Vikings TE Nick Muse has been identified as a potential candidate for team cut

The Minnesota Vikings have invested heavily at the tight end position over the past two seasons, which could result in a familiar name emerging on the outside by training camp.

A to Z Sports' Evan Winter named Nick Muse as Minnesota's top “surprise candidate” of the summer on June 27. A big reason is how well Robert Tonyan — formerly of the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears — has performed in early offseason workouts.

“Vikings head coach (Kevin O'Connell) considered Muse the 'best TE3 in the league' when the team re-signed him in March, but he's in a terribly crowded tight end room – even with TJ Hockenson on the mend,” Winter wrote. “The staff spoke to Robert Tonyan and obviously Josh Oliver is in the mix. Then there's the genericness that is the N'Keal Harry experience. No one even expects him to become the next Travis Kelce or Jim Kleinsasser. But at the same time, it could potentially be used as a weapon in certain packages and in certain situations.

Winter also mentioned Trey Knox, formerly of South Carolina, whom the Vikings signed as an undrafted free agent after the NFL draft.

Nick Muse has been a moderate contributor for the Vikings over the past two seasons, primarily on special teams.

GettyNick Muse of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the football during a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers in August 2022.

Muse has played in 12 games with the Vikings over the past two seasons, playing almost exclusively on special teams (137 total snaps). He has recorded just one career reception for 22 yards and a first down, which came during the 2023 campaign, according to Pro Football Reference.

The devastating knee injury suffered by Hockenson late last year, which will keep him sidelined for at least a few games before the start of the upcoming season, could have provided an opening for Muse if he was a more accomplished pass catcher. However, with Oliver under contract through 2025 for $21 million, Minnesota needs a tight end complement with sure hands and a proven track record to replace Hockenson.

And Muse just isn't that guy.

Robert Tonyan, N'Keal Harry Could Play Unemployed Nick Muse With Vikings

GettyFormer Green Bay Packers tight end Robert Tonyan has thrived with the Minnesota Vikings so far in 2024.

Harry, a former first-round pick of the New England Patriots as a wide receiver, will attempt to transition to tight end for the Vikings this summer. Meanwhile, first-hand accounts have described Tonyan as a standout player during spring and early summer practices.

“Robert Tonyan is looking great at minicamp,” The Athletic’s Alec Lewis posted on X on June 5. “No hyperbole. Catching everything, picking off multiple passes in the red zone period today, arms outstretched, stomping his foot in the corner of the end zone. Just impressive.”

Tonyan played five years with the Packers, where he had 137 catches for 1,437 yards and 17 touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference. He will play this season at age 30 on a one-year contract worth $1.125 million that includes just $150,000 in guaranteed money.

Meanwhile, Muse is playing on a one-year contract worth $985,000.