On Tuesday, the Minnesota Vikings finalized their 53-man roster by releasing running back and kick returner Kene Nwangwu, a surprising decision considering the special teams potential the Iowa State product brings. This move raises significant concerns for the Vikings as they approach the season. Additionally, Minnesota waived Malik Knowles, a Kansas State wide receiver with some return experience.
With both players no longer on the roster, the question remains: who will the Vikings rely on under the new kickoff rules?
Possible Minnesota Vikings kick returners for 2024
Brandon Powell – WR
Brandon Powell is expected to be the Vikings’ primary punt returner heading into the season and may also compete for the kick-returning role. The agile receiver secured a spot on the roster and brings a wealth of special teams experience. Although Powell might not have the same explosive playmaking ability as Nwangwu, his veteran presence could prove valuable, especially with the new rule changes. While the Vikings might prefer a more dynamic option to ignite their return game, Powell will have his chance to step up.
Ty Chandler – RB
If the Vikings want to maintain an explosive option for the return position from within the team, Ty Chandler is likely their top candidate. With breakaway potential and moments of dynamic ball-carrying in his young career, Chandler fits the profile. However, the main concern is the limited depth in the backfield. With only two true running backs on the roster, using one of them as a kickoff returner poses a significant risk. Should the Vikings add more depth to their running back group, Chandler could emerge as a more viable option for returning kicks.
Cody Schrader – RB
Cody Schrader, recently waived by the San Francisco 49ers after the preseason, could be a potential option for the Vikings. The rookie running back from Missouri had a productive college career and showed some promise as a return specialist during the preseason. Schrader averaged 30 yards per return over four attempts, with a long of 33 yards, but ultimately lost the job to fellow rookie Isaac Guerendo.
While Schrader may not be the most explosive athlete, he demonstrated consistency as a returner. Bringing him in would be a cautious move for the Vikings, one that might not generate much excitement, but Schrader is a name worth keeping an eye on during the waiver period.
Kearis Jackson – WR
Kearis Jackson, recently waived by the Tennessee Titans, showed promise during the preseason but didn’t make the initial 53-man roster despite a solid performance. Among the return specialists who were cut, Jackson is arguably the most talented. He had the third-longest return in the NFL this preseason, with a 63-yard run against the 49ers in the first exhibition game.
The wide receiver from Georgia stands out as the most explosive return option currently available, making his release somewhat surprising. This situation highlights the risk the Vikings took in moving on from Nwangwu. Of the players who recorded the 10 longest returns during the preseason, Jackson is one of only two who didn’t make a roster—making him a key player for the Vikings to consider. The other is also someone Minnesota should keep an eye on.
David Wallis – WR
The New England Patriots made a somewhat surprising decision to waive David Wallis, a wide receiver from Randolph-Macon College, despite his impressive preseason performance. Wallis returned seven kicks for 202 yards, including a long of 53 yards, making him a standout in the preseason.
Though he didn’t make the Patriots’ final roster, Wallis is likely to attract interest on the waiver wire. The Vikings would be wise to consider him as a potential addition. Wallis was a feel-good story for the Patriots, coming from a small school and seemingly doing enough to secure a spot as a return specialist. Although he ultimately didn’t make the cut, Minnesota could take a chance on this promising player who made a strong impression in the preseason.
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