Vikings cut ties with 26-year-old defender, ex-CFL All-Star before NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Before the NFL draft commences on Thursday night, the Minnesota Vikings felt the need to prioritize a particular roster move.

Specifically, the Vikings cut ties with a 26-year-old defender and ex-CFL All-Star.

“Vikings released defensive tackle Jaylon Hutchings today,” KPRC 2 Houston’s Aaron Wilson reported Wednesday.

Hutchings, who spent five years with Texas Tech at the collegiate level (he finished with 191 total tackles, one penalty drawn, 11 sacks, and two forced fumbles), didn’t hear his name get called during the 2024 NFL Draft. However, it didn’t take long for the Forney, Texas native to land his first professional contract, as he secured a deal with the Chicago Bears in early August.

After getting waived two weeks later, Hutchings took his talents to the CFL (Calgary Stampeders). The 6-foot defensive end eventually earned an All-Star selection with the franchise before returning to the NFL in January via a reserve/futures contract with the Vikings.

Obviously, Hutchings isn’t a part of Minnesota’s future plans, prompting the organization to waive him three months after signing him. So, what’s next for the undrafted pro? Will he attempt to earn another NFL contract? Or return to the CFL and assert his dominance yet again?

The answer is unclear, but it goes without saying that it’s always nice to have options after an unfortunate roster decision.

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