Matt Wile completed his first full NFL season in 2018, serving as the Vikings’ punter for 16 games. He may have some competition for that job soon.
The Vikings are bringing in multiple punters for workouts on Wednesday, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (on Twitter). Justin Vogel and Shane Tripucka will be among the punters set to audition. Wednesday marks the first day of Minnesota’s minicamp.
A 26-year-old former UDFA out of Michigan, Wile caught on with the Vikings as a 2018 waiver claim. The Steelers cut him after their most recent preseason slate. Wile’s 45.2 yards per punt ranked 14th last season.
Minnesota retained Wile via ERFA tender this offseason; he is the only punter on the 90-man roster. However, the Vikings’ special teams staff experienced a shakeup this year. Longtime ST coordinator Mike Preiffer is gone, and Marwan Maalouf took his place.
Vogel last punted in 2017, serving as Green Bay’s primary punter for all 16 games that year. A Chargers UDFA last year, Tripucka participated in the Vikings’ rookie minicamp last month.