Gabriel Murphy, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The preseason is supposed to be a proving ground for fringe players looking to make an impact. Arguably no player on the Minnesota Vikings roster ran with the opportunity more than quarterback Max Brosmer.
Brosmer stepped up in competition when joining the Minnesota Gophers last season. He did so again when signing as an undrafted free agent for the Vikings. Now he’s going to make the 53-man roster as the third quarterback.
One of the most difficult spots on Minnesota’s roster to shine is the defensive front seven. The unit is exceptional. Gabriel Murphy did just that this exhibition slate however. That won’t be enough to get him on the roster though.
Gabriel Murphy a roster casualty for Minnesota Vikings
Last season Gabriel Murphy was a training camp darling after going undrafted out of UCLA. He wound up getting into a pair of games and recorded his first NFL tackle. This preseason he shined again and tallied 1.5 sacks. Minnesota is still set to cut him from the roster.
The #Vikings plan to waive OLB Gabriel Murphy barring a trade before today's cutdown deadline, per source. Murphy had 1.5 sacks in the preseason.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 26, 2025
Murphy was battling for playing time behind a group led by Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard. There have been plenty of voices suggesting concern towards 2024 first round pick Dallas Turner. Murphy may have been able to weasel away some of his snaps if everything broke his way.
Despite a solid showing during the preseason, Murphy will now need to parlay his production into opportunity elsewhere. Minnesota may be able to find a trade partner so that a team doesn’t need to take a gamble on waivers. If they can’t then Murphy will certainly be claimed.
Gabriel Murphy has legit bend and pursuit speed to be a high end DPR in year two:
▪️ 1.5 sacks
▪️ 3 QB hits
▪️ 85.3 PFF pass rush grade
Still 24 years old. Can’t believe he was a UDFA in 2024. Vikings have upside here! pic.twitter.com/FtFUThNteK
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) August 11, 2025
Murphy is 24 years old and could have a long NFL career ahead of him. It has been evident that there is real burst to his game off the edge, and he is adept at bringing down the quarterback. There shouldn’t be much surprise if he lands on another roster and flourishes. Sometimes opportunity just presents itself in different places.
Related: Rookie Punter Could Still Land Back with MN Vikings
By making the decision to waive Murphy, the Vikings must feel good about not only Turner, but the health of Van Ginkel too. The starter missed time to end training camp and will need to be ready to go for the regular season.
Minnesota kicks off their schedule with a Monday Night Football matchup against the Chicago Bears on September 8th.
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