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Vikings cut Linval Joseph, Xavier Rhodes clearing up 2020 NFL Draft plans

By Cory Kinnan

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 14: Linval Joseph #98 of the Minnesota Vikings tries to calm teammate Xavier Rhodes #29 in the third quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the New Orleans Saints on January 14, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 14: Linval Joseph #98 of the Minnesota Vikings tries to calm teammate Xavier Rhodes #29 in the third quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the New Orleans Saints on January 14, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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As the new league year and the 2020 NFL Draft approach, the Vikings made a few roster moves, including the release of Xavier Rhodes and Linval Joseph

As the new league year is set to begin, an event the NFL has stated will not be delayed due to the Coronavirus pandemic, teams are beginning to make roster moves. Today, the Minnesota Vikings have released veteran defensive players in cornerback Xavier Rhodes, and defensive tackle Linval Joseph. Is this an indication of the route the Vikings will take in the 2020 NFL Draft?

Rhodes, fresh off of an All-Pro season just two years before, put together the worst year of his career and became a complete liability for the Vikings. With Mike Hughes returning to health, Minnesota decided that he was expendable. While Joseph remained a solid contributor for the Vikings in 2019, he will now be 31 by the time the 2020 season starts, and was due $11.7 million this year.

Additionally, the Vikings released third string tight end David Morgan as big changes are sweeping across Minnesota. With free agency expected to start next week (unless the Coronavirus changes those plans), and the 2020 NFL Draft less than 50 days away, a blueprint for their offseason is beginning to take shape.

The Vikings love taking cornerbacks in the first round, doing so with the selections of Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and the previously mentioned Hughes. In 2020, Minnesota general manager Rick Spielman could opt to pursue that same route with the release of Rhodes.

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The Vikings are in luck, as it is a stacked group of talent at both the cornerback and defensive line group in the 2020 NFL Draft, giving them the flexibility with both their roster, and their books to make these cuts. Look out for the Vikes to go heavy on the defensive side of the ball when the draft rolls around.

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