Vikings Lose Sixth-Round Rookie LB Kobe King to Waivers After Just Six Months
One of the Vikings' five selections in this year's NFL draft is already off of the roster, just six months after landing with Minnesota in April.
Former Penn State linebacker Kobe King, who the Vikings took in the sixth round, was waived by the team on Thursday to clear a roster spot for Aaron Jones as he came off of injured reserve. The outside assumption at the time was that the Vikings would try to get King to stick around on their practice squad.
But by exposing King to waivers, they ran the risk of losing him for nothing. And that's what happened. The New York Jets announced on Friday afternoon that they had claimed and been awarded King via the waiver process.
Cutting a sixth-round rookie isn't totally unheard of; the Vikings landed current starting safety Theo Jackson when they poached him from the Titans' practice squad in 2022. Still, even if it's a minor one, this is the latest example of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's widely-discussed struggles to find impact production in the draft.
King had appeared in in five games this season, playing 77 snaps on special teams and three garbage time snaps on defense. He was a healthy scratch in Week 7 and then was waived a few hours before kickoff on Thursday.
At Penn State, King stood out as a throwback run-defending linebacker with some thump to his game. He was a second-team All-Big Ten selection last season after recording 97 tackles, including nine for loss and three sacks.
Here's what Adofo-Mensah had to say about King after selecting him with the 201st overall pick:
"A lot of times in football we make it harder than it is, but it's a meat-and-potatoes game in some positions, and linebacker is one of them. You need somebody to tackle the person trying to advance the ball up the field against your team, whether that be special teams with the ball in his hands or defending the pass. He's somebody that plays with range, tackles. He's a really physical, knock-back, impact tackler. And we're excited to add him, not just to our fourth-down units but also potentially to be a starter one day in this league. A great communicator, was able to move people around in the Penn State defense, a great defense in its own right."
King came into this season clearly behind Blake Cashman, Eric Wilson, and Ivan Pace Jr. on the Vikings' depth chart at linebacker. He was also seemingly surpassed by undrafted rookie Austin Keys, who remains on the active roster. The Vikings have veteran LB Sione Takitaki on their practice squad.
The Vikings' other sixth-round pick, Pitt tight end Gavin Bartholomew, will miss his entire rookie season due to a back injury. He's on IR.
That leaves first-rounder Donovan Jackson, third-rounder Tai Felton, and fifth-rounder Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins as the drafted rookies currently on the Vikings' roster. Jackson is a starter on the offensive line and Ingram-Dawkins is a rotational player on the defensive line. Felton is a gunner on special teams who doesn't play on offense. The Vikings also have seven undrafted rookies on their 53-man roster: Keys, Max Brosmer, Elijah Williams, Joe Huber, Tyler Batty, Chaz Chambliss, and Myles Price.
The Vikings' 2024 draft class, led by J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner, remains largely unproven at this point, although Will Reichard and Levi Drake Rodriguez have cemented themselves as late-round values. Of the 16 players the Vikings drafted in 2022 and 2023, only three — Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, and Jay Ward — are currently on the roster. A fourth, Ty Chandler, is on IR and could return this season.
SAD NEWS: Taysom Hill’s Family Announces Heartbreaking Health Update on His Mother
In a deeply emotional statement, the family of New Orleans Saints’ versatile star Taysom Hill has announced a tragic update regarding his mother’s health. According to the family, Hill's mother has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, and the situation has taken a turn for the worse, leaving the family in a state of profound sadness and concern.
The news has sent shockwaves through the NFL, particularly in New Orleans, where Hill is not only a key player for the Saints but also a beloved figure in the community. Known for his resilience and positive energy both on and off the field, Hill now faces an incredibly difficult personal battle that has overshadowed his football career, for the time being.
In the statement released by the Hill family, they shared: “Our family is heartbroken as we navigate this challenging time. Taysom's mother has always been a source of love and strength, and we are focused on supporting her through every step of this journey. We ask for privacy as we take this moment to be with her.”
Hill, who has made a name for himself as one of the most versatile players in the NFL, is known for his commitment to both his team and family. His powerful performances for the Saints have been a testament to his determination, and now, his strength will be tested in the most personal of ways. The Saints organization has expressed their full support, with Head Coach Dennis Allen stating, “Our hearts are with Taysom and his family. We are a family here in New Orleans, and Taysom is one of the pillars of this team. Whatever he needs, we will be there for him.”
While Taysom Hill has been celebrated for his incredible contributions on the field — from his leadership to his game-changing plays at quarterback, tight end, and special teams — his family comes first during this trying time. The NFL community has come together to show their support, sending messages of strength and solidarity to the Hill family.
The New Orleans Saints have been nothing short of a family-oriented organization, and Hill’s teammates, including quarterback Derek Carr, have publicly pledged their unwavering support. “Taysom is a true warrior on and off the field, and we’re all here for him,” Carr said. “We’re standing by him and his family through this.”
As Taysom Hill takes time away to be by his mother’s side, the Saints have made it clear that they will respect his need for privacy and time with his loved ones. The team will continue to rally around him as he navigates this heartbreaking chapter, knowing that his strength and resilience have always been a beacon for those around him.
The Hill family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans, teammates, and the greater NFL community. As Taysom faces this personal battle, the strength of his family and the entire Saints organization will be a source of comfort and support.
