The Minnesota Vikings have made a notable adjustment to their roster by signing running back Myles Gaskin to the 53-man squad and releasing tight end Robert Tonyan. This move signals the team’s desire to bolster their backfield depth while making room on the roster by parting ways with a tight end who had previously been expected to contribute.
Myles Gaskin, a 26-year-old running back, comes to the Vikings after being released earlier this year by the Miami Dolphins, the team that originally drafted him. Gaskin, a former seventh-round pick in 2019, played four seasons in Miami, where he showed his versatility as both a runner and pass-catcher. Over his career with the Dolphins, Gaskin accumulated 1,355 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground, as well as 101 receptions for 701 yards and six touchdowns in the air. His ability to contribute in both phases of the offense makes him a valuable asset, especially as the Vikings aim to provide more options behind starting running back Alexander Mattison.
With the Vikings’ backfield situation in a bit of flux following the departure of star running back Dalvin Cook earlier this offseason, Gaskin provides another weapon that the team can utilize. His dual-threat ability offers Minnesota more flexibility on offense, whether it’s to spell Mattison or contribute in certain passing situations. The Vikings’ offense, led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, could benefit from Gaskin’s experience and playmaking skills.
On the other side of this roster move, the Vikings have released tight end Robert Tonyan. This move is somewhat surprising, as Tonyan had been expected to compete for a significant role within the team’s tight end group. The 29-year-old tight end, who signed with the Vikings in the offseason, was a key player for the Green Bay Packers for several seasons. He is best known for his breakout 2020 campaign when he caught 11 touchdowns. His release suggests that the Vikings feel confident in their current tight ends, particularly T.J. Hockenson, who is expected to be the focal point of the tight end group, and Johnny Mundt.
This roster shake-up marks a new chapter for both Gaskin and Tonyan, as the former looks to make an impact with his new team, and the latter faces the challenge of finding a new opportunity elsewhere. For the Vikings, it’s a calculated move to improve their offensive depth and adaptability as they navigate the rest of the season.
Leave a Reply