The Vikings have parted ways with their longest-tenured player, the team confirmed today, announcing in a press release that veteran long snapper Cullen Loeffler has been released. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com first reported (via Twitter) that Minnesota was cutting Loeffler, who was beaten out by Kevin McDermott for the long snapper job.
“These types of decisions are the hardest part of our jobs,” Vikings GM Rick Spielman said in a statement. “Cullen was outstanding in the community and on the field for the Vikings. He handled his business with class and his impact in the locker room and on the franchise were second to none. We wish him the best in the future.”
Loeffler, 34, had served as the Vikings’ long snapper since the 2004 season, appearing in a total of 171 regular season contests for the team during that stretch. His minimum salary contract featured an $80K signing bonus and $220K in guaranteed salary, so the Vikings will eat $300K by releasing him.
Because Loeffler is a vested veteran, he’ll immediately become a free agent without having to pass through waivers, making him eligible to join a new team right away.