Top Vikings Training Camp Topics

My top Minnesota Vikings training camp topics will probably change often over the next six-plus weeks. The following are my current top topics.

Top Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Topics

1. The Quarterback Competition

Of course, it starts with the quarterback competition between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray. Personally, I don’t really care who wins the starting job. When the Vikings have even average quarterback play they can win with the playmakers that surround that average quarterback. Few teams in the league can match this playmaking group.

Receivers:

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jauan Jennings

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Runners:

Aaron Jones

Jordan Mason

Demond Claiborne

Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings are the best receiving trio in the league. T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver are a nice tight end duo. With an improved run scheme, a solid offensive line, and a diverse running back committee, the Vikings pass game and run game might finally complement each other well.  

It really doesn’t matter whether the Vikings quarterback is J.J. McCarthy or Kyler Murray. Either will flourish in this offense. I have two hopes for this Vikings quarterback training camp competition. The first hope is that the coverage of the competition doesn’t focus on the drama bullshit between the two quarterbacks. The second hope is that the quarterback that is named QB2 isn’t a baby about it. If two of the last three seasons has shown anything, there’s a chance that all three quarterbacks on the active roster will be needed. 

2. The Offensive Line

The starting offensive line projects as a strong group. The question of that group is center Blake Brandel. Through five years with the Vikings, he’s pretty much covered every offensive line position but center. He’s had 31 starts. 17 of those starts were at left guard in 2024. Injuries forced Brandel to play center for the first time in his football life last season. He did alright. He did alright enough that it’s believed by all those that matter that he can hand handle the full-time center job this season. Despite playing his college days at Oregon State, Brandel is a bright guy. I believe that he’ll be at least as good as Garrett Bradbury-good. My hope is that he’s much better. He is the biggest question on what could be a very good offensive line. 

3. The Defensive Line

Before the 2026 NFL Draft, I felt the Vikings had a very curious defensive line group with intriguing potential. It was a curious group because all of the returning players were late-round or no-round picks. 

Jalen Redmond

Levi Drake Rodriguez 

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Elijah Williams

Taki Taimani

Jalen Redmond broke out last season as an emerging star. As a 2025 fifth-round pick, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins is the highest drafted of the group. He’s spent some offseason time with the outside linebackers. He might spend his hopefully long Vikings career spending time both on the line and on the edge. I believe that Elijah Williams has the talent to break out this season like Redmond did last season. That’s the pre-draft group. The Vikings had a clear defensive line focus in the draft. Caleb Banks was selected in the first round. Domonique Orange was selected in the third round. The Vikings have the makings of a deep and dominant defensive front. For three seasons, defensive coordinator Brian Flores has manufactured pressure through scheme. He might finally have a Vikings defensive line group that can pressure with dominating talent. I can not wait to see this group on the field. 

4. Outside Linebackers

I wasn’t a fan of trading Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles during the draft. I didn’t like it but I get it. Dallas Turner is ready for a full-time role. He and Andrew Van Ginkel will be a terrific edge duo. Behind the two, there’s no proven depth. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins is working with the outside linebackers. He’s an intriguing edge option. Jake Golday may have been selected in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft as an eventual heir to Van Ginkel’s versatile role. Golday is learning both on- and off-ball linebacker roles. In a Brian Flores defense, that’s a lot to learn. Other than the potential supplemental involvement of Ingram-Dawkins and Golday, Van Ginkel and Turner are backed up by undrafted Tyler Batty, Bo Richter, Chaz Chambliss, Cam’Ron Stewart, and Arden Walker. Outside linebacker is probably the position most in need of a veteran addition between now and training camp. 

5. Cornerback

Other than Kyler Murray, it’s always about the quarterback, the biggest Vikings free agent addition is James Pierre. He might be one of the best under-the-radar additions across the league. I can’t wait to see the cornerback trio of Pierre with Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers. I’ve often wondered if Brian Flores played three safeties as a nickel preference or if he did so because he didn’t have three corners he trusted. With Pierre, we might finally see the Vikings defense that Flores has in his head. Not only is the group topped by a nice trio, Chuck Demmings was added in the draft. I have a feeling that Demmings is taking the first steps toward a brilliant Vikings career. 

6. Safeties

When does Harrison Smith announce his return for a 15th season. 

I like this potential safety group.

Joshua Metellus

Theo Jackson

Jay Ward

Jakobe Thomas

Tavierre Thomas

I like this one even more.

Harrison Smith

Joshua Metellus

Theo Jackson

Jay Ward

Jakobe Thomas

Like Chuck Demmings, I believe that Jakobe Thomas is going to be an impact player. The pair could soon be franchise cornerstones in the Vikings secondary. 

For now, those are my top Minnesota Vikings training camp topics. 

Some Of The Best Remaining Free Agents

The time between offseason workouts and training camp can be time for teams to make roster tweaks. Perhaps those offseason workouts revealed some positions that could use a veteran upgrade. Here are some of the best free agents that are still available about a month before teams start reporting for the start of training camp.

1.   Taylor Decker, OT

2.   Deebo Samuel, WR

3.   Joey Bosa, Edge

4.   Jadeveon Clowney, Edge

5.   Jonah Williams, OT

6.   Haason Reddick, Edge

7.   Kenny Moore, CB

8.   Stefon Diggs, WR

9.   Jack Conklin, OT

10. Jonnu Smith, TE

11. Mekhi Becton, OL

12. Leonard Floyd, Edge

13. Darren Waller, TE

14. Trevon Diggs, CB

15. Tyreek Hill, WR

16. James Daniels, G

17. Kevin Zeitler, G

18. David Onyemata, DL

19. Marshon Lattimore

20. Yetur Gross-Matos, DL

21. Larry Ogunjobi, DL

22. Graham Glasgow, C

23. Matt Milano, LB

24. Ethan Pocic, C

25. Daniel Carlson, K

This list of some of the best remaining free agents is made up mostly of players nearing the end of their careers. Five or so years ago, most would be targets during the tampering window. They certainly wouldn’t be unsigned in June. Now they are and they could be a nice addition for some team. 

The player on this list I’ve been eyeing for the Minnesota Vikings is Jadeveon Clowney. When Jonathan Greenard was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles during the draft, it opened up a need for a veteran edge player. Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner are a strong starting duo but the depth is suspect. Second-round pick Jake Golday has a lot on his plate as he’s learning off-ball linebacker as well as edge. Expecting heavy edge minutes as a rookie might be a bit much. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins played on the interior as a rookie last season. He’s been working with the edge this spring. He’s an intriguing option. After that, the depth is mostly a collection of undrafted players in Tyler Batty, Bo Richter, and Chaz Chambliss. Clowney could be a nice addition to the Vikings edge room. 

Unsigned Draft Picks: By Round

The signing of the players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft is zipping along. The two quarterbacks continue to be the only unsigned players from the first round. The puzzle of this year’s draft pick signing process is the top of the third round. Here’s a look at the unsigned draft pick status for each of the seven rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. The first round, of course, is shown in detail.

Unsigned Draft Picks: By Round

First Round

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana 

2.   New York Jets: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech - Signed

3.   Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame - Signed

4.   Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State - Signed

5.   New York Giants: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State - Signed

6.   Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU - Signed

7.   Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State - Signed

8.   New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State - Signed

9.   Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah - Signed

10. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami - Signed

11. Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State - Signed

12. Miami Dolphins: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama - Signed

13. Los Angeles Rams: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State - Signed

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami - Signed

16. New York Jets: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon - Signed

17. Detroit Lions: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson - Signed 

18. Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida - Signed

19. Carolina Panthers: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia - Signed

20. Philadelphia Eagles: Makai Lemon, WR, USC - Signed

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State - Signed

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami - Signed

23. Dallas Cowboys: Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF - Signed

24. Cleveland Browns: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M - Signed

25. Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon - Signed

26. Houston Texans: Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech - Signed

27. Miami Dolphins: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State - Signed

28. New England Patriots: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah - Signed

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson - Signed

30. New York Jets: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana - Signed

31. Tennessee Titans: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn - Signed

32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame - Signed

2/32 players are unsigned.

