The overhaul of the Vikings defense started Friday when the team released cornerback Xavier Rhodes and tackle Linval Joseph.
The moves clear roughly $19.5 million in salary cap space while removing two former Pro Bowlers from the roster.
General Manager Rick Spielman said in a statement the Vikings would “remain in communication” with both players as they head into free agency, but made the moves now out of courtesy for both, in an effort to give them more time to explore their options.
NFL free agency begins next week.
The Vikings will incur $2.