NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

One surprise cut candidate from each NFL team in 2021

By Randy Gurzi

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 01: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during warmups before playing the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 01, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 01: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during warmups before playing the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 01, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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NFL 2021
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 06: Guard Dakota Dozier #78 of the Minnesota Vikings follows the action against the New York Giants during the second half at MetLife Stadium on October 06, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Vikings: Dakota Dozier, Guard

Last season, the Minnesota Vikings had some issues on their offensive line. They had continued struggles from Riley Reiff and they entered camp not sure who would be the starter at left guard.

Eventually, Dakota Dozier won the job and started all 16 games. However, the former fourth-round pick of the New York Jets back in 2015 didn’t set the world on fire. He was graded as one of the lower guards in the league and Minnesota went into this offseason determined to fix their line.

They released Reiff who is now with the Cincinnati Bengals, finally admitting the big contract they gave him in 2017 wasn’t their best move. Then, they used their first-round pick in this past draft on Christian Darrisaw from Virginia Tech.

Darrisaw will likely be the left tackle from day one but they could have another rookie starter as well. Third-round pick Wyatt Davis was an absolute steal for them that late and he should be able to take over eventually.

If he does take the job from Dozier this season, it could lead to the release of the veteran guard. It wouldn’t save the Vikings a lot of cap space but his release also would lead to no dead money and with them usually near the top of the spending limit, avoiding dead money is a smart move.

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