Second Round

23. New England Patriots: Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois

1/32 players are unsigned.

Only three unsigned players from the first two rounds. That’s pretty good. It’s the next two rounds that surprise. 

Third Round

1.   Arizona Cardinals: Carson Beck, QB, Miami

2.   Denver Broncos: Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M

3.   Las Vegas Raiders: Keyron Crawford, Edge, Auburn

4.   Philadelphia Eagles: Markel Bell, OT, Miami

5.   Chicago Bears: Sam Roush, TE, Stanford

6.   San Francisco 49ers: Romello Height, Edge, Texas Tech

12. Pittsburgh Steelers: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

7/36 players are unsigned. 

Fourth Round

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

4.   Arizona Cardinals: Kaleb Proctor, DL, Southeastern Louisiana

6.   Houston Texans: Febechi Nwaiwu, G, Oklahoma

7.   San Francisco 49ers: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma

4/40 players are unsigned.

Fifth Round

0/41 players are unsigned.

Sixth Round

0/35 players are unsigned. 

Seventh Round

0/41 players are unsigned. 

14/257 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft are unsigned. 

Half of the unsigned players were selected at the top of the third round. 

Minnesota Vikings 91-Man Roster

The Minnesota Vikings made a couple more tweaks to the roster. 

Signed:

Marshall Lang, TE

Jahvaree Ritzie, DL

Waived:

Caleb Etienne, OT

Monkell Goodwine, DL

Once again, new Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley has added a player familiar to him. He was the assistant general manager in Seattle when the Seahawks signed Marshall Lang after he went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. He had practice squad stints with the Seahawks and New England Patriots last season. After the season, Lang signed a futures contract with the Patriots in February and was released in April. 

Jahvaree Ritzie also went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. He signed with New England Patriots after the draft. He was released from the practice squad in September. He signed a futures contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in January and was released in May. 

The Vikings currently have 91 players on the roster. Undrafted rookie punter Brett Thorson is one of those players. He’s from Australia and is part of International Pathways Program. As such, he doesn’t count towards the 90 - man roster limit. So, when Harrison Smith returns for his 15th season, the Vikings will have to make another tweak to the roster. 

Minnesota Vikings Post-Draft Roster (91)

Offense (45)

Quarterbacks (4)

Kyler Murray

J.J. McCarthy

Carson Wentz

Max Brosmer

Running Backs (6)

Aaron Jones

Jordan Mason

Zavier Scott

Demond Claiborne

Max Bredeson - fullback

Kejon Owens

Receivers (13)

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jauan Jennings

Tai Felton

Myles Price

Jeshaun Jones

Dontae Fleming

Dillon Bell

Marcus Sanders Jr.

Luke Wysong 

Terrill Davis

Michael Briscoe

Trayvon Rudolph

Tight Ends (6)

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Gavin Bartholomew

Ben Yurosek

Bryson Nesbit

Marshall Lang

Tackles (6)

Christian Darrisaw

Brian O’Neill

Ryan Van Demark

Walter Rouse

Caleb Tiernan

Triston Leigh

Guards (5)

Donovan Jackson

Will Fries

Joe Huber

Henry Byrd

Tomas Rimac

Centers (5)

Blake Brandel

Michael Jurgens

Vershon Lee

Gavin Gerhardt

Delby Lemieux

Defense (42)

Defensive Line (11)

Jalen Redmond

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Elijah Williams

Taki Taimani

Caleb Banks

Domonique Orange

Eric Johnson II

Isaiahh Loudermilk

Smith Vilbert

Jahrvee Ritzie

Outside Linebackers (7)

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Bo Richter

Tyler Batty

Chaz Chambliss

Cam’Ron Stewart

Arden Walker 

Inside Linebackers (8)

Blake Cashman

Eric Wilson

Ivan Pace Jr.

Josh Ross

Jacob Roberts

Jake Golday

Keli Lawson

Bangally Kamara

Cornerbacks (9)

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

James Pierre

Zemaiah Vaughn

Dwight McGlothern

Chuck Demmings

Marcus Allen

Da’Veawn Armstead

Tyreek Chappell

Safeties (7)

Joshua Metellus

Theo Jackson

Jay Ward

Tavierre Thomas

Kahlef Hailassie 

Jakobe Thomas

Jacob Thomas

Special Teams (4)

Kicker

Will Reichard

Punter

Johnny Hekker

Brett Thorson

Long Snapper

Andrew DePaola

More Front Office Additions

New Minnesota Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley made a couple more additions to his front office. One addition is quite familiar as Ryan Pace is returning to the NFC North. He was the general manager of the Chicago Bears from 2015 to 2021. The reports have Pace joining the Vikings with the nebulous title of football adviser. We’ll have to see what that entails. The second addition is more intriguing as Teasley again reached into the Seattle Seahawks front office that he just left. Azzaam Kapadia was last listed with the Seahawks as a pro scout. He’d been with the team for three seasons so Teasley worked with him for three seasons. Kapadia’s football path stands out as remarkably brief, so far, and fascinating. Every person with a career in football has a story. For some, it just happens because the game was always there for them. For others, they have to bust their ass to force their way into an opportunity for a shot. If they get that shot, then they have to take advantage of it. Azzaam Kapadia is the latter. 

Purple Daily’s Thor Nystrom posted an intriguing timeline of Azzaam Kapadia’s path to the Vikings.

As a student at the University of Virginia, Azzaam Kapadia hounded the football office for a year to get a volunteer scout role. He persistence paid off as he earned a scouting role under head coach Bronco Mendenhall. He got the job by breaking down the high school film of receiver Dontayvion Wicks. When Mendenhall departed, Kapadia was the lone holdover. He earned a promotion when new head coach Tony Elliott discovered him watching film in an otherwise empty building. This was 2021, going into 2022. Kapadia was hired as a Seahawks scouting assistant after his graduation from Virginia in 2023. In just three years, he’s had a growing role in the Seattle draft and pro evaluation process. Kapadia is a film junky. He’s described as curious, and no-stone-left-unturned thorough. Just three years ago, he was making his way as a football slappy at the University of Virginia. Now, he’s assistant director of pro scouting for the Minnesota Vikings.

So, the Vikings are collecting former NFL GMs named Ryan. Former Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson had been an assistant general manager for the Vikings since 2022. Reports have him staying with a different title and perhaps different responsibilities. If you ask Colts fans, they won’t have a lot of great things to say about Grigson, If asked, almost universally they’d rather see him employed by the Vikings than the Colts. Ryan Pace has a similar reputation with fans of the Chicago Bears. It can be a good thing to have former GMs on staff with a suspect history of decisions. Grigson and Pace are in Minnesota to assist Nolan Teasley. They aren’t in Minnesota to run things. We won’t know for a few years but Teasley is putting together an intriguing combination of evaluation and experience in his front office. 

