Some fans are wondering why the Vikings dumped Ihmir Smith-Marsette. Matthew Coller explains what went down and why the Vikings felt Smith-Marsette was expendable.
Video timestamps:
- Why was Ihmir Smith-Marsette cut?: 0:06
- Why Trishton Jackson over Smith-Marsette on the practice squad?: 1:02
- Jalen Reagor a better punt returner than Smith-Marsette: 1:58
- Vikings likely feel Jalen Nailor has higher ceiling: 2:25
“It might come down to just roster fit and scheme fit and how well they felt Ihmir Smith-Marsette was mastering the new offense they were laying out for him. And also, if you’re the No. 4 or No. 5 receiver, what that normally means is you have to play some sort of other role,” said Coller.
“Jalen Reagor was Pro Football Focus’s second best punt returner last year by their grading system. Ihmir Smith-Marsette, let’s just call it adventurous every time he returned a punt, including a fumble during the preseason. Their trust in Ihmir Smith-Marsette just simply may not have been high enough.”
Coller continued.
“The coaching staff and management must’ve felt that there was more ceiling with the guy they just drafted in Jalen Nailor then there was with Smith-Marsette.”
“It doesn’t appear that there was any shocking mystery … just the realities of the NFL when you are on the roster bubble.”
