The Minnesota Vikings wrapped up a perfect undefeated preseason with Saturday’s 26-3 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. We know the regular season won’t go that well. But over the next 48 hours, the Vikings’ front office will be busy finalizing the 53-man roster. One player who may not make the final cut is Akayleb Evans.
The 2022 fourth-round pick was once viewed as a potential starter this season, especially after making 15 starts in 2023. However, several veterans, including Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin, have since been added to the secondary. With Byron Murphy holding down the other starting role, this leaves the 25-year-old on the outside looking in.
While the Vikings could keep the former 118th overall pick on the roster in hopes of him furthering his development, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah may have other plans.
Akayleb Evans hits trade block as Vikings seek more 2025 draft capital
Akayleb Evans is no better than fourth on the current Vikings depth chart. We’ve seen how quickly injuries can push a backup into a starting position. But Evans hasn’t shown that he’s a special talent after two years of his career. As a recent draft pick, he may still have value to teams in need of adding depth to their secondary.
According to The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, the Vikings’ newfound depth could make Evans a prime trade candidate.
“Why is Akayleb Evans absent from this list? Not because he’s been cut but because, in this projection, a trade feels possible. The Vikings have three draft picks (a first-rounder and two fifth-rounders). They’re in line for at least one compensation pick, too, but adding more darts seems smart. Parting with Evans also opens the door for McGlothern, who has displayed a knack for the ball all camp. The Vikings don’t have an obvious backup nickel cornerback with these five, but Flores has not been afraid to use Metellus or Camryn Bynum in that role if necessary.”
Alec Lewis on Akayleb Evans being a trade candidate
Lewis wisely points out the emergence of 22-year-old undrafted rookie Dwight McGlothern possibly contributing to Evans’ potential dismissal. While the 6-foot-2 cornerback saw 257 other players drafted instead of him, he’s since shown why overlooking him was a mistake.
His size is exactly what Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores prefers from cornerbacks, and since he’s three years younger than Evans, there’s a case to be made that he actually has a higher ceiling. So, if the Vikings can trade Evans, who has two years left on his contract, for a late-round pick, likely in the sixth or seventh round, it would only help rebuild their draft capital heading into next offseason.
If Evans doesn’t make the cut, it would help open up another roster spot, which could go to a safety, such as Jay Ward, who saw time at cornerback during training camp. Or maybe it goes to a veteran, like Fabian Moreau or Bobby McCain, who also has experience playing corner. Either way, it makes sense to see how much interest other teams have in Evans.
