The Minnesota Vikings, with their eyes set on the 2024 NFL season, are navigating through significant transitions, aiming to claw their way back to playoff relevance. Among the seismic shifts was the departure of quarterback Kirk Cousins, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons, leaving a gap in leadership and experience.
As the Vikings recalibrate under head coach Kevin O’Connell, they face several critical roster decisions, one of which prominently features Lewis Cine, a safety once heralded as a future defensive stalwart.
Lewis Cine’s journey with the Vikings has been fraught with challenges. Drafted as the No. 32 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, expectations were sky-high, but a severe leg injury in his rookie season stymied his progress.
Returning to the field last year, Cine’s performance was lackluster, culminating in a disappointing statistic: just one tackle across seven games. This underwhelming output has catalyzed discussions about his future with the team.
The Financial and Strategic Implications of Minnesota Vikings
The financial aspect of Cine’s situation complicates the Vikings’ decision-making process. According to Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press, “Lewis Cine, because he’s guaranteed $4 million over the next two seasons, is untradeable. He’ll likely get waived in training camp.
This move would burden the Vikings with a $6.791 million dead cap hit, a steep price for a team looking to maximize every dollar toward building a competitive roster.
Per @Charley_Walters, #Vikings 2022 1st-round draft pick S Lewis Cine and 2022 2nd-round CB Andrew Booth Jr. are likely to be waived in training camp 👀
“Former Vikings 1st-round safety bust Lewis Cine, because he’s guaranteed $4 million over the next two seasons, is… pic.twitter.com/amabLfmCh1
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) May 12, 2024
The dilemma doesn’t end there. If Cine clears waivers, another team could potentially sign him as a free agent, alleviating the Vikings of his guaranteed salary.
However, the risk of absorbing such a significant financial hit without a corresponding return on investment looms large, deciding to cut ties into a complex and potentially divisive one.
A Glimmer of Hope for Lewis Cine?
Despite the daunting odds, there’s a sliver of hope that Cine could revive his career with the Vikings. At just 24 years old, he possesses inherent talent and athleticism that could be harnessed effectively, especially on special teams where his speed could be a valuable asset.
The Vikings may opt to give him one more season to prove his worth, especially considering the heavy financial implications of releasing him. The Vikings are at a crossroads with Cine. The decision to keep him, cut him, or bench him carries significant ramifications both on and off the field.
As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on how this high-stakes situation unfolds, marking a critical test of the Vikings’ strategic acumen and Cine’s resilience. The outcome will not only shape Cine’s career trajectory but also signal the franchise’s direction in the coming years.
