A Minnesota Vikings Signing Spree

I’m not sure if it’s a good or bad thing but the Minnesota Vikings decision-makers have spent this week working out other players. It’s felt like the early weeks of free agency rather than the second week of training camp. The Vikings ended up signing three of those players.

The Vikings clearly weren’t content with their offensive line depth. 

Signed:

Christian DiLauro, OT

Jarrid Williams, OT

Released:

Sam Schlueter, OT

Bobby Evans, OT

Since going udrafted out of Illinois in 2018, Christian DiLauro has spent time on the practice squads of five teams. He earned elevation to the active roster and made appearances in games with the Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos. 

Jarrid Williams split his college career between Houston and Miami. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after going undrafted in 2022. He was on the practice squads of the Eagles and Detroit Lions last season. The Eagles signed him to futures contract in January but waived him in May. He spent part of the summer with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Perhaps due to Alexander Mattison limping after Monday’s practice and Kene Nwangwu missing some practice time, the Vikings also worked out a trio of running backs this week. The three running backs were Aaron Dykes, Jacques Patrick, and Abram Smith. The Vikings came into training with only four running backs on the roster. They also have two fullbacks. To start, there wasn’t a lot of depth. With even two backs missing practices or even reps, the position gets real slim real quick. Even with a fully healthy group, the Vikings could use another running back. Now, they have one. The Vikings signed Abram Smith. 

At Baylor, Smith had an interesting college career. After seeing light playing time his first two years, he flipped to defense and played linebacker. He collected 48 tackles and one sack. It was back to offense in 2021 for his final season. Smith broke the Baylor single season rushing record with 1,601 yards. He helped lead the Bears to a 12-2 record and Sugar Bowl win over Mississippi. After going undrafted in 2022, Smith signed with the New Orleans Saints. He was released after training camp. He then made his professional mark in the XFL. Smith was the first overall pick in the league’s draft by the DC Defenders. Named All-XFL, he rushed for 788 yards and seven touchdowns. Now, he joins DC Defender teammate Lucky Jackson on the Vikings roster. 

The Vikings also entertained more established NFL players Dalton Risner and Ronald Darby this week. Perhaps this training camp signing spree isn’t over.