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Sports

Vikings Sign Pair of New Players

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DT Jahvaree Ritzie in 2025 with the Patriots
Jul 23, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Jahvaree Ritzie (93) walks to the practice field for training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings hired a new general manager, Nolan Teasley, earlier this month, and it didn’t take long for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s replacement to tweak the roster. Teasley onboarded a new tight and defensive tackle, with about six weeks to go before the start of training camp.

NBC Sports‘ Josh Alper wrote Tuesday, “The Vikings did some roster shuffling on Tuesday. They announced that they have signed tight end Marshall Lang and defensive lineman Jahvaree Ritzie.”

“The two players are joining the team at the end of the offseason program and will have more work to look forward to at this summer’s training camp. The Vikings waived offensive tackle Caleb Etienne and defensive lineman Monkell Goodwine in corresponding moves.”

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Here’s what to know about those additions.

Vikings Add More Size to Both Sides of the Ball

Marshall Lang is tackled by Kristian Welch during a preseason game between the Seahawks and Packers at Lambeau Field.
Seattle Seahawks tight end Marshall Lang is brought down by Green Bay Packers linebacker Kristian Welch during second-half preseason action at Lambeau Field. The play occurred on Aug. 23, 2025, in Green Bay as Lang continued his push for a roster spot while showcasing his versatility and toughness against an NFC opponent in exhibition competition. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

Marshall Lang (TE)

Lang is a big tight end who will firmly fit on the roster bubble. He spent five seasons at Northwestern, gradually increasing his involvement after a quiet freshman year. From 2022 to 2024, he developed into a reliable receiving option, concluding his college career with 48 catches, 491 yards, and 4 touchdowns. While these statistics aren’t utterly spectacular, they were sufficient to attract NFL interest. He was also a teammate of new Vikings offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan at Northwestern.

His physical attributes are also a plus. Lang stands 6’4″, weighs approximately 250 pounds, and possesses solid athletic test results. His size is adequate for a backup tight end role. Following the 2025 NFL Draft, Seattle initially signed him, then cut him in August, re-signed him, and cut him again. New England also cycled him through their practice squad, eventually signing him to a futures deal before releasing him in April 2026.

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His career path thus far has been typical for an undrafted tight end: bouncing between practice squads and aspiring to some long-term staying power, without securing a permanent NFL roster spot. The Vikings are likely evaluating him as a low-risk option, considering his size and blocking potential. That’s what June free-agent signings are for.

Lang has never taken an NFL snap in the regular season.

Jahvaree Ritzie (DT)

Ritzie, a developmental defensive lineman, brings enough collegiate production to add a bit of intrigue to the Vikings’ summer roster.

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He played four seasons at North Carolina, appearing in 51 games and evolving from a rotational player into a significant contributor on the front seven. His senior season was particularly impressive: 40 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, an interception, 2 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles.

Jahvaree Ritzie chases Tommy DeVito during a preseason game between the Patriots and Giants at MetLife Stadium.
New England Patriots defensive tackle Jahvaree Ritzie pursues New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito during third-quarter preseason action at MetLife Stadium. The defensive lineman applied pressure on Aug. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford as he continued competing for opportunities along New England’s defensive front during the final stages of preseason evaluation. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images

Undrafted in 2025, Ritzie initially signed with the Patriots, landed on their practice squad, and was released in early September. Pittsburgh later signed him to a futures contract in January but waived him in May.

Ritzie obviously isn’t a can’t-miss superstar. His journey reflects the typical NFL grind for players on the roster bubble: possessing good size and some college highlights, experiencing short tours with teams, and continuously searching for the right fit. For Minnesota, his appeal is apparent. Ritzie offers power and sufficient pass-rush production to warrant a closer look. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores can always utilize another big player capable of disrupting opposing offenses. Flores did the same thing in recent months by signing Isaiahh Loudermilk, Eric Johnson, Smith Vilbert.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein noted on Ritize before the 2025 NFL Draft, “Ritzie put together solid production in his first season as a full-time starter. He plays with adequate early hands and good base width to take on blocks but sets shallow anchors against add-on blockers that prevent him from effectively defending his turf.”

“Ritzie isn’t quick enough or explosive enough for me to project disruption from him in either phase. He might be fighting for a back-end roster spot in camp.”

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Like Lang, Ritzie does not have regular season experience.

The Updated TE Room

The Vikings have a full house at tight end, which is why Lang must stand off the page at training camp and in the preseason to have a shot at the active roster. Here’s the pecking order in mid-June:

  • T.J. Hockenson
  • Josh Oliver
  • Ben Yurosek
  • Gavin Bartholomew
  • Bryson Nesbit
  • Marshall Lang

Lang will basically have to outperform Yurosek or Bartholomew in the coming months, a task most wouldn’t consider insurmountable. Minnesota, too, could keep four tight ends on the 53-man roster, strengthening Lang’s case for the first regular season action of his young career.

Marshall Lang celebrates a touchdown during Northwestern's game against Duke at Wallace Wade Stadium.
Northwestern Wildcats tight end Marshall Lang celebrates after scoring a touchdown during third-quarter action against Duke at Wallace Wade Stadium. The moment unfolded on Sep. 18, 2021, in Durham as Lang helped provide an offensive spark for Northwestern and added one of the early scoring highlights of his collegiate career. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports

The former Seahawk could be a prime candidate for the practice squad.

The DTs

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Minnesota has been on a heater in adding new interior defensive linemen since April. The club cut ties with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in March, but that was just the beginning. Here’s the group at the moment:

  • Jalen Redmond
  • Caleb Banks
  • Domonique Orange
  • Levi Drake Rodriguez
  • Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
  • Isaiahh Loudermilk
  • Eric Johnson
  • Smith Vilbert
  • Taki Taimani
  • Elijah Williams
  • Jahvaree Ritzie

Ritize faces an extremely long shot to make the active roster, mainly because Redmond, Banks, Orange, Rodriguez, and Ingram-Dawkins seem uncuttable. However, like Lang, a practice squad assignment is within reach.

Lang will turn 25 in October, and Ritzie celebrated his 23rd birthday in January.


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

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Sports

4 Superstars Who Could Be A Part Of Roman Reigns’ Bloodline 2.0

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Roman Reigns is on a quest to regain dominance in WWE with The Bloodline. The OTC is at the top of Monday Night RAW as the World Heavyweight Champion and wants Jey Uso to bring the Undisputed WWE Championship to the faction as well. Jacob Fatu has also joined the stable after losing the Tribal Combat to Reigns at Clash in Italy.

The YEET Master has qualified for the semifinals of the King of the Ring Tournament and will face Je’Von Evans on this week’s SmackDown to potentially secure a spot in the final against Oba Femi at Night of Champions.

That said, if Jey fails to win the tournament