In a surprising move, Friday the Minnesota Vikings have released cornerback Cameron Dantzler.
Unlike after the release veterans Eric Kendricks and Adam Thielen, there were no parting words or thoughtful messages from general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, head coach Kevin O’Connell and owners Zygi and Mark Wilf.
Instead, the Vikings released a brief roster announcement saying the 24-year-old has been waived.
Dantzler was a starting cornerback opposite of Patrick Peterson at the start of last season but eventually lost his job to Duke Shelley. After Dantzler’s release, the Vikings’ cornerback room is down to 2022 rookies Akayleb Evans and Andrew Booth Jr.
Last season’s cornerbacks and their current status:
- Patrick Peterson – free agent
- Chandon Sullivan – free agent
- Cam Dantzler – free agent
- Duke Shelley – free agent
- Akayleb Evans – second year of his four-year rookie contract, a $1 million cap hit
- Andrew Booth Jr. – second year of his four-year rookie contract, $1.89 million cap hit
- Kris Boyd – free agent
Dantzler had a $3 million cap hit and releasing him saves the Vikings about $2.7 million, which after cutting Adam Thielen earlier Friday the Vikings are an estimated $5.9 million over the salary cap, according to OverTheCap.
The Vikings ranked 30th in yards per pass allowed and 22nd in opponent passer rating in the NFL last season, so it’s not a huge shock that the secondary is being blown up.
Related: Adam Thielen bids farewell to Minnesota in emotional post
