Minnesota Vikings Sign 13 Players To Futures Contracts

Whether it comes in not making the playoffs or losing in the playoffs, there’s often a feeling of disbelief when a season comes to a disappointing end. For me, the end of a Minnesota Vikings doesn’t start to feel real until they start signing players to reserve/futures contracts. They did that yesterday. 

The Vikings signed 13 players to reserve/futures contracts. 11 of the 13 players were on the Vikings practice squad during the season.

Brett Rypien, QB

Zavier Scott, RB

Lucky Jackson, WR

Thayer Thomas, WR

Henry Byrd, G

Marcellus Johnson, OT

Leroy Watson, OT

Jonathan Harris, DL

Travis Bell, DL

Max Tooley, LB

Gabriel Murphy, OLB

Gabriel Murphy is the key signing here. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent last spring, he was a standout in training camp. He was playing so well that it was forcing good, but tough, roster discussions. Unfortunately, an injury put Murphy on injured reserve for most of the season. That put those tough roster decisions off for a later date. Upon his return for the last quarter of the season, he was an occasional game day activation and saw some playing time. He’s a promising football player and it’s a good thing that his return for another season is secure. 

The Vikings looked to the rosters of other teams for two of the 13 reserve/futures signings. 

Kahlef Hailassie, CB

Reddy Steward, CB

Kahlef Hailassie spent the past two seasons with the Cleveland Browns. He may have caught the attention of Vikings decision-makers when the team scrimmaged with the Browns during training camp. Undrafted last spring, Reddy Steward spent his rookie season with the Chicago Bears. He played in one game. 

Reserve/futures contracts are contracts that secure players in the moment but are more for the future. In the case of the 13 players signed yesterday by the Vikings, the contracts are for the 2025 season. For now, they are secure on a Vikings reserve list and can’t negotiate with other teams. The only limit to the number of players signed to reserve/futures contracts is the 90-man roster limit of the following season. For the players, it takes away the potential uncertainty of free agency. For the teams, it’s a mechanism to fill out the bottom of the roster. While the players involved usually have a long road to NFL stardom, gems can be found. Gabriel Murphy might be one of those.