It’s not unusual by any stretch of the imagination, but the Minnesota Vikings’ roster will feature about three dozen newcomers in 2026, joining the club from free agency, the draft, and undrafted free agency.

Six free agents. Nine draft picks. Nineteen undrafted rookies.

The club has 90 players on the depth chart right now, a number that will be shaved to 53 in late August.

Minnesota’s Newcomers Stretch across Every Roster Lane

Get to know the newcomers.

From Free Agency (6)

Newcomers:
Johnny Hekker (P)
Jauan Jennings (WR)
Eric Johnson (DT)
Kyler Murray (QB)
James Pierre (CB)
Ryan Van Demark (OT)

Murray obviously takes the cake here; he’s a two-time Pro Bowler with a better career-long EPA+CPOE than Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence, and Daniel Jones, among others. He instantly makes the Vikings a playoff contender, showcasing no real weaknesses aside from his 5’10” height.

Jennings signed on Thursday night, a cake-topper of the offseason. He’s the new WR3, replacing Jalen Nailor, who bolted for the Las Vegas Raiders in March. The new punter, Hekker, was once the best in football 8-10 years ago; now, he’ll hope to stay off a rookie from the third section of this article.

Pierre is Minnesota’s new CB3, a replacement for Jeff Okudah, who hasn’t signed anywhere in 2026. Van Demark is offensive tackle insurance in case something happens to Christian Darrisaw or Brian O’Neill. Johnson, a defensive tackle, is a roster-bubble guy who may or may not make the 53-man depth chart in August.

From The Draft (9)

Newcomers:
Caleb Banks (DT) | Florida, Round 1
Jake Golday (LB) | Cincinnati, Round 2
Domonique Orange (DT) | Iowa State, Round 3
Caleb Tiernan (OT) | Northwestern, Round 3
Jakobe Thomas (S) | Miami, Round 3
Max Bredeson (TE) | Michigan, Round 5
Charles Demmings (CB) | Stephen F. Austin, Round 5
Demond Claiborne (RB) | Wake Forest, Round 6
Gavin Gerhardt (C) | Cincinnati, Round 7

Banks will define this class — no matter what. If he hits, to the tune of his All-Pro ceiling, the group can almost do no wrong. Golday arrives as an Andrew Van Ginkel-like defensive weapon, the first inside linebacker drafted by the Vikings in the first two rounds since Eric Kendricks in 2015.

Oragne is a nose tackle, and the Vikings haven’t had a pure version of one of those in eons. Tiernan is an offensive tackle, youth in the pipeline next to Darrisaw and O’Neill. Harrison Smith hasn’t resigned yet, and if he does not, Thomas will get a look as his replacement.

Bredeson is the new C.J. Ham; fans will love him. Demmings is a scrappy cornerback who could break out because Minnesota hasn’t drafted a corner with staying power since Xavier Rhodes — 13 years ago.

The new running back, Claiborne, will be something in the neighborhood of Nyheim Hines, Jerick McKinnon, or De’Von Achane, based on his size and play style. Gerhardt is a longshot bid for the Vikings’ center of the future.

From Undrafted Free Agency (19)

Newcomers:
Marcus Allen (CB) | North Carolina
Da’Veawn Armstead (CB) | North Texas
Dillon Bell (WR) | Georgia
Jordan Botelho (OLB) | Notre Dame
Tyreek Chappell (CB) | Texas A&M
Monkell Goodwine (DL) | South Carolina
Shaleak Knotts (WR) | Maryland
Keli Lawson (LB) | Central Florida
Tristan Leigh (OL) | Clemson
Delby Lemieux (OL) | Dartmouth
Kejon Owens (RB) | Florida International
Tomas Rimac (OL) | Virginia Tech
Marcus Sanders (WR) | Georgia Southern
Cam’Ron Stewart (OLB) | Temple
Jacob Thomas (S) | James Madison
Brett Thorson (P) | Georgia
Arden Walker (OLB) | Colorado
Scooby Williams (LB) | Texas A&M
Luke Wysong (WR) | Arizona

This list is obviously huge, and most of these men won’t latch on to the Vikings’ roster or anywhere in the NFL when it’s all said and done. Still, it’s important to note that wide receiver Dillon Bell could score a roster spot or practice squad invitation in late August.

