The Minnesota Vikings will shave their roster from 90 players to 53 in two months and reveal a depth chart for 2026 around the same time. So, it’s time to contemplate some players who could shock the world and beat the odds, sneaking into the starting lineup.

Of course, the following three men are long shots for starter’s duty in 2026, but they cannot be ruled out.

Possible Vikings Starters You’re Not Thinking About

1. Gavin Gerhardt | C

After the draft, the Vikings claimed that they had zeroed in on Gerhardt as “their guy” at center all along during the build-up to the event. That must be true because Rob Brzezinski and Kevin O’Connell turned down four opportunities to draft Jake Slaughter, Logan Jones, Sam Hecht, and Connor Lews — the “Big Four” from the class.

The Vikings, in need of a new center after Ryan Kelly’s retirement, also opted against pursuing high-profile free agents at the position. Instead, they are entrusting the starting role to Blake Brandel, whose impressive performance as a fill-in last season convinced coaches he earned the first opportunity.

The decision, in theory, could create an opening for Gerhardt.

Given that 7th-Round picks rarely become starters, training camp will reveal whether Gerhardt is a legitimate contender or simply another late-round hopeful who doesn’t secure a spot.

There’s a chance, though slim, that Gerhardt balls out as a natural center, dethroning Brandel, who is a little good at a lot of OL positions. Sometimes, mid- and late-round interior offensive linemen are easier to identify and scout than other positions.

2. James Pierre | CB

Based on his 2025 numbers — an absolutely phenomenal 86.8 Pro Football Focus grade — Pierre should start as one of the Vikings’ main two cornerbacks, ousting Isaiah Rodgers from his spot. But the way that the depth chart is currently set up, Pierre profiles more as the CB3.

Rodgers authored a fantastic game in 2025 — the win over the Cincinnati Bengals when Rodgers turned in one of the best individual performances in Vikings and NFL history — and generally played well during Year No. 1 with the Vikings.

It’s just that Pierre was better in Pittsburgh in a slightly smaller sample.

This one would be a huge upset, but before 2025, no one knew if Rodgers would pan out in Minnesota. He has and deserves to start. Pierre, though, might be too good to bench.

If Pierre wins the job over Rodgers, it will be because he’s flat-out a better cover corner.

Zone Coverage‘s Trevor Ripley noted on Pierre last week, “Pierre likely projects as that CB3, with some opportunity to also affect the game on special teams. His age, plus a track record of only half a season of elite production, bode poorly for a significant workload increase. Something like 400 snaps or so, similar to last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is probably a good starting point for Pierre, who could rotate in and out with rookie linebacker Jake Golday as that 11th defender.”

“Still, Pierre will be a valuable addition, even in a modest role, compared to what the Vikings threw out at cornerback last season. He’s shown he has the capabilities, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see Isaiah Rodgers lose some footing to Pierre at some point.”

3. Jakobe Thomas | S

Remember the Jonathan Greenard trade on the second night of the draft? The Vikings used the first pick from that transaction to select Thomas, a brand new safety.

If Harrison Smith does not return — that verdict is up in the air — the safety room has question marks, leaving fans to wonder who might start on Sundays: Josh Metellus, Jay Ward, Theo Jackson, or Jakobe Jackson. It’s been a while since a rookie defensive back barnstormed the summer to start in September, so much so that one could argue it’s overdue.

Thomas starting will be moot if Smith returns, but there remains a chance if Smith retires or simply never returns. The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler on Thomas: “Thomas is a passionate competitor, which can lead to missteps but will also put him in position to play fast and make plays. He has the floor of a special-teamer and the potential to earn a starting role.”

And on his skill set: “Adequate frame for the position with room to add more bulk. Fast and physical attacking gaps in the run game. Runs the alley with conviction and fearless throwing his body around. Sticks his hat into the midsection of his target and drives through. Understands spacing in zone looks where he can track the quarterback’s eyes. Finished interceptions he got his hands on. Miami liked to blitz the safeties, and Thomas flourished in this area.”

No matter what, Thomas will get playing sooner rather than later.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker