Former Vikings defensive end retires from the NFL after 8 seasons

When the Minnesota Vikings signed EDGE rusher Marcus Davenport in 2023, they envisioned him pairing with Danielle Hunter to form a dynamic pass-rushing duo. Instead, injuries held Davenport out of all but four games. Davenport played in four games while battling an ankle injury that kept him sidelin

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When the Minnesota Vikings signed EDGE rusher Marcus Davenport in 2023, they envisioned him pairing with Danielle Hunter to form a dynamic pass-rushing duo. Instead, injuries held Davenport out of all but four games.

Davenport played in four games while battling an ankle injury that kept him sidelined longer than anticipated. When healthy, Davenport displayed the power and athleticism that led New Orleans to trade up to draft him with the 18th overall pick in 2018. But those moments were few and far between, as Davenport recorded two sacks in 118 snaps in 2023.

On Monday, Davenport, 30, retired after asking for his release from the Chicago Bears. He played 12 snaps on Sunday against the New York Jets, his only appearance for Chicago this season.

Before coming to Chicago, Davenport spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Detroit Lions, playing in 10 games and recording 1.5 sacks.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Former Vikings defensive end retires from the NFL after 8 seasons