Cam’Ron Stewart has some fans, and he’s 24, so he should be more game-ready than most. Jacob Thomas may be a dark horse of the practice squad. And most expect Brett Thorson to have an honest-to-goodness punter battle with Johnny Hekker this summer.

DawgNation‘s Connor Riley on Thorson, “Thorson won the Ray Guy Award as the nation’s top punter and now he’ll be playing in the NFL. Thorson was a four-year starter at the University of Georgia. Thorson was one of the best punters in the country throughout his entire career, consistently pinning teams back deep.”

“He did suffer a knee injury that required surgery in December of 2024. Thorson missed the first game of the 2025 season but returned to play in Georgia’s final 13 games in 2025. He was named a First Team All-American for his play last season.”

The Vikings have a rich recent history of empowering undrafted free agents. You can’t rule out players from the list without some summer diligence.

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

With OG Anunoby sidelined with a hamstring injury, Miles McBride got a second straight start for the New York Knicks on Sunday in a closeout game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

McBride made the most of the opportunity while leading the Knicks to a record effort from 3 in the first half.

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McBride hit all four of his first-quarter 3-point attempts as the Knicks sprinted out of the gates with an 11-of-13 effort as a team from long distance. By halftime, McBride was shooting 6 of 7 from 3. And the Knicks were 18 of 29 as a team.

Those words showed maturity but also the teenager’s high standards.

Corteen-Coleman perched herself next to England’s coaches on the balcony for much of her side’s chase. She believed her work for the day was done, but her most consequential moment was still to come.

Ten runs were still needed when she emerged as the last batter to join Dean.

Crucially, she helped Dean run twos and, with solid defence, bettered her previous high score of one not out in The Hundred to finish unbeaten on three and sealed the win.

“I am glad I looked calm because I definitely wasn’t,” she said.

“The main point for me was to keep it really simple.”

Corteen-Coleman did not, of course, complete the win alone.

Central was the role of Dean, who admitted to exposing her team-mate more than she intended by taking singles early in the over, but otherwise played the situation well.

Much has been made of Dean’s ability to hold her mettle in chases. There has been some success but failure too – notably in the Mankad ODI at Lord’s in 2022 and the second ODI of the Women’s Ashes last year.

This time, standing in as England captain for the first time, Dean dragged her side over the line.

If England’s training camp with the army last week was supposed to develop leaders, this was Dean’s Passing-Out Parade.

“I have worked on having that calmness and being ready in any situation but that mainly came from Deano,” added Corteen-Coleman.

“If I came out and she was panicking I would have been under the pump.”

Corteen-Coleman emerged with the words of coach Charlotte Edwards in her ears. She told her to back her strengths and keep a clear mind.

That was backed up by Dean in the middle.

“She came out with good clarity,” said Dean.

“I said, ‘Yorkers have been successful for them so they will probably look to get under your bat’.

“We decided getting forward was the best option.

“Tilly is really proactive with her thinking. She has a good cricket brain.”

The Minnesota Vikings are less than 12 weeks from training camp, when roster battles will take center stage. In the meantime, the rumor mill remains ablaze, and we chronicle the most important ones each weekend.

Minnesota’s latest rumor batch centers on quarterback depth, rookie patience, and a wide receiver idea that faded fast.

This week’s edition is scattered across the board in terms of positional importance.

The Wentz Update Leads a Practical May Rumor Batch

The Purple Rumor Mill for May 10th, 2026.

Rumor: Carson Wentz’s shoulder is healed, and he’s 100% ready to go.

Talking to KFRY-TV’s Luke Gamble on Tuesday, Wentz said he was all set for 2026: “Physically, I feel great. Shoulder’s more or less behind me now. It wasn’t fun by any means, but surgery went well, and rehab’s gone really well too. So for me, it’s behind me. I’m healthy, and I’ll be ready to roll.”

Wentz’s October shoulder injury made a May return seem realistic, and he is now back.

