Practice squad contacts for non-NFL playoff teams officially expired Monday, meaning anyone who was not signed to a reserve/future deal became a free agent.
As announced by the league, that was the case for six Minnesota Vikings: defensive tackle Jonathan Harris, linebacker Gabriel Murphy, offensive tackle Max Pircher, running back Shane McCormick, linebacker Sione Takitaki, and cornerback Tyrek Funderburk.
The Vikings went 9-8 but finished third in the NFC North, missing the playoffs for the second time in the last three seasons.
Former 3rd-Round Pick Becomes Free Agent
None of the moves made by Minnesota are particularly surprising, though Takitaki could garner interest given his background. The former third-round pick out of BYU has played with three different teams in the NFL. Last season with Minnesota, he appeared in five games and recorded three tackles.
Takitaki, 30, made far more of an impact with the Cleveland Browns, whom he was drafted by in 2019 (80th overall). He made 36 starts and played in 72 games over six seasons in Cleveland, recording 268 tackles (157 solo), 14 tackles for loss, four sacks, and two forced fumbles.
He recorded his first career interception in the 2020 season, returning it 50 yards for a touchdown, and picked off another pass in the playoffs. His interception of Ben Roethlisberger helped seal a 48-37 AFC Wild Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Takitaki also played one season (2024) with the New England Patriots.
Former Broncos Lineman Now Available
Harris also did not make a significant impact in Minnesota. But like Takitaki, heâs a veteran with a track record of production. The 29-year-old played most recently with the Carolina Panthers in 2024, recording 10 tackles and a fumble recovery in 10 games.
The previous season, Harris appeared in all 17 games for the Denver Broncos. He notched a career-high 43 tackles and his first sack, becoming a key rotational piece along the defensive line.
The 6-foot-5, 295-pounder spent his 2019 rookie season with the Chicago Bears after going undrafted out of Lindenwood.
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