The Minnesota Vikings have drawn attention to themselves, albeit in a rather dubious way, moving on from coaching staff darling and backup cornerback Dwight “Nudie” McGlothern.
Minnesota enters Week 12 with an NFC North showdown against the Green Bay Packers on tap. While the Vikings still have several questions surrounding their roster, the decision to move on from McGlothern is surprising.
The Vikings did not immediately announce a corresponding move.
Vikings Draw 1-Word Reaction After Cutting Dwight McGlothern
GettyDwight McGlothern #6 of the Minnesota Vikings during warm-ups before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
McGlothern is a second-year undrafted free agent who was part of the narrative on the Vikings’ decision to remake their secondary this past offseason. The second-year corner has played in eight games this season, an uptick from his five appearances as a rookie in 2024.
“The #Vikings have waived CB Dwight McGlothern Jr.,” the team announced in a post on X on November 19.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert responded simply with a quoted post, saying, “Huh?”
McGlothern did not allow a completion on the lone target he has seen on defense this season, per Pro Football Focus. He has played 47 snaps total, logging 31 on defense and 16 on special teams for the Vikings.
The Vikings rank 16th in scoring defense and 10th overall, but they are seventh against the pass, with McGlothern playing a bit role and not producing.
However, the decision could be more about who the Vikings are getting rather than losing.
Insider Offers Potential Explanation for Vikings’ Decision
GettyRyan Kelly #78 of the Minnesota Vikings prepares to snap the ball against the Atlanta Falcons.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell indicated that center Ryan Kelly was starting his 21-day practice window amid his push to return from an IR stint due to multiple concussions.
“They … have center Ryan Kelly on his way back from injured reserve and could use the opening to activate him this week,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio wrote on November 19. “Isaiah Rodgers, Byron Murphy, and Fabian Moreau are the remaining corners on the active roster in Minnesota.”
Kelly has missed seven of the Vikings’ 10 games this season.
He has been sidelined since Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers amid a slew of injuries along the Vikings’ offensive line.
The Vikings also have Jeff Okudah on IR, but he must miss at least two more games before he can return. They also have Shemar Bartholomew, Tyrek Funderburk, and Zemaiah Vaughn on their practice squad.
Dwight McGlothern Was Accomplishing Goal
GettyDwight McGlothern #47 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts against the Philadelphia Eagles.
McGlothern entered this season garnering attention, but he was still unproven with his limited exposure as a rookie.
He has already accomplished one goal that he set for himself coming into the campaign.
“Just trying to stack one day at a time, and just make sure I do good today. So, tomorrow I need to prepare the same way, and just keep being consistent,” McGlothern told reporters during the Vikings’ offseason program in July.
“Coming into year two, just want to be on the field more this season. Just show that I’m growing as a player, and I’m not a rookie anymore. And just showing my development, and just showing that I can go out there and make plays for the team. If they need to put me out there, that they can believe in me, that I do my job.”
Perhaps McGlothern finds his way onto the Vikings’ practice squad.
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