There Will Be A Supplemental Draft

The too long, too stupid saga of Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is finally over. Yesterday, it was reported that he plans to apply for the NFL’s Supplemental Draft. After placing over 9,000 bets on college and pro sports, some placed on his own teams, over four years, the NCAA had terminated his eligibility. He didn’t like that so he appealed the decision in federal court. Last week, somehow, an actual judge ignored all that was obvious and granted a preliminary injunction that prevented the NCAA from ending the eligibility of a player that had clearly broken the rules so many times. It was an astonishing decision that threw college football, common sense, and the law into chaos. Sorsby’s flip to entering the Supplemental Draft came on a day that included a flurry of legal activity. The Big 12 filed for a federal injunction for the right to potentially discipline Sorsby under its rules. The NCAA asked an appeals court for an expedited resolution to the local case, requesting a decision on Sorsby’s eligibility to be made by the start of the football season. All of that legal action faded away after the quarterback’s change of mind. This whole ordeal was so ludicrous. You can’t bet on the sport you play! He placed 9,000 bets! Sorsby broke a clearly stated rule so many times. It was unbelievable that he even tried to fight the much-deserved punishment. It’s over now. Entering the Supplemental Draft was always the best option. Realizing a lifelong dream of playing in the NFL is a cushy Plan B after losing your college eligibility. 

The Supplemental Draft. It’s a thing. 

For those that are a little rusty on some of the particulars of the NFL's Supplemental Draft here's some help from The Athletic:

What is the supplemental draft?

The supplemental draft, which is held each summer, was installed in 1977 as an option for draft-eligible players who did not declare for the regular NFL Draft. Normally, players who declare for the supplemental draft do so because of unexpected eligibility issues in college (academic or discipline).

The most noteworthy players who entered the NFL via the supplemental draft include Bernie Kosar (1985), Cris Carter (1987) and, most recently, Josh Gordon (2012). Since 1977, 45 players have been selected in the supplemental draft.

The draft order for the supplemental draft is determined via a lottery system based on last season’s win-loss records. The draft order is divided into three groups: 1) teams with six or fewer wins 2) the rest of the non-playoff teams and 3) the 12 playoff teams. The order of each group is randomly selected. If a team is interested in drafting a prospect, they place a bid on that player in a certain round. If multiple teams submit bids on a player in the same round, the team picking first in the order is awarded the player.

Once a team drafts a player in the supplemental draft, it must forfeit its pick in that round in the following NFL Draft.

It’s been a while since the Supplemental Draft included a player with legitimate NFL potential. Current Dallas Cowboys safety Jalen Thompson was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fifth round of the 2019 Supplemental Draft. Before that, you’d have to go back to the Cleveland Browns selecting receiver Josh Gordon in the second round of the 2012 Supplemental Draft. Brendan Sorsby will be drafted. How high will he be drafted? Some talent evaluators have said that he would’ve challenged Ty Simpson for QB2 in last April’s “regular” draft. A strong season at Texas Tech this fall and Sorsby would’ve been in the first-round mix of a strong quarterback draft in next April’s regular draft. Even if his off-field issues knock him a bit, Sorsby should get claimed in the second round. I wouldn’t be all that surprised if a team positioned late in the first round throws in a claim. The Los Angeles Rams could easily have been that team if they hadn’t taken Simpson. Wait! Scratch that. They don’t have a 2027 first-round pick. Thanks to the Brendan Sorsby saga, the 2026 Supplemental Draft will be a thing. 

Minnesota Vikings Current Front Office

New Minnesota Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley has made his first additions to the front office he now leads. They are very big additions.

Andrew Healy

Trent Kirchner

Both have assistant general manager titles. Andrew Healy comes in as the Vikings top “analytics guy.” He has a math degree from Yale and an economics PhD from MIT on his resume. He’s the #2 football executive in the front office. Trent Kirchner has spent his football life on the scouting side. Over 27 years, he’s earned a reputation as one of the league’s best talent evaluators. They replace Ryan Grigson and Demitrius Washington. Grigson will remain with the team in a yet to be named role. Senior personnel executive Jamaal Stephenson, assistant director of college scouting Pat Roberts, and pro scout Salli Clavelle are also departing. 

With those adjustments in the books, here’s a look at Nolan Teasley’s current front office. 

Minnesota Vikings Current Personnel Structure 

General Manager: Nolan Teasley 

Assistant General Manager: Andrew Healy

Assistant General Manager: Trent Kirchner

Yet To Be Named Role: Ryan Grigson

Director of Player Personnel: Ryan Monnens

Assistant Director of Player Personnel: Chisom Opara

Director of Pro Personnel: Sam DeLuca

Director of College Scouting: Mike Sholiton

National Scout: Sean Gustus

National Scout: David Williams

College Area Scout (Midwest): Jake Essler

College Scout: Blaine Gramer

College Scout: Matt Kelly

College Scout: Steve Sabo

College Area Scout (Northeast): Michelle Mankoff

College Scout/BLESTO: Jack Murphy

Pro Scout: Alex Dale

Pro Scout: Shane Normandeau

Senior Player Personnel Analyst: Taylor Brooks

Senior Football Operations Manager: Kaitlin Zarecki

Senior Manager of Football Administration: Emily Badis

Senior Manager of Family Engagement: Quinn Gjersvig

Football Quantitative Methods Senior Analyst: Chris French

Football Quantitative Methods Analyst: Cole Bransford

Director, Football Information Systems: Luke Burson

Database Administrator: Mike Desplenter

Football Information Systems Developer: Anthony Caron

Football Information Systems Developer: Derek McCormick

Football Administration Associate: Austin Lavitt 

Player Personnel Consultant: Paul Wiggin

Scouting Associate: Dabness Atkins

Scouting Associate: Brian Schnorr

Football Operations Associate: Jordyn Hall

Family Engagement Associate: Michela Brown-Mayfield

SQL Database Associate: Grace Liebi

Football Quantitative Methods Associate: Claire Morrison

Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Competition

What’s wrong with a little competition? It can only make all involved better. Right?  There’s a quarterback competition in Minnesota. When the Vikings intentionally added Kyler Murray to a roster that already had franchise quarterback candidate J.J. McCarthy, a competition began. Many talking heads saw it as a competition in name only. An accomplished quarterback like Murray is only signing to start. Right? Those same talking heads were many of the same impatient observers that had already tossed McCarthy in the bust bin. A single season dismantled by injuries to himself and the offensive line is apparently enough evidence to discard a young quarterback. Anyway, the Vikings 2026 quarterback story was surely written when Murray was signed. Of course, he was signed to start. All real evidence shows that story to be fiction. The only opinion that matters is that of Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. He says there’s a quarterback competition. The offseason workouts revealed a legitimate competition as McCarthy and Murray split reps. Perhaps infuriating many, O’Connell said that the competition will extend into training camp. 

Even though Kevin O’Connell explained it clearly, I believe that many talking heads and fans had the Kyler Murray signing wrong from the start. The Vikings head coach said that they wanted the strongest possible quarterback room. Anyone paying attention would be very much aware that the Vikings had two of the past three seasons taken apart by quarterback injuries. In 2023, they were forced to start four quarterbacks, including a fifth-round rookie that wasn’t remotely ready for the NFL. In 2025, they were forced to start three quarterbacks, including an undrafted rookie that wasn’t remotely ready for the NFL. Wanting the strongest possible quarterback room shouldn’t be a puzzle. With the Arizona Cardinals paying nearly $40 million of his 2026 salary, Murray was available for a league minimum $1.3 million. It was a unique situation and the Vikings took advantage. Even more amazing than the knee-jerk reaction to signing Murray was the response to the Vikings bringing back Carson Wentz. If Wentz is on the roster, surely McCarthy is going to be traded. It’s mind-numbing that so many people forgot, or ignored, O’Connell saying that strengthening the quarterback room was an offseason priority. The Vikings had to go three deep at the quarterback position in two of the last three seasons. The only way to avoid a repeat of those two disastrous seasons is to have three competent quarterbacks on the roster. 

