanwhile, two recent cuts—linebacker Dorian Mausi and cornerback Reddy Steward—were claimed by other teams, meaning Minnesota not only missed adding talent but also lost out on bringing back a pair of young players they likely viewed as developmental depth. In the big picture, it’s a minor blow, not a crisis, but one that nudges roster decisions heading into Week 1.

Minnesota Vikings: The Waiver Wire Misses

The waiver wire operates on a priority system based on the previous season’s standings, with the worst teams getting first dibs on available players. For a Minnesota Vikings team that made the playoffs in 2024, their position in the waiver order puts them behind quite a few franchises when it comes to claiming players.

This system is designed to promote parity, but it also means that successful teams often watch potential contributors get snatched up by teams with higher priority. It’s the NFL’s way of saying “success has its price,” and that price sometimes includes missing out on players who could help your roster.

The specific players the Vikings targeted haven’t been officially disclosed, but the fact that they put in claims suggests these weren’t random lottery tickets. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and his staff identified players they believed could contribute to their 2025 campaign, whether as depth pieces or potential starters depending on the position.

Missing out on these claims likely means the Vikings saw something they liked—perhaps a player whose skill set matched a specific need, or someone whose contract situation made them an attractive addition. The evaluation process that goes into waiver claims isn’t casual; teams do their homework before committing to adding a player and taking on their contract.

Why These Claims Mattered for the Vikings

Every roster spot matters in the NFL, but some matter more than others depending on timing and team needs. The Vikings, coming off a season where they showed both promise and areas for improvement, were likely targeting players who could address specific depth concerns or provide competition at positions where they needed it most.

The waiver period often reveals organizational priorities. Teams don’t waste time putting in claims for players they don’t genuinely want, so the Vikings’ attempts suggest they identified real opportunities to improve their roster. Whether those opportunities were at positions of immediate need or longer-term development projects, the fact remains that Minnesota saw value they couldn’t secure.

From a competitive standpoint, missing these claims means other teams in the NFC North or broader NFC could potentially benefit from players the Vikings wanted. That’s not necessarily a huge concern, but in a division where the Lions, Packers, and Bears are all trying to build sustainable success, every small advantage matters.

The financial aspect can’t be ignored either. Waiver claims often represent cost-effective ways to add talent, especially when compared to free agency or trade markets. Players claimed off waivers typically come with manageable contracts, making them attractive options for teams trying to balance talent acquisition with salary cap management.

What’s Next for Minnesota?

The Vikings aren’t sitting around feeling sorry for themselves about missed waiver claims. Professional football moves too quickly for that kind of dwelling, and O’Connell’s staff will already be looking at alternative solutions to address whatever needs these potential claims were meant to fill.

Free agency remains an option, though it typically comes at a higher cost than waiver claims. The trade market could also provide opportunities, especially as teams finalize their rosters and identify players who don’t fit their immediate plans. Minnesota has shown they’re not afraid to make deals when the right opportunity presents itself.

Practice squad signings offer another avenue for adding players. While these moves don’t provide immediate roster spots, they allow teams to develop players and maintain flexibility for future call-ups. The Vikings have been active in this area before and likely will continue to scour practice squads for hidden gems.

The bigger picture suggests this is more about missed opportunities than actual setbacks. The Vikings enter 2025 with legitimate playoff aspirations and a roster that O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah have carefully constructed. Missing out on a couple of waiver claims doesn’t fundamentally alter their trajectory or ceiling.

What it does highlight is the competitive nature of roster building in today’s NFL. Every team is constantly looking for edges, and the fact that the Vikings were active on the waiver wire shows they’re taking that search seriously. Sometimes you win those battles, sometimes you don’t.

The Long View

Missing out on waiver claims stings in the moment, but it’s rarely remembered by season’s end unless those players go on to have significant impacts elsewhere. The Vikings’ success in 2025 won’t be determined by who they didn’t get off waivers in August—it’ll be decided by how well their current roster performs when the games matter most.

O’Connell and his staff have shown they can adapt and find solutions. If these missed claims represented real needs, expect Minnesota to address them through other means. The season is long, rosters change, and opportunities arise in unexpected ways throughout the year.

For now, it’s a minor disappointment in what promises to be an eventful season. Nothing more, nothing less.