Vikings Final Roster Shockers: Brosmer Shines, Trades Shake Up

Minneapolis, MN — The Minnesota Vikings closed their preseason with a 23-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans, but the scoreboard tells only part of the story. In this week’s Two Old Bloggers episode, Dave Stefano took the helm solo, with Darren Campbell sidelined by a family matter, to unpack the Vikings’ final 53 roster predictions, highlight breakout quarterback Max Brosmer, and dissect major moves like the Harrison Phillips and Sam Howell trades and Carson Wentz signing. Produced by Vikings 1st & SKOL in partnership with Fans First Sports Network, this episode is a must-listen for fans eager to gauge the team’s direction as the September 8 regular-season opener looms. From Brosmer’s pinpoint throws to Kevin O’Connell’s cautious preseason strategy, here’s why these developments signal a competitive 2025 for Minnesota.

Why tune in? With roster cuts due by August 27, the Vikings’ choices—bolstered by young talent and strategic trades—set the stage for a pivotal season. This report dives into the game’s key moments, roster projections, and coaching philosophies, offering fans clarity on depth and readiness. By blending Dave’s candid insights with Darren’s notes, we’ll show how these moves resolve critical questions, making the Vikings a team to watch.

Preseason Finale: Vikings Fall to Titans, But Brosmer Steals the Show

The Minnesota Vikings wrapped their preseason with a 23-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Friday night. However, the game wasn’t a total wash. As Dave Stefano noted, “Thank Odin that it’s over. From here on out, it’s nothing but real football.” The focus shifted quickly to standout performances, especially from quarterback Max Brosmer.

Brosmer, a rookie who transferred from Minnesota, impressed against the Titans’ starters. He showed pocket awareness, arm strength, and quick decisions. One highlight was a fourth-down throw to Dontae Fleming that Dave called “a thing of beauty,” though it was dropped. “If it wasn’t for Dante Fleming dropping that thing of beauty, he would’ve had over 200 yards,” Dave said. Brosmer’s poise across all three preseason games outshone Sam Howell and Brett Rypien, cementing his roster spot.

Other players didn’t fare as well. Running back Ty Chandler and quarterback Sam Howell sat out, signaling potential cuts. Dave agreed with Darren’s notes: “Chandler lost Kevin O’Connell’s trust in 2024 and has not made a compelling case this offseason to get it back.” Injuries hit Zavier Scott and Elijah Williams, dimming their chances. Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon played the entire first half poorly, raising doubts. “Your fourth corner played that much in the final preseason game? I’m not convinced Blackmon has a roster spot locked up,” Darren’s notes emphasized.

This recap sets the stage for the Vikings’ tough decisions. With cuts due by August 27, the game exposed strengths and weaknesses. Brosmer’s emergence resolves one quarterback question, but it opens others about depth.

Final 53 Roster Breakdown: Quarterbacks and Running Backs

Moving to roster predictions, the Vikings are set to keep three quarterbacks. Starter J.J. McCarthy leads, with Brosmer as a lock. The third spot? Recent moves point to veteran Carson Wentz. “Howell and Rypien are goners,” Darren predicted, and indeed, Rypien was released while Howell was traded. Dave added, “We signed Carson Wentz on Sunday. He’s 32, about a 500 quarterback, but reliable.”

For running backs, four make the cut: Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, C.J. Ham, and Zavier Scott. Scott’s hard running and pass-catching skills stand out, despite his ankle injury. “Scott runs hard, breaks tackles, and can catch the ball,” Darren noted. Ty Chandler’s absence from the finale suggests he’s out. This group resolves depth concerns, blending power and versatility for Kevin O’Connell’s offense.

These positions highlight the Vikings’ youth focus. Brosmer’s rise and Scott’s potential show why investing in rookies pays off, addressing last season’s inconsistencies.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: Adding Veterans?

Wide receivers pose intrigue. The Vikings keep six, but only five from the current roster: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, Tai Felton, and Jeshaun Jones. Darren expects a veteran addition, like Adam Thielen. “The Vikings are going to add an experienced veteran wide receiver before Sept. 8 gets here,” he wrote. Dave echoed this, noting Addison’s three-game suspension: “Without Jalen Nailor in those first three weeks… we’ve got a bunch of backend wide receivers. None have stood up.”

Myles Price’s return skills could earn a spot, but fumbles hurt. “He also almost fumbled another punt return. Add him to the practice squad,” Darren suggested. Alternatives like Lucky Jackson or Thayer Thomas were mentioned, but Jeshaun Jones edges out due to steady play.

Tight ends are straightforward: three keepers—T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, and Nick Vannett. Rookies Ben Yurosek and Bryson Nesbit didn’t impress enough. “I just have not seen Ben Yurosek do anything notable,” Darren said. Dave added, “He’s a rookie… it takes time to develop.” Vannett’s experience resolves blocking needs, while Nesbit heads to the practice squad.