J.J. McCarthy

Kyler Murray

Carson Wentz

Bingo!

I believe that any of the three could lead the Vikings to the playoffs. That’s a good situation. Carson Wentz is at the point in his career where he’s a backup for any team that signs him. What difference does it make whether it’s #2 or #3? If recent times are any indication, there’s a good chance he’s playing for the Vikings this season as #3. Hopefully, that painful pattern stays in the past. J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray are with the Vikings to start. There’s a quarterback competition in Minnesota. I’m all for it. Competition is fun. Competition makes everyone better. 

I would imagine that Kyler Murray has the edge simply because of his experience. If J.J. McCarthy is to win the job, he has to be the unquestioned winner. A tie goes to the veteran. I just want to see the best possible team on the field. I also want to see and hear proper football coverage of the competition. I’ve already seen way too much of the grade school coverage of perceived drama. Is McCarthy stretching with the quarterbacks? Did they skip off the field together at the end of practice? Gimme a break. There really is no end to the bullshit that the media thinks interests the fans. I’m one of those fans and it’s the football, only the football, that’s important. 

Vikings Front Office Hiires

A day after the Minnesota Vikings fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, I put together a list of candidates to replace him. It was as if I was part of the process. The efforts were ignored by those with an actual say. Anyway, some of the potential candidates were easy as they’ve been targets in recent general manager searches. I went searching for others. That search included a thorough scan of the front offices across the league with proven team-building success. The Seattle Seahawks were one of those teams. Two from that front office stood out. Trent Kirchner and Nolan Teasley. I picked Kirchner for my list of candidates mostly for his 27 years of scouting and team-building experience. Teasley had about half that. I apparently missed the fact that he’d risen past Kirchner in half the time. Ignoring my list of potential candidates, the Vikings hired Nolan Teasley to be their next general manager. Good move by the Vikings. By all appearances, he looks like an outstanding hire. It got even better yesterday as Teasley hired Trent Kirchner to be one of his assistant general manager. The Vikings ultimately hired both of my favorites. 

One of the first tasks of a general manager is to make some adjustments to his new team’s front office. Nolan Teasley brought in Trent Kirchner from the Seattle Seahawks and Andrew Healy from the Cleveland Browns. Each will have the title of assistant general manager. For Kirchner, it’s a homecoming. He’s a native of Fulda, Minnesota and attended and played quarterback at St. John’s University. He got his NFL start as an intern with the Seahawks, splitting time between public relations and college scouting. He was hired as college scouting coordinator by the Washington Redskins. His eight years scouting for the Carolina Panthers really set him on his football path and led to his return to Seattle in 2010. From there he moved up the front office ladder and gained a reputation as one of the best talent evaluators in the league. His work and growing respect earned him general manager interviews with the Detroit Lions, New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers, and Houston Texans. It wouldn’t surprise if he continues to receive attention for future GM openings. That’s for another day. It’s silly to think of his potential departure from Minnesota before his actual arrival. Andrew Healy comes from the analytical side of football. He has a degree in math from Yale and a PhD in economics from MIT. He taught economics at Loyola Marymount University. He’s an analytics guy. For the last five years he’s been the Browns VP of research and strategy. In that role, Healy led the integration of data and advanced insights into all parts of football operations. Along with the reports of the hires came a report that Healy will be the Vikings #2 football executive. It may have taken that to pry him from the Browns. 

At his introductory press conference, Nolan Teasley said that he was “guided by evaluation and anchored by data.” In Trent Kirchner and Andrew Healy, Teasley has his evaluation and data assistants. It’s a dynamite team. 

First Round Signing Tracker

There’s been a recent run on team’s signing draft picks. Over the past couple days, several of the lingering first-round holdouts signed their rookie deals. Now, only the two quarterbacks selected in the first round remain unsigned. Leave it to the quarterbacks to muck up an easy process. Here’s a look at the signing status of the first round picks.

2026 NFL Draft - First Round Signing Tracker

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana 

2.   New York Jets: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech - Signed

3.   Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame - Signed

4.   Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State - Signed

5.   New York Giants: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State - Signed

6.   Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU - Signed 

7.   Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State - Signed

8.   New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State - Signed

9.   Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah - Signed

10. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami - Signed

11. Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State - Signed

12. Miami Dolphins: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama - Signed 

13. Los Angeles Rams: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State - Signed

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami - Signed

16. New York Jets: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon - Signed

17. Detroit Lions: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson - Signed 

18. Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida - Signed

19. Carolina Panthers: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia - Signed

20. Philadelphia Eagles: Makai Lemon, WR, USC - Signed

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State - Signed

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami -Signed

23. Dallas Cowboys: Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF - Signed 

24. Cleveland Browns: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M - Signed 

25. Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon - Signed

26. Houston Texans: Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech - Signed 

27. Miami Dolphins: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State - Signed 

28. New England Patriots: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah - Signed

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson - Signed

30. New York Jets: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana - Signed

31. Tennessee Titans: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn - Signed

32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame - Signed

30 of the 32 players selected in the first round have signed.

Players That Intrigue

Today, the Minnesota Vikings take the field for the last of their three days of mandatory minicamp. Next week brings the final offseason workouts. Then, it’s on to training camp in late July. Throughout the offseason, several “under-the-radar” players have emerged as players that intrigue. It can be tough to wade through the expected, but bizarre, coverage of the quarterback competition. At times, it would seem that J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray are the only players on the field. When training camp opens and full-contact football gets started, here are some of the players from several position groups that intrigue me the most. I’m not going to touch the quarterback position. It’s been touched enough.

Running Back

Demond Claiborne

This is too easy. Lightning-quick, sixth-round pick Demond Claiborne is one of the most intriguing players on the team. Aaron Jones said that the rookie reminds him of Jahmyr Gibbs. That’s a nice start. Claiborne likely enters the season as RB3 behind Jones and Jordan Mason. He should get on the field as a change-of-pace back as a rookie. I think the Vikings future at running back is Demond Claiborne. 

Receiver

Dillon Bell

Undrafted rookie Dillon Bell has already caught the attention of many. With his size and obvious natural talent, it’s surprising that he wasn’t selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. His lack of production at consistently stacked Georgia clearly topped his size and traits. With Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings at the top of the depth chart, competition for the final two, or three, receiver spots will be fierce. If Bell continues his progression through training camp, he’ll be real hard to cut. 

Offensive Line

Ryan Van Demark

Injuries at offensive line was a big reason for last season’s troubles and inconsistencies. The Vikings signed Ryan Van Demark as a restricted free agent from the Buffalo Bills. It isn’t often that a restricted free agent switches teams. The Vikings clearly targeted him. There’s a comfort in having a starting caliber tackle supporting Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill.

Defensive Line

Elijah Williams

With the selections of Caleb Banks in the first round and Domonique Orange in the third round, the Vikings have built a very intriguing defensive line group. Jalen Redmond, Banks, and Orange will surely get most of the attention. I believe that Elijah Williams will emerge as an impact player. Undrafted last year, he made the 53-man roster as a rookie. He started getting some opportunities late in the season. I was intrigued by him coming out of Morgan State and was surprised that he wasn’t drafted. He looks bigger this year and I expect an impact. 

Linebacker

Jake Golday

I just want to see where the Vikings intend to play Jake Golday. Off-the-ball linebacker, edge rusher, nickel defender? He seems to have the skills to do nearly everything. I’m hoping that he can somehow pick up the un-earthly anticipation traits of Andrew Van Ginkel. That might be too much to ask for his rookie season. But who knows?

Safety

Harrison Smith

I just want to see Harrison Smith return for his 15th season. I’m not ready for #22 to not be on the field. 

