The Minnesota Vikings’ dramatic lineup change could result in the loss of Bradbury, Ingram, and Brandel in the battle for cap space.

The National Football League is a constantly evolving landscape, with teams adjusting their rosters and strategies every offseason to stay competitive. One of the most important factors in any team’s ability to build and maintain a championship-contending roster is cap space. Every year, NFL teams must navigate the difficult process of managing their salary cap, which is essentially the financial budget each team is given to spend on player contracts. For the Minnesota Vikings, 2025 marks a critical juncture, as they face a dramatic lineup change that could result in the departure of key players like Garrett Bradbury, Ezra Cleveland Ingram, and Austin Brandel in the battle for cap space.

These potential moves are a reflection of the harsh realities of modern NFL roster management, where financial constraints often force teams to make difficult decisions. While these players have been integral to the Vikings’ offensive line, the Vikings may be compelled to part ways with some of their most recognizable names to clear space and improve the roster overall. This article will explore the potential implications of these lineup changes, the cap space battle, and what the future might hold for the Vikings as they navigate these difficult decisions.

Understanding the Salary Cap and Its Role in Roster Management

Before diving into the specifics of the Vikings’ cap space situation, it’s important to understand the concept of the NFL salary cap and how it impacts teams’ decisions during the offseason. The salary cap is a limit on the total amount of money a team can spend on player salaries in a given season. It is designed to ensure competitive balance across the league by preventing wealthier teams from simply outspending their competition.

In 2025, the salary cap for NFL teams is set at approximately $230 million, although it can fluctuate based on revenue growth and other factors. Each team must ensure that their player contracts fit within this budget, meaning that if a team wants to retain key players, they often need to restructure contracts, release veterans, or make trade moves to free up space.

For the Minnesota Vikings, managing cap space is a critical priority as they look to improve their roster for the upcoming season. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell have worked to build a competitive team around quarterback Kirk Cousins, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, and standout running back Dalvin Cook. However, as the team’s roster evolves, difficult decisions must be made regarding player salaries, and some of those decisions could involve moving on from key contributors.

Key Players at Risk: Bradbury, Ingram, and Brandel

The Vikings’ offensive line has been a point of emphasis for the team over the past few seasons. While there have been moments of inconsistency, the team has made significant investments in the offensive line in an effort to protect Kirk Cousins and create more running lanes for Dalvin Cook. Three players who have been central to the offensive line in recent years — Garrett Bradbury, Ezra Cleveland Ingram, and Austin Brandel — could be at risk of losing their positions or being cut altogether as the Vikings face a battle for cap space.

Garrett Bradbury: The Center in the Spotlight

Garrett Bradbury has been the starting center for the Minnesota Vikings since being selected with the 18th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Coming out of NC State, Bradbury was highly regarded for his athleticism and ability to anchor the center position. However, his time in the NFL has been marked by inconsistency and struggles in pass protection. Bradbury has had difficulty against powerful defensive linemen and has sometimes been a liability when it comes to creating the necessary protection for Cousins in the pocket.

While Bradbury has shown flashes of promise as a run blocker, especially in the Vikings’ zone-blocking scheme, his overall performance has not met the expectations of a first-round pick. The Vikings have been faced with the dilemma of whether to continue investing in Bradbury or move on from him in pursuit of a better-performing option.

Bradbury’s cap hit in 2025 is set to be $3.5 million, which, while manageable, is significant for a player who has not consistently lived up to his draft position. In order to free up cap space, the Vikings could decide to cut Bradbury or trade him to a team that might be in need of a center. Given his struggles in pass protection and the team’s need to improve overall, Bradbury’s future with the Vikings could be uncertain unless he takes significant strides in his play.

Ezra Cleveland Ingram: A Versatile Guard with Questionable Consistency

Ezra Cleveland Ingram has been a key part of the Vikings’ offensive line since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Known for his versatility, Cleveland Ingram has spent time at both guard spots and left tackle, offering the Vikings valuable flexibility along the front. As a young and athletic player, he had the potential to develop into a key long-term piece of the offensive line. However, his development has been somewhat uneven, and he has struggled at times with his consistency in both pass protection and run blocking.

Ingram has had issues with holding penalties, which have been a particular concern. His struggles with balance and footwork have led to him getting beat on key passing downs, which is a critical area the Vikings must address to protect their quarterback. Despite his potential, Cleveland Ingram’s inconsistency has led to questions about whether he is the long-term solution for the Vikings’ offensive line.

At a cap hit of $2.9 million in 2025, Ingram’s contract is one of the more affordable deals on the team, but with the Vikings looking to improve their offensive line, they may choose to move on from him. The team could look for an upgrade at the guard position or consider drafting a new player who can make an immediate impact.

Austin Brandel: The Backup Who Could Be a Casualty

Austin Brandel has been with the Vikings since 2021, primarily serving as a depth piece on the offensive line. Brandel has shown that he can be a reliable backup but has not had the opportunity to start regularly. While he has stepped in when needed, Brandel’s limited playing time and relatively low impact mean that his roster spot could be in jeopardy.

The Vikings could decide to part ways with Brandel in order to free up additional cap space. While cutting Brandel wouldn’t result in a significant cap savings — he carries a cap hit of $1.5 million — the move could make sense if the team is looking to prioritize other roster needs, such as acquiring new talent for the offensive line or adding depth at other positions. With younger, cheaper options available, Brandel’s future with the Vikings could be at risk.

The Importance of Cap Space: What’s at Stake?

The battle for cap space in 2025 is particularly crucial for the Vikings, as the team has several key positions that require investment. In addition to offensive line improvements, the team needs to consider adding depth to the defensive line, secondary, and wide receiver corps, among others. The Vikings are looking to remain competitive in the NFC North, and making strategic roster moves is a critical part of that pursuit.

The departures of Bradbury, Ingram, and Brandel could provide the Vikings with much-needed cap space to make moves in free agency or invest in the draft. If the Vikings choose to release these players, they would free up significant financial resources that could be allocated toward improving the team in other areas.

For example, freeing up $8 million in cap space could allow the Vikings to pursue a starting offensive lineman in free agency, such as Mike McGlinchey or Ben Powers, or possibly sign a veteran edge rusher or cornerback who could make an immediate impact. Furthermore, if the team is forced to cut Bradbury, Ingram, and Brandel, they may also look to draft an offensive lineman early in the 2025 draft, ensuring that the future of their line is solidified while still being financially responsible.

What Comes Next for the Vikings?

While the Vikings are likely to make changes to their offensive line in the offseason, it remains to be seen how exactly they will handle the cap space issues with Bradbury, Ingram, and Brandel. Cutting or trading these players would provide the team with financial flexibility, but it also raises the stakes for how the Vikings address the offensive line moving forward.

For now, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell will need to make difficult decisions to balance the short-term and long-term success of the team. The cap space battle is an integral part of that, and whether these players stay or go will ultimately depend on the Vikings’ ability to find affordable, high-performing replacements. What’s certain is that 2025 will be a season of change and potential, as the Minnesota Vikings continue their quest to find the right mix of talent, cap space, and roster stability.