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The start of the NFL season is rapidly approaching, but before the real games begin, teams have to set their initial 53-man rosters by Sunday. But some organizations, like the Minnesota Vikings, are making last-minute changes. That included getting rid of a player who made the team in each of the past two seasons. Related: 1 Bold Prediction for Each Game on NFL Preseason Week 3 Schedule Minnesota Vikings Cut Dwight McGlothern Jr., Sign Tre Hawkins III In 2024, the Vikings found an undrafted gem in cornerback Dwight McGlothern Jr. Even though he went unselected in the draft process, “Nudie” ended up playing in five games as a rookie. But it wasn’t just a one-year wonder. The 6-foot-2 McGlothern managed to sneak onto the roster again in 2025, this time doubling his appearances to 10 games. But on Tuesday, with McGlothern sliding down the depth chart, the Vikings decided to release the 24-year-old from the roster. Despite playing in 15 games across the past two seasons, McGlothern only saw 50 snaps on defense and another 37 on special teams. Now the Vikings have replaced him with another cornerback, though this one brings a bit more experience to the table. According to The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, the Vikings have replaced McGlothern’s spot on the roster by signing cornerback Tre Hawkins. The 6-foot-3 corner fits the ideal mold that Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores seeks in cornerbacks. The 26-year-old arrived in the league as the 209th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Hawkins ended up appearing in all 17 games as a rookie with the New York Giants, even starting three games. Then, Hawkins appeared in just three games with one start in 2024. Once the Giants released Hawkins after just two seasons, he latched on with another team in the NFC East, this time signing with the Washington Commanders, but he only appeared in one game. Overall, Hawkins has appeared in 21 games and started four across three seasons. He’s compiled 45 tackles, three pass deflections, and an interception, seeing 429 snaps on defense and 178 more on special teams. Now he’ll fight for a chance to sneak onto the Vikings’ roster, or possibly on the practice squad. Related: Minnesota Vikings Could Look to Replace All-Pro With Undrafted Rookie