Vikings release Xavier Rhodes and Linval Joseph
File photo of former Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes who was released from his contract on Friday, March 13.[Associated Press]
The Minnnesota Vikings cut cornerback Xavier Rhodes and defensive tackle Linval Joseph on Friday. The moves open up roughly $18.5 million in salary cap space ahead of free agency.
Rhodes, 29, was a three-time pro bowler with the Vikings but has seen his production drop over the past two seasons. The Vikings selected him in the first round of the 2013 draft.
Joseph, 31, signed with a Vikings as a free agent before the 2014 season and was one of the league’s top run-stoppers during his tenure in Minnesota. He made the Pro Bowl twice with Vikings.
The new league year is schedule to start at 3:00 p.m. (CT) on March 18 and teams can begin communication with free agents on Monday.
Statement from Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman:
"Both Linval and Xavier have personified what it means to be a Minnesota Viking since joining our organization, providing incredible leadership on the field, in the locker room and within the community. We are all grateful for their hard work and all they’ve done to help build our culture here in Minnesota. This decision comes now to allow Linval and Xavier to enter free agency prior to the start of the new league year. We are sincerely appreciative of their contributions and commitment and will remain in communication as all parties navigate free agency moving forward."