Should the Vikings need Wentz in 2026 — ideally, they won’t — he is healthy enough to step in. It’s the primary purpose of his deal. Minnesota doesn’t require him to threaten anyone’s job or spark a quarterback controversy; they need him prepared in case unforeseen circumstances affect the depth chart.

Following Wentz’s re-signing, some fans speculated he could displace J.J. McCarthy or lead to a trade. Such notions never really made sense, as there is ample room for all three quarterbacks on the current depth chart: Kyler Murray as QB1, McCarthy as QB2, and Wentz as QB3. McCarthy has not been traded, and Wentz was never re-signed to create such drama.

Overall, Vikings fans praised Wentz for his toughness. When he returned this offseason, the reaction was largely positive because his role was clear: a proven veteran securing the QB3 spot, remaining ready, and providing the Vikings with an additional layer of protection at quarterback. Can’t go wrong.

Rumor: Caleb Banks could be a dark horse to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.

ESPN’s Ben Solak sized up the Rookie of the Year stakes last week, and regarding Banks, he wrote: “No defensive tackle has won Rookie of the Year since Aaron Donald in 2014, and the only other tackle to do it this century was Ndamukong Suh. Banks is that sort of talent and an enticing bet accordingly. But he has a foot injury that’s impossible to overlook.”

“He also plays in a Brian Flores defense that doesn’t allow defensive tackles to play the sort of unhinged, penetration-oriented style that leads to sacks. Sure, the Vikings spent an early pick on Banks — but as head coach of the Dolphins in 2019, Flores used the No. 13 pick on Christian Wilkins, and he had two sacks as a rookie. It’s hard to see the path for Banks.”

Second-round linebacker Jake Golday also got some love: “Golday is an off-ball/on-ball tweener who will be stuck behind established starters at both positions: Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner at outside linebacker; Eric Wilson and Blake Cashman at inside linebacker.”

“He will undoubtedly have flashy plays in subpackages, but he simply will not see enough snaps — barring injury — to contend for this award.”

Rumor: Deebo Samuel might’ve made a lot of sense as the Vikings’ WR3.

Bleacher Report‘s Bradley Locker walked through the NFL’s top 1o free agents last week. On Samuel, he nominated the Vikings and wrote, “The Vikings put an emphasis on retooling their impressive defense in the draft, grabbing Caleb Banks, Jake Golday and Domonique Orange with their first three picks.”

“However, Minnesota could use more at receiver after losing Jalen Nailor to the Raiders. Samuel’s effectiveness has taken a step back over the last two campaigns, but he still finished 2025 with a 70.3 PFF receiving grade and 1.66 yards per route run.”

Minnesota later signed Samuel’s former teammate, Jauan Jennings.

Locker added, “Further, Samuel’s 6.5 yards after the catch per reception was fourth among wideouts with 95 or more targets. Next to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Samuel could help fill Nailor’s void in the slot while infusing more juice after the catch and overall creativity for Kevin O’Connell.”

Samuel would be in play for Minnesota if the Jennings contract didn’t come together. But now, the Vikings don’t need another popular wideout and cannot afford one. If any free agents are signed in the next couple of months, Minnesota might want an extra outside linebacker after Jonathan Greenard left the team via trade. Players like Jadeveon Clowney. Joey Bosa, and Leonary Floyd might make sense.

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

Roma fullback Devyne Rensch was on the scoresheet tonight as he helped lead the comeback against Parma to secure three crucial points at the Tardini.

After the match, Rensch discussed the importance of this victory.

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“What a crazy match, Parma is a good team, the most important thing was to win, a goal and the penalty make me even happier but I’m happy for the team. Now we’re focused on the derby.”

“Top 4? We’ve fought all season, we’ve always believed in it all together, we put a lot of effort into training even if it doesn’t show. We deserve it.”

The Minnesota Vikings have completed free agency and the draft this offseason, and regarding the roster right now, what you see is what you get. The club may make or move or two before it’s all said and done before Week 1, but the depth chart is full. Therefore, it’s time to peek at the most improved roster spots.