This section underscores the need for balance. Adding a vet like Thielen could stabilize the group, resolving early-season gaps from suspensions and injuries.

Offensive and Defensive Lines: Stability and Youth

The offensive line keeps nine, with no surprises. Starters like Christian Darrisaw, Brian O’Neill, Ryan Kelly, Donovan Jackson, and Will Fries anchor it. Backups include Justin Skule, Blake Brandel, Michael Jurgens, and Walter Rouse. “All the guys who didn’t play Friday night stick,” Darren noted. This unit’s health resolves protection worries for McCarthy.

Defensively, the line keeps six after the Harrison Phillips trade. Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave start, with Jalen Redmond, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Levi Drake-Rodriguez, and Elijah Williams rounding it out. Williams’ hamstring injury might land him on short-term IR, opening a spot for Taki Taimani. “Trading Harrison Phillips saves a spot for undrafted rookie Williams,” Darren predicted.

Edge rushers: five, including Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, Gabe Murphy, and Bo Richter. “I feel pretty confident these five will make the final 53,” Darren said. Inside linebackers: four—Blake Cashman, Ivan Pace Jr., Eric Wilson, and Kobe King.

These lines blend vets and youth, resolving run defense and pass rush questions post-Phillips.

Cornerbacks and Safeties: Weak Spots and Strengths

Cornerbacks are a concern, keeping six but only four current: Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Jeff Okudah, and Mekhi Blackmon. “Welp. I’m not feeling too good about the cornerback room right now,” Darren admitted. Blackmon sticks as a 2023 third-rounder, but his play faltered. Undrafted Zemaiah Vaughn struggled, and Dwight McGlothern lagged. “The Vikings need to add two guys… those players aren’t on the 90-man roster,” Darren urged. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah must act.

Safeties are solid: four—Harrison Smith, Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, and Jay Ward. “Not much intrigue here,” Darren said.

Specialists: three—kicker Will Reichard, punter Ryan Wright (over Oscar Chapman due to holding issues), and long snapper Andrew DePaola. “Wright might be making the team as much for his ability to hold snaps,” Darren noted.

This resolves secondary depth but highlights corner needs, pushing for trades.

This Week in Vikings Land: Trades and McCarthy’s Readiness

Big news: Harrison Phillips traded to the Jets. “This surprised me… what changed in 11 months?” Darren questioned. It saves cap space for 2026 and trusts young linemen like Redmond. “Flores must think those guys can do enough,” he added. Dave speculated Phillips sought more snaps.

Sam Howell was traded to the Eagles for picks, and Carson Wentz signed. “We made out pretty well,” Dave said.

On J.J. McCarthy: Limited reps show promise but accuracy concerns. “The arc of his training camp has gone well… he’s stacked strong days,” Darren praised. Leadership earns raves. “We still aren’t going to know until the season unfolds,” he cautioned.

These moves resolve quarterback and line questions, signaling aggression.

Preseason Philosophy: Bubble Wrap or Ramp Up?

Preseason approaches evolved post-2021’s three-game format. Kevin O’Connell follows Sean McVay’s protective style. “McVay started this trend back in 2018,” Darren noted. In 2014, one team sat starters; by 2024, 14 did.

Dave’s research showed hybrids work best: joint practices for reps, limited game snaps for speed. “The best approach… emphasis on joint practices,” he said. Examples: Zach Taylor ramped up to 50%; others like McVay sat everyone.

O’Connell’s method prioritizes health but risks rust. “If the Vikings don’t meet expectations… might he try hybrid in 2026?” Darren asked.

This resolves why coaches differ, favoring controlled prep for long-term success.

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As the final whistle blew on the Minnesota Vikings’ 2025 preseason, the 23-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans faded into the background, overshadowed by the promise of a new era. Max Brosmer’s stellar performance, with pinpoint throws and poised reads, has fans buzzing about his potential as QB2, while the Harrison Phillips trade and Carson Wentz signing signal bold moves by GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. On Two Old Bloggers, Dave Stefano, filling in during Darren Campbell’s absence, painted a clear picture of a team balancing youth and veteran experience, with Kevin O’Connell’s cautious preseason approach preparing a healthy, motivated squad. With roster cuts due by August 27 and the September 8 opener against Chicago approaching, the Vikings’ final 53-man roster is solidifying, answering questions about depth and preparedness. From Brosmer’s breakout to J.J. McCarthy’s development, the purple and gold are set for an exciting 2025. SKOL, Vikings fans—the real football is about to begin!

The episode, despite Darren’s absence, delivered timely insights. Prayers for his family. As Dave closed, “SKOL, everybody.”

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Question:

Who do you think surprises on the Vikings’ final 53—Brosmer or Wentz as QB2 or a veteran trade stealing the show?