As NFL cuts loom, it's clear the Vikings are going to have to part ways with some fairly good players who are going to end up helping other teams in the league. Not a lot of them, but a couple.
Tight end Chase Ford stands out as example No. 1.
Will the Vikings keep four tight ends? With Kyle Rudolph as the No. 1 tight end, MyCole Pruitt as the promising rookie draft pick and Rhett Ellison as the versatile blocker/special teams standout, it would appear that Ford's only chance to make the team is if the Vikings go with the unlikely scenario of keeping four tight ends. Remember, they're also looking at having to keep six receivers as opposed to the more traditional five in order to hang on to Adam Thielen and rookie Stefon Diggs.
Coach Mike Zimmer was asked if he'll keep four tight ends and whether Ford's roster spot is safe or not.
"Right now, we're looking at all of those options and different guys we keep and all that," Zimmer said. "I think a lot of people are in battles."
The Vikings, like all teams, are exploring trade possibilities for players of value that they might be forced to cut otherwise. A look at the tight end market suggests the Vikings could get at least a fifth-rounder for Ford, who was a rookie free agent of the Eagles in 2012.
Recently, the Redskins were desperate enough to trade a fifth-rounder to the 49ers for Derek Carrier, a 25-year-old entering his fourth season. Washington lost Niles Paul and Logan Paulsen to season-ending injuries, causing it to reach out to the 49ers.
Carrier played at Division III Beloit College and spent 2012 on the Eagles' practice squad as a receiver. He went to San Francisco in 2013. He played in 11 games last year, catching nine passes for 105 yards and no touchdowns before suffering a season-ending foot injury.
