The Minnesota Vikings made a surprising roster move on Tuesday, August 12, releasing linebacker Brian Asamoah just before the team’s joint practices with the New England Patriots. This decision comes in the final year of Asamoah’s rookie contract and follows an incident in which he reportedly punched newly signed offensive guard Will Fries, a player the Vikings committed to with a five-year, $88 million contract in March.
Asamoah, selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, was considered a reliable presence on special teams and still had the potential to earn a more prominent role in the defense. Entering this season, his spot on the roster seemed relatively safe, especially given his experience within the Vikings’ system. However, the altercation with Fries appears to have been the decisive factor in the team’s decision to part ways with him. The Vikings have maintained a strict zero-tolerance policy for fighting, and in this case, it was enforced without hesitation.
This release is particularly notable because Asamoah was one of only three remaining players from the Vikings’ 2022 draft class, the first class selected by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. That group has struggled to make a significant impact, with the most notable contributions coming from wide receiver Jalen Nailor and running back Ty Chandler. The fact that so few players from that class remain on the roster raises questions about the overall success of Adofo-Mensah’s early draft decisions.
The timing of the release is also surprising. Asamoah had participated in the Vikings’ preseason opener and, despite not being a guaranteed starter, still had opportunities to compete for a roster spot. Head coach Kevin O’Connell had placed particular importance on the upcoming joint practices with the Patriots, which he described as a key evaluation period for the team. For Asamoah, this would have been a valuable chance to prove himself, but the altercation effectively ended his opportunity before it began.
Will Fries, the player involved in the incident, is a major offseason acquisition for the Vikings. Signed to a massive $88 million deal, Fries is expected to be a cornerstone of the offensive line for years to come. The organization’s willingness to protect a high-profile investment like Fries likely played a role in the swift disciplinary action taken against Asamoah.
While Asamoah’s NFL future remains uncertain, his release could attract attention from other teams in need of depth at linebacker or special teams. He still brings athleticism, experience, and youth, which could make him a low-risk addition for another franchise. However, the circumstances of his departure from Minnesota — particularly the altercation — may make some teams cautious about bringing him in.
For the Vikings, this move underscores their commitment to team discipline and chemistry, even at the expense of depth. As they prepare for the regular season, they’ll need to rely on their remaining linebackers to fill the gap left by Asamoah’s departure. The joint practices with the Patriots will now serve as a proving ground for those players vying to secure a place on the final roster.
If you’d like, I can also create a detailed timeline of the incident and events leading to Asamoah’s release to make the situation even clearer.
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