Cornerback 

Chuck Demmings

Chuck Demmings might be my #1 most intriguing player on the team. From his sparkling personality to his freaky athleticism, the fifth-round rookie looks like he’s taking the first steps to becoming a fan favorite. 

Unsigned Draft Picks: By Round

The 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement made the signing of draft picks a fairly breezy process. Even though it’s been 15 years, it’s still fun to track these easy draft pick signing days. Holdouts are so depressing. No one really wins when a rookie misses practice time. Here’s a look at the unsigned draft pick status for each of the seven rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. The first round, of course, is shown in detail.

Unsigned Draft Picks: By Round

First Round

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana 

2.   New York Jets: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech - Signed

3.   Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame - Signed

4.   Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State - Signed

5.   New York Giants: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State - Signed

6.   Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU - Signed

7.   Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State - Signed

8.   New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State - Signed

9.   Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah - Signed

10. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami - Signed

11. Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State - Signed

12. Miami Dolphins: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama - Signed

13. Los Angeles Rams: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State - Signed

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami - Signed

16. New York Jets: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon - Signed

17. Detroit Lions: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson - Signed 

18. Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida - Signed

19. Carolina Panthers: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia - Signed

20. Philadelphia Eagles: Makai Lemon, WR, USC - Signed

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State - Signed

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami - Signed

23. Dallas Cowboys: Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF - Signed

24. Cleveland Browns: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M - Signed

25. Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon - Signed

26. Houston Texans: Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech - Signed

27. Miami Dolphins: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State - Signed

28. New England Patriots: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah - Signed

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson - Signed

30. New York Jets: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana - Signed

31. Tennessee Titans: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn - Signed

32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame - Signed

2/32 players are unsigned.

Second Round

23. New England Patriots: Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois

1/32 players are unsigned.

Only three unsigned players from the first two rounds. That’s pretty good. It’s the next two rounds that surprise. 

Third Round

1.   Arizona Cardinals: Carson Beck, QB, Miami

2.   Denver Broncos: Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M

3.   Las Vegas Raiders: Keyron Crawford, Edge, Auburn

4.   Philadelphia Eagles: Markel Bell, OT, Miami

5.   Chicago Bears: Sam Roush, TE, Stanford

6.   San Francisco 49ers: Romello Height, Edge, Texas Tech

12. Pittsburgh Steelers: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

7/36 players are unsigned. 

Fourth Round

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

2.   Buffalo Bills: Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College

3.   New York Jets: Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State

4.   Arizona Cardinals: Kaleb Proctor, DL, Southeastern Louisiana

5.   Los Angeles Chargers: Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State

6.   Houston Texans: Febechi Nwaiwu, G, Oklahoma

7.   San Francisco 49ers: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma

7/40 players are unsigned.

Fifth Round

0/41 players are unsigned.

Sixth Round

0/35 players are unsigned. 

Seventh Round

0/41 players are unsigned. 

17/257 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft are unsigned. 

Somehow, it’s the players selected at the top of the third and fourth rounds that make up the bulk of the unsigned picks. 

Minnesota Minicamp

The Minnesota Vikings will gather at spectacular TCO Performance for three days of mandatory minicamp. It remains to be seen whether it goes for the entire three days. What should be the on-field highlight of the offseason practices has recently become something of a trifle around the league. Teams often cut it short. Others, the San Francisco 49ers to name one, cancel the practices before they even start. Whether it goes the full three days, or not, the Vikings will be on those spectacular practice fields today. We’ll see what tomorrow brings tomorrow. For the last practices before the football gets real at training camp, here are some of the competitions and players that I’m most excited to see.

1. The Quarterbacks

It always starts with the quarterbacks. I wish the focus of the J.J. McCarthy-Kyler Murray competition was only on their respective play on the field. Instead of the football, the media is more focused on grade school gossip. Whether the two quarterbacks stretch together is apparently more important than their comfort in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. It’s pathetic. Football competition is fun. Whether the two quarterbacks share a table for lunch isn’t. This could be one of the most fun and intriguing position competitions in recent Vikings history and the members of the media are pushing for a soap opera. 

J.J. McCarthy vs Kyler Murray. I believe that either quarterback could lead the Vikings to the playoffs. I also believe that either could lead the Vikings to the long-sought playoff win, maybe a few playoff wins. Whoever wins the job will be surrounded by a load of playmaking talent. As much as I like McCarthy, I believe that Murray’s experience will be the difference in the competition. Even if McCarthy is the backup, he better keep ready. Murray has only played every game in two of his seven seasons in the league. 

2. Dillon Bell

The Vikings have often found production recently from undrafted players. They’ve had to as there hasn’t been near enough production from the drafted players. Hopefully, that’s a thing of the past. Dillon Bell is the undrafted player this year that intrigues me the most. He didn’t produce at Georgia to the level that his natural talent would suggest. Still, everything about him intrigues. He’s flashed so far this spring. He must build on that in this minicamp and through training camp. In Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the Vikings have the best receiver duo in the league. When Jauan Jennings was signed after the draft, it turned the top duo in the league into the top trio. 2025 third-round pick Tai Felton would seem to have an edge for #4. Myles Price emerged as an effective returner as a rookie last season. His return ability boosts his roster chances. While Felton and Price are probably the leaders for the remaining receiver roster spots, neither has an unquestioned hold on those spots. Bell has a shot. 

3. Demond Claiborne

Among the Vikings nine drafted rookies, Demond Claiborne might be the one I’m most excited to see. If not for a shaky final season at Wake Forest, he might’ve been a Day 2 pick rather than a sixth-round pick. My excitement for Claiborne is a combination of his electric speed and the expected run schemes introduced by new assistant head coach Frank Smith. Those schemes helped De’Von Achane develop into one of the most exciting backs in the league. In size and speed, Claiborne is quite similar to Achane. Without contact, it’s tough to accurately judge the practice play of running backs. So, I’ll have to contain my excitement until training camp and the preseason games. 

4. Offensive Line

Just stay healthy. Please.

5. Defensive Line

The intrigue surrounding the defensive line in minicamp is more about the combinations of players than anything else. Those combinations unfortunately won’t include first-round pick Caleb Banks as he continues to rehab his broken foot. The Vikings defensive line is going to be a revelation this season.

6. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft as an interior defensive lineman. After a promising rookie season, he became a player to watch on a young defensive line. After the Vikings traded edge Jonathan Greenard during the 2026 NFL Draft, Ingram-Dawkins was suddenly a player to watch on the edge. He’s been practicing there this spring. Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner are the starters. Depth is a question and Ingram-Dawkins might be the answer. 

7. Charles Demmings

Charles Demmings is chasing Demond Claiborne as the Vikings drafted player I’m most excited to see. At corner, Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers are the established starters. James Pierre was signed this offseason to form a solid top three. I believe that Demmings is the Vikings future at corner. I wouldn’t be surprised if he forced his way into some sort of playing rotation as a rookie. 

8. Will Reichard

I had to include the best kicker in the game. 

Vikings Quarterbacks?

During the 2023 season, injuries at quarterback forced the Minnesota Vikings to start fifth-round rookie Jaren Hall in two games. 

During the 2025 season, injuries at quarterback forced the Minnesota Vikings to start undrafted rookie Max Brosmer in two games. 

All four games were offensive disasters. 

In two of the past three seasons, injuries forced the Vikings to play a rookie quarterback that wasn’t remotely close to being ready for an NFL regular season game. Jaren Hall is already out of the league. Since two of the past three seasons were derailed by quarterback injuries, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Vikings would put together a quarterback room strong enough and deep enough to handle another season of injuries. Somehow, many fans and all of the media appear to be surprised. At the start of free agency, Kyler Murray was signed and Carson Wentz was re-signed giving the Vikings the following quarterback room. 

