Buzz Builds on Vikings Signing an Old Buddy, Greg Newsome II, and Roster Spots

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Brandon Powell (4) celebrates with guard Dalton Risner (66) after scoring a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons on November 5, 2023, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The play was a key moment in the Vikings’ offensive effort during the second half. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports.

The Minnesota Vikings’ rumor mill is a beast with constant motion.

Buzz is humming around the Vikings possibly signing an old teammate, interest in Greg Newsome II, and the roster spots already locked in for 2025.

Accordingly, we keep tabs on all the fodder, packaging it on Saturdays and Sundays for purple and gold readers.

Here’s this Sunday’s rumor mill.

Vikings Rumor Mill for Sunday, August 17th

Here are the purple theories that stood off the page this week.

Cleveland Browns cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) closes in to tackle Minnesota wide receiver B. Powell (4) during first-half action on Aug 17, 2024, at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Mitchell wrapped up Powell after the short reception in the preseason contest between the AFC North and NFC North teams. © Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK.

Rumor: Brandon Powell makes a lot of sense right about now for Minnesota.

The Vikings employed Powell as their primary punt returner in 2023 and 2024, opting not to re-sign him in 2025 because general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah preferred Rondale Moore for the job.

Well, Moore is now injured and won’t return in 2025. His season is cooked.

The easiest fix might be to re-sign Powell, no stranger to the Vikings’ offense and special teams.

Our own Ted Schwerzler opined on Powell one week ago, “If Adam Thielen is ‘one of us,’ then Brandon Powell previously has been one of us as well. The Minnesota Vikings brought Powell over after two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. Kevin O’Connell’s familiarity with the secondary wideout translated into a niche role, and he continued to show purpose each of the past two seasons.”

“While he operated in the return game, Powell also hauled in 36-of-54 passes thrown his way. He’d be a less-than-exciting option, but could help to supplement Nailor’s role as a secondary wideout. Powell has more experience, and could potentially be pushed with a bit more opportunity.”

Minnesota wide receiver B. Powell (4) finds space after a catch against the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct 8, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Powell sprinted past defenders as the Vikings offense sought momentum during the non-conference matchup against the reigning Super Bowl champions. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

A reunion isn’t out of the question.

Rumor: The Vikings should target cornerback Greg Newsome II next offseason.

Bleacher Report‘s Alex Ballentine provided one free agent apiece that each NFL team should target next March. For Minnesota, Newsome II got the nod.

He explained, The Vikings are going to hope Mekhi Blackmon has a great bounce-back season after a serious knee injury last season. He had a strong rookie campaign in 2023. But they’re also hoping to get something out of Jeff Okudah and/or Isaiah Rodgers. Okudah is playing on a one-year deal and Rodgers only has a two-year contract.”

“There’s not a lot of reason the Vikings wouldn’t be on the market for a corner again if Okudah doesn’t pan out. If that’s the case, then Greg Newsome II would be a logical target. He’s used to playing coverage in an aggressive scheme in Cleveland and he has inside-out versatility.”

Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) shows emotion after a third-down stop on Sept 15, 2024, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. Newsome’s reaction came during the first quarter of a low-scoring defensive battle where Cleveland secured an 18-13 road win over the Jaguars. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Not long ago, Newsome II was allegedly in the trade rumor mill, but that was evidently dialed back when Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. injured his Achilles. If Minnesota wants Newsome II, it can somewhat easily sign him next offseason. BR recommends it.

Rumor: Two young Vikings defenders have clinched roster spots.

Brian Asmoah is out.

Vikings.com’s Craig Peters broke the news this week: “The Vikings on Tuesday announced they have waived linebacker Brian Asamoah II. Minnesota also announced receiver Rondale Moore has been placed on Injured Reserve and center Zeke Correll has been waived with an injury designation.

“Asamoah played 23 defensive snaps and six special teams snaps Saturday in Minnesota’s 2025 preseason opener against the Houston Texans.”

The Titans claimed Asamoah soon after, but in the aftermath of his release, rookie linebacker Kobe King is poised to assume Asamoah’s roster spot.

Linebacker Kobe King (41) goes through warmups before testing drills at Penn State’s Pro Day on Mar 28, 2025, held inside Holuba Hall in State College, Pennsylvania. King showcased his preparation in front of NFL scouts during the annual event where former Nittany Lions displayed skills for the draft process. © Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

What’s more, when the Vikings released their first depth chart of 2025 last week, outside linebacker Gabriel Murphy stood alone at OLB4. A couple of days later, he responded by terrorizing the New England Patriots in the preseason to the tune of 5 quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks.

Murphy has done everything right this summer, well on his way to a roster spot in September, like his teammate Kobe King.