Minnesota Vikings Release One Cornerback And Sign Another

As the Minnesota Vikings prepare for the preseason finale and cutdown day, the moves have already begun in an effort to make the roster as strong as possible. The Vikings cut cornerback Dwight McGlothern Jr and signed cornerback Tre Hawkins III. McGlothern Jr was on the Vikings roster last season and was viewed as a fit for Brian Flores' complicated defensive scheme. 

The 24-year-old undrafted free agent was a great story for Minnesota despite only playing in 15 games over two seasons and seeing 50 snaps on defense and 37 on special teams. McGlothern Jr was sliding down the depth chart and given the addition of James Pierre in the offseason, it was likely someone would be pushed down.

As for Hawkins III, the cornerback spent two seasons with the New York Giants after being selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. After his release, Hawkins III moved on for Washington and appeared in only one game. His time was limited in his second season with the Giants appearing in only three games after playing 17 in his rookie season. 

The career stats for the former Giant and Washington Commander aren't exactly eye popping. With just 45 tackles, three pass deflections, and an interception, seeing 429 snaps on defense and 178 more on special teams, he will look to push for a roster spot or a practice squad spot with little time left in the preseason. 

The Athletic's Alec Lewis reported the news on his X account, saying: "The Vikings signed CB Tre Hawkins III and waived CB Dwight McGlothern Jr. McGlothern had made the 53 the last two years. Struggles in the spring led to fewer opportunities, so this isn't much of a surprise."

The shuffling of the roster will likely continue before cutdown day and any chance a player is given should be viewed as golden. A spot in the secondary under Flores is a meaningful spot and the defensive coordinator has the reputation of lifting players. Isaiah Rodgers benefited from the Flores bump in 2025. Could Hawkins make a push and have similar success?