Minnesota’s offseason plan becomes clearer when ranking where the roster actually improved.

Truth be told, this exercise is pretty straightforward.

The Biggest Jump Starts at Quarterback and Defensive Tackle

Ranked from medium improvement to the most, here’s the list.

4. Wide Receiver

Notable Newcomer(s):
Jauan Jennings
Dillon Bell

Some might argue this should be higher, and the case for that contention would be sound.

On Thursday night, the Vikings signed Jennings, a transaction that gives Minnesota its best wide receiver trio since Randy Moss, Cris Carter, and Jake Reed. The purple team has employed other decent WR3s since — like Bernard Berrian, Jerome Simpson, K.J. Osborn, and Jalen Nailor — but none are quite like Jennings.

Jennings is a willing blocker and just what the doctor ordered for Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Had the Vikings not lost Nailor to free agency, this spot might’ve ranked at No. 2 on the list.

Bleacher Report‘s Adam Wells on Jennings: “Jennings isn’t a burner who runs past cornerbacks, so he will need to maintain that aggressive style of play that has not always endeared him to other players around the NFL.”

“The Vikings will be more than happy to have Jennings’ aggression, attitude and swagger on their offense as they look to put together a roster capable of competing for a playoff spot in 2026.”

3. Offensive Tackle

Notable Newcomer(s):
Caleb Tiernan
Ryan Van Demark

Perhaps planning for the future or strictly picking “the best player available,” Minnesota added Northwestern’s Tiernan in Round 3 of last month’s draft. Of course, the club has Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill ready for LT and RT duty, but Tiernan inserts youth into the pipeline.

Van Demark has played 43 games in his career and can be considered this year’s Justin Skule or David Quessenberry.

Here’s the Pro Football Focus skinny on Van Demark:

• 2025: 74.4 (312 snaps)
• 2024: 53.3 (199 snaps)
• 2023: 60.2 (47 snaps)

The pass-blocking:

• 2025: 65.6
• 2024: 51.8
• 2023: 27.2

The run-blocking:

• 2025: 74.9
• 2024: 51.4
• 2023: 64.4

In the last few years, the Vikings lean on one veteran OT as a contingency plan. Now, they have two.

2. Defensive Tackle

Notable Newcomer(s):
Caleb Banks
Domonique Orange

Out with the elderly, in with the babies — was the Vikings’ mantra at defensive tackle this offseason.

The club released Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, who landed with the Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers, respectively. In March, fans wondered if Minnesota would roll with Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. The answer? An emphatic hell no.

Minnesota spent two of its first three picks on interior defensive linemen in the draft. Banks is the almighty gamble, coming off a foot injury, and most think big humans with bad feet isn’t a straightforward outcome. Still, if Banks’s foot heals and stays 100%, he has an All-Pro upside.

The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis noted this week on Banks’s foot injury: “Minnesota isn’t planning to rush Banks back from the most recent procedure on his fractured fourth metatarsal. The team also believes its top player health and performance staffers, Tyler Williams and Matt Duhamel, are at the forefront of recovery around the NFL.”

“Also important in the Banks discussion is the coaching component of his development when he does return from injury. All young players need different coaching personalities to maximize their skill set. Banks is different, according to Florida defensive-line coach Gerald Chatman, in that he responds to intense challenge and urgency.”

On Orange, he’s a nose tackle, and players from that position are just easier to scout for some reason or another. For the trajectory of the long-term roster, Banks and Orange instead of Allen and Hargrave is seismic.

1. Quarterback

Notable Newcomer(s):
Kyler Murray

You don’t have to be the almighty Murray stan to appreciate the Vikings’ value during his onboarding. Minnesota paid $1.3 million for Murray; the Arizona Cardinals are paying Murray to play for the Vikings. That is not spin. That is the truth.

Over the course of a 17-game season in his career, Murray averaged these numbers:

• 3,997 Passing Yards
• 30 Total Touchdowns
• 11 Interceptions
• 67.1% Completion Rate
• 623 Rushing Yards

Last year, J.J. McCarthy produced 11 passing touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His team still finished 9-8.

Murray at $1.3 million might be the best value in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.

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