J.J. McCarthy

Kyler Murray

Carson Wentz

Max Brosmer

The quarterback dent to the Vikings salary cap is less than $13 million. Many teams are giving four times that amount to one quarterback. The key to the Vikings itty-bitty quarterback bill is the ridiculous opportunity to sign Kyler Murray for the league minimum of $1.3 million. The Arizona Cardinals are paying their former quarterback nearly $40 million to play for the Vikings. Thank you very much Mr. Bidwill. Since the end of the season, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has stressed the need to strengthen the team’s quarterbacks. It didn’t even take a day for new general manager Nolan Teasley to agree with O’Connell. Teasley mentioned the importance of the strong quarterback group in his introductory press conference. Murray at a bargain-basement rate made it possible for the Vikings to roster three capable NFL starters. And yes, J.J. McCarthy is a capable NFL starter. His 6-4 record in an injury-wrecked first season as a starter is proof of that. Hopefully, one quarterback gets the bulk of snaps this season. Continuity at the all-important position is always the best path for team success. If there is a repeat of the ridiculous quarterback injuries of 2023 and 2025, the 2026 Vikings will be better equipped to handle it. I’m not sure why so many are puzzled by the team’s quality quarterback room.

The typical quarterback room in today’s NFL looks a bit like this:

Starter

Veteran backup

Young project

If a team deviates from the above, it appears many fans and most of the media flip out. They can’t seem to handle a team doing something different. J.J. McCarthy and Kyle Murray are competing to be the Vikings starter. Many consider this “competition” a sham. They believe it’s Murray’s job already. Whatever. It doesn’t really matter right now. One of the two is going to be the starter. Based on his recent employment history, Carson Wentz is content walking the sideline until he’s needed. What difference does it make whether that’s as #2 or #3? Many assume that whoever loses the Vikings quarterback competition will be traded. Since everyone assumes that Murray has already won, they expect that McCarthy will be traded before the start of the season. On Skol North’s Purple Daily podcast, Phil Mackey puts the chances of a McCarthy trade at a whopping 90%. Less bold, Darren Woolfson has it at better than 50%. I get it. As a competitor, McCarthy won’t like having to sit for a season. Especially after having an injury erased his 2024 rookie season. Supposedly, it’s better to trade the loser of a position battle. Weakening a position is an interesting strategy. If McCarthy doesn’t want to sit, outplay Murray. It’s in his hands. If he were to be traded, he’d probably have to sit out the 2026 season with his new team. If he has to sit somewhere, it’s probably best to sit with the team that selected him at #10 in the 2024 NFL Draft. McCarthy is much better off doing all that he can to keep the Vikings starting job. If Murray wins, McCarthy is much better off doing all that he can to be ready when he’s needed. In four of his seven years in the league, Murray has missed time to injuries. I believe that any of the Vikings three quarterbacks can lead the team to the playoffs. And Max Brosmer won one of the two games that he started. 

In two of the past three seasons, the Vikings have needed at least three quarterbacks. 

Kyler Murray

J.J. McCarthy

Carson Wentz

If history were to repeat itself, the Vikings will be much better equipped to handle quarterback injuries. Kevin O’Connell has stressed the importance of a strong group. Nolan Teasley agreed. In my opinion, it would be stupid if the Vikings weakened a position that they intentionally strengthened. 

Minnesota Vikings 91 - Man Roster

This past week the Minnesota made a receiver-tweak to the roster. Two undrafted receivers were signed. One receiver was waived.

Signed:

Michael Briscoe

Trayvon Rudolph

Waived:

Joaquin Davis

The transactions were the first transactions of new Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley. A curious thing about Michael Briscoe and Trayvon Rudolph is that both were recently released by Seattle while Teasley was the Seahawks assistant general manager. 

The Vikings currently have 91 players on the roster. Undrafted rookie punter Brett Thorson is one of those players. He’s from Australia and is part of International Pathways Program. As such, he doesn’t count towards the 90 - man roster limit. So, when Harrison Smith returns for his 15th season, the Vikings will have to make another tweak to the roster. 

Minnesota Vikings Post-Draft Roster (91)

Offense (45)

Quarterbacks (4)

Kyler Murray

J.J. McCarthy

Carson Wentz

Max Brosmer

Running Backs (6)

Aaron Jones

Jordan Mason

Zavier Scott

Demond Claiborne

Max Bredeson - fullback

Kejon Owens

Receivers (13)

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jauan Jennings

Tai Felton

Myles Price

Jeshaun Jones

Dontae Fleming

Dillon Bell

Marcus Sanders Jr.

Luke Wysong 

Terrill Davis

Michael Briscoe

Trayvon Rudolph

Tight Ends (5)

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Gavin Bartholomew

Ben Yurosek

Bryson Nesbit

Tackles (7)

Christian Darrisaw

Brian O’Neill

Ryan Van Demark

Walter Rouse

Caleb Etienne

Caleb Tiernan

Triston Leigh

Guards (5)

Donovan Jackson

Will Fries

Joe Huber

Henry Byrd

Tomas Rimac

Centers (5)

Blake Brandel

Michael Jurgens

Vershon Lee

Gavin Gerhardt

Delby Lemieux

Defense (42)

Defensive Line (11)

Jalen Redmond

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Elijah Williams

Taki Taimani

Caleb Banks

Domonique Orange

Monkell Goodwine

Eric Johnson II

Isaiahh Loudermilk

Smith Vilbert

Outside Linebackers (7)

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Bo Richter

Tyler Batty

Chaz Chambliss

Cam’Ron Stewart

Arden Walker 

Inside Linebackers (8)

Blake Cashman

Eric Wilson

Ivan Pace Jr.

Josh Ross

Jacob Roberts

Jake Golday

Keli Lawson

Bangally Kamara

Cornerbacks (9)

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

James Pierre

Zemaiah Vaughn

Dwight McGlothern

Chuck Demmings

Marcus Allen

Da’Veawn Armstead

Tyreek Chappell

Safeties (7)

Joshua Metellus

Theo Jackson

Jay Ward

Tavierre Thomas

Kahlef Hailassie 

Jakobe Thomas

Jacob Thomas

Special Teams (4)

Kicker

Will Reichard

Punter

Johnny Hekker

Brett Thorson

Long Snapper

Andrew DePaola

Teasley’s First Transactions

On Wednesday, Nolan Teasley was introduced as the new general manager of the Minnesota Vikings. On Thursday, he made his first transactions as the Vikings signed two undrafted receivers.

Michael Briscoe, WR, Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo

Trayvon Rudolph, WR, Toledo

Both receivers are familiar to Nolan Teasley. He was the assistant general manager in Seattle when the Seahawks signed Michael Briscoe immediately after the 2026 NFL Draft and Trayvon Rudolph a couple weeks later. So, Teasley saw his former team release two receivers and his new team sign those two receivers. A more curious thing is that Briscoe was waived by the Seahawks for a “failure to disclose physical condition.” I guess the situation around the “physical condition” that was an issue in Seattle isn’t much of an issue in Minnesota. 

At Cal Poly, Michael Briscoe was a big play pass catcher. Last season, he caught 43 passes for 779 and seven touchdowns. His 18.1 yards per catch was actually a bit of a dip from the year before. In 2024, he caught 25 passes for 538 yards for a scintillating 21.5 yards per catch. Four of his 25 catches went for touchdowns. In his four seasons with the Mustangs, Briscoe also passed for two touchdowns and rushed for one. At 6’2” and 209 lbs, he brings some size to the Vikings receiver room. 

After four years at Northern Illinois, Trayvon Rudolph transferred to Toledo before the 2025 season. At Toledo, he caught 39 passes for 435 yards. His best path to the Vikings final roster is probably special teams. Last season, he returned 18 kicks for 374 yards and one touchdown. At Northern Illinois from 2020-24, Rudolph caught 151 passes for 2,032 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also returned 58 kicks for 1,312 yards. Like Michael Briscoe, Rudolph also threw a few passes in college. None went for a score. At 5’10” and 187 lbs, he doesn’t bring much size to the Vikings receiver room. 

While bringing in two receivers, the Vikings let one go. Joaquin Davis was waived. He joined the Vikings practice squad in December and signed a futures contract in January. 

With the two-for-one receiver swap, the Vikings roster is at the 90-man roster limit. When Harrison Smith comes back for his 15th season, one of the players currently on the roster will have to be released. 

First Round Signing Tracker

The 2026 NFL Draft was over a month ago. That means that teams are more than a month into the task of signing the players they drafted. Here’s a look at the signing status of the first round picks.

2026 NFL Draft - First Round Signing Tracker

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana 

2.   New York Jets: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech - Signed

3.   Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame - Signed

4.   Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State - Signed

5.   New York Giants: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State - Signed

6.   Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

7.   Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State - Signed

8.   New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State - Signed

9.   Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah - Signed

10. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami - Signed

11. Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State - Signed

12. Miami Dolphins: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama - Signed 

13. Los Angeles Rams: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State - Signed

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami - Signed

16. New York Jets: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon - Signed

17. Detroit Lions: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson - Signed 

18. Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida - Signed

19. Carolina Panthers: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia - Signed

20. Philadelphia Eagles: Makai Lemon, WR, USC - Signed

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State - Signed

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami -Signed

23. Dallas Cowboys: Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF

24. Cleveland Browns: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

25. Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

26. Houston Texans: Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech - Signed 

27. Miami Dolphins: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State - Signed 

28. New England Patriots: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

30. New York Jets: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana - Signed

31. Tennessee Titans: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn - Signed

32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame - Signed

24 of the 32 players selected in the first round have signed.

Minnesota Vikings 7th General Manager

Nolan Teasley was introduced yesterday as the new general manager of the Minnesota Vikings. Over 65 years of franchise history, the Vikings have employed only six individuals with the title of full-time general manager. Teasley will be seventh. 

1. Bert Rose (1961-63)

2. Jim Finks (1964-73)

3. Mike Lynn (1975-90)

4. Jeff Diamond (1991-98)

5. Rick Spielman (2012-21)

6. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah (2022-25)

7. Nolan Teasley (2026-present)

Rob Brzezinski spent the past offseason as the interim general manager. 

Unfortunately, the Vikings don’t have a sparkling GM tradition. Jim Finks and Rick Spielman were the only ones that brought legitimate scouting and team-building experience to the job. Nolan Teasley will be third. Bert Rose was brought in from the Los Angeles Rams after the Vikings franchise was granted. His role was really just to get the team going. He picked the team’s color scheme and name. When it came to selecting players, Joe Thomas was director of player personnel. He built the franchise’s first teams. The Vikings first true general manager in name and work was Finks. He was outstanding as he built the teams that went to four Super Bowls. He has a bust in Canton as one of the best team-builders in NFL history. When Finks left the Vikings in 1973, it started 24 yeas of general manager incompetence in Minnesota. Mike Lynn was a businessman. Maybe he was a good one. He was an idiot when came to football. Jeff Diamond wasn’t a football guy either as he started in public relations. Fortunately coaches and scouting mainstays Jerry Reichow, Frank Gilliam, and later Scott Studwell made most of the draft decisions during that time. When Lynn took at crack at football, it was often a disaster (Herschel Walker trade). After Diamond departed, personnel decisions were made by a collaboration of coaches, a player personnel person, and Rob Brzezinski. In 2012, the Vikings finally returned to an actual football guy as general manager when Spielman was given the title and responsibilities. When his time ran it’s course, the Vikings decided to take a big swing in hiring an analytics guy as the general manager. The hiring of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah resulted in one terrible draft and three suspect drafts. It was a gamble that didn’t work. That led to Brzezinski stepping up this offseason as the the Vikings interim general manager. 

Now, it’s Nolan Teasley’s turn. Hopefully, his run is like that of Jim Finks. Just with Super Bowl wins rather than the four losses. 

Minnesota Vikings Current Front Office

Later today, the Minnesota Vikings will introduce Nolan Teasley as the team’s new general manager. I’m guessing that one of the first question asked of Teasley at the press conference will be if he will have final say on the 53-man roster. That’s always one of the first question asked of a new GM as everyone wants someone to blame when things go awry. Perpetual critics hate a collaborative team structure because they can’t point a finger at a single person. This should be a moment of hope for the Vikings, a change in the right direction, and some are thinking only of a potentially unfortunate moment in the future. The media honks asking the “final say” question were likely around for the dreaded “Triangle of Authority” days that came out of the general manager hire in the first year of the Wilf ownership. Putting the team’s decision-making power in the hands of the head coach, personnel person, and salary-cap person wasn’t out of the ordinary 20 years ago. The all-powerful general manager wasn’t as much of a thing in the early 2000s. Having that joint setup wasn’t really a problem. Putting a name on it was. Putting a name on something that doesn’t go well isn’t just a mistake. It becomes legendary and not in a good way. People will remember it. After hiring Teasley, the Wilfs spoke of him joining head coach Kevin O’Connell and executive VP Rob Brzezinski as the team’s top decision-makers. Nearly all of the 31 other teams in the league have a similar structure. Building a team in today’s NFL is a collaborative thing. The Seattle Seahawks team that Teasley just left is an excellent example of a collaborative, team-building environment. They just won a Super Bowl. At some point, even in the most collaborative environment, there’ll come a time when one person has to step up and make a decision. I’m more than 99% certain that when he’s asked, Nolan Teasley will say that he’ll make that decision. And he and the Vikings will live with the consequences. 

After today’s peppering of questions, the first task facing Nolan Teasley as the Vikings new general manager will be the people that will populate the building. The first tough decisions probably include the job status of the assistant general managers Ryan Grigson and Demetrius Washington. The Vikings had dual assistant general managers as each had a particular expertise. Grigson is the long-time scout. Washington’s focus was analytics. My guess is that Washington is more likely to stay with perhaps a re-worked title. My further guess is that Teasley brings in a person, or more, with him from Seattle. 

Before any potential changes occur, here’s how the Vikings front office currently looks.

Minnesota Vikings Current Personnel Structure 

General Manager: Nolan Teasley 

Assistant General Manager: Ryan Grigson

Assistant General Manager: Demetrius Washington

Director of Player Personnel: Ryan Monnens

Assistant Director of Player Personnel: Chisom Opara

Director of Pro Personnel: Sam DeLuca

Senior Personnel Executive: Jamaal Stephenson

Director of College Scouting: Mike Sholiton

Senior College Executive: Pat Roberts

National Scout: Sean Gustus

National Scout: David Williams

College Area Scout (Midwest): Jake Essler

College Scout: Blaine Gramer

College Scout: Matt Kelly

College Scout: Steve Sabo

College Area Scout (Northeast): Michelle Mankoff

College Scout/BLESTO: Jack Murphy

Pro Scout: Salli Clavelle

Pro Scout: Alex Dale

Pro Scout: Shane Normandeau

Senior Player Personnel Analyst: Taylor Brooks

Senior Football Operations Manager: Kaitlin Zarecki

Senior Manager of Football Administration: Emily Badis

Senior Manager of Family Engagement: Quinn Gjersvig

Football Quantitative Methods Senior Analyst: Chris French

Football Quantitative Methods Analyst: Cole Bransford

Director, Football Information Systems: Luke Burson

Database Administrator: Mike Desplenter

Football Information Systems Developer: Anthony Caron

Football Information Systems Developer: Derek McCormick

Football Administration Associate: Austin Lavitt 

Player Personnel Consultant: Paul Wiggin

Scouting Associate: Dabness Atkins

Scouting Associate: Brian Schnorr

Football Operations Associate: Jordyn Hall

Family Engagement Associate: Michela Brown-Mayfield

SQL Database Associate: Grace Liebi

Football Quantitative Methods Associate: Claire Morrison

Unsigned Draft Picks: By Round

The 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement made the signing of draft picks a fairly breezy process. Each of the teams have their process and the players are signed when the teams wanted to get it done. In recent years, getting agreements with players selected in the second round became a little problematic. Agents for those players decided that they wanted to get contract guarantees similar to those previously reserved for players selected in the first round. It appears teams and agents have worked out those issues as the second-round signings are sailing along. Here’s a look at the unsigned draft pick status for each of the seven rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. The first round, of course, is shown in detail.

Unsigned Draft Picks: By Round

First Round

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana 

2.   New York Jets: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech - Signed

3.   Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame - Signed

4.   Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State - Signed

5.   New York Giants: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State - Signed

6.   Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

7.   Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State - Signed

8.   New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State - Signed

9.   Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah - Signed

10. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami - Signed

11. Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State - Signed

12. Miami Dolphins: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

13. Los Angeles Rams: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State - Signed

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami - Signed

16. New York Jets: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon - Signed

17. Detroit Lions: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson - Signed 

18. Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida - Signed

19. Carolina Panthers: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia - Signed

20. Philadelphia Eagles: Makai Lemon, WR, USC - Signed

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State - Signed

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami

23. Dallas Cowboys: Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF

24. Cleveland Browns: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

25. Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

26. Houston Texans: Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech

27. Miami Dolphins: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

28. New England Patriots: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

30. New York Jets: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

31. Tennessee Titans: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn - Signed

32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame - Signed

13/32 players are unsigned.

Second Round

9.   Cincinnati Bengals: Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M

11. Miami Dolphins: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

23. New England Patriots: Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois

25. Chicago Bears: Logan Jones, C, Iowa

4/32 players are unsigned.

In recent years, those numbers would’ve been reversed at this stage of the pick-signing process. 

Third Round

1.   Arizona Cardinals: Carson Beck, QB, Miami

2.   Denver Broncos: Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M

3.   Las Vegas Raiders: Keyron Crawford, Edge, Auburn

4.   Philadelphia Eagles: Markel Bell, OT, Miami

5.   Chicago Bears: Sam Roush, TE, Stanford

6.   San Francisco 49ers: Romello Height, Edge, Texas Tech

11. Miami Dolphins: Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech

12. Pittsburgh Steelers: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

23. Miami Dolphins: Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State

30. Miami Dolphins: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

10/36 players are unsigned. 

Fourth Round

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

2.   Buffalo Bills: Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College

3.   New York Jets: Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State

4.   Arizona Cardinals: Kaleb Proctor, DL, Southeastern Louisiana

5.   Los Angeles Chargers: Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State

6.   Houston Texans: Febechi Nwaiwu, G, Oklahoma

7.   San Francisco 49ers: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma

30. Miami Dolphins: Trey Moore, Edge, Texas

38. Miami Dolphins: Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh 

9/40 players are unsigned.

Fifth Round

18. Miami Dolphins: Michael Taaffe, S, Texas

37. Miami Dolphins: Kevin Coleman Jr., WR, Missouri

40. Miami Dolphins: Seydou Traore, TE, Mississippi State

3/41 players are unsigned.

Sixth Round

19. Miami Dolphins: D.J. Campbell, G, Texas

1/35 players are unsigned. 

Seventh Round

16. Los Angeles Rams: Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama

22. Miami Dolphins: Max Llewellyn, Edge, Iowa

2/41 players are unsigned. 

42/257 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft are unsigned. 

Nearly a third of the unsigned players were selected by the Miami Dolphins. 

Nolan Teasley Thoughts

As the Minnesota Vikings general manger search wound down, Seattle Seahawks assistant general manager Nolan Teasley had emerged as my favorite for the job. It’s a funny thing as my initial list of preferred targets didn’t include him. My favorite in February and my favorite up until he removed himself from the process was Los Angeles Chargers assistant general manager Chad Alexander. After that, my favorite eventually landed on Teasley. Vikings ownership ultimately had five finalists for the job.

Rob Brzezinski - Minnesota Vikings interim general manager

John McKay -  Los Angeles Rams assistant general manager

Terrance Gray - Buffalo Bills assistant general manager

Reed Burkhardt - Denver Broncos assistant general manager

Nolan Teasley - Seattle Seahawks assistant general manager

In February, I looked at the front office of the Seattle Seahawks. They’d had about a a dozen years of success. A Super Bowl win in 2013 and another in 2026. Those 13 years were the 13 years Nolan Teasley spent with the team. In February, I skipped past Teasley and circled VP of Player Personnel Trent Kirchner as my preferred Seahawk for the Vikings GM job. My reasoning of favoring Kirchner over Teasley was the 27 years the former had scouting in the league. When Teasley was a Vikings GM target rather than Kirchner, I dove further into Teasley’s career. I think the Vikings lucked out in running an unusual May GM search. If they’d waited until to the 2027 offseason, there would’ve been competition for Nolan Teasley. Now, they have him and the team’s future feels a whole lot brighter. 

At a Sports Management conference earlier this year, Nolan Teasley was asked what separates a good evaluator from a great general manager. His answer:

Being open minded and organized are the two things I’m gonna tell you. Because when I think about our process and how we make decisions on player acquisition- I don’t have enough hubris, I’m not arrogant enough to tell you I’m better at watching football than you are- but I do have a process and I think my superpower is the ability to take in information from a lot of different people that have different areas of expertise, then implement that and build a process off of that, that ultimately leads me to try and make sound decisions in a short period of time.“

The first time I saw that response, it gave me chills. The Daily Norseman posted it in their dive into Nolan Teasley and it gave me chills. The fact that he has a self-realized superpower is one thing. The fact the superpower involves collaboration and listening to the input of others shouldn’t be a startling thing. Media and fans want the name of one person that’s making all decisions. I have truly come to believe that people desire one person to blame when things go to shit. They accept collaboration when it results in wins and championships. They thrive on blaming one person when the wins don’t come. Throughout this offseason, Vikings interim general manger Rob Brzenzinski stressed collaboration and reaching a consensus. Many found it annoying. I believe that they found it annoying because a consensus eliminates their singular target. Anyway, the media and Vikings fans now have one to person to blame if the Vikings season, any Vikings season, goes off the rails. Here’s hoping that there’s no reason for finger-pointing. 

Over 66 years of franchise history, the Vikings had hired only two general managers that climbed through the football scouting ranks. The first was Jim Finks. He has a bust in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the Super Bowl teams he built in Minnesota. The second was Rick Spielman. 66 years of Vikings football and only 26 of them were guided by an individual with legit football team-building experience. Nolan Teasley is the third. It’s a damn shame the Vikings had spent so much time being guided by individuals that really had no business building an NFL team. It’s as much a reason as any for no Lomabardi Trophies being in that barren cabinet. That’s in the past. The now is a Vikings future guided by Nolan Teasley, Kevin O’Connell, and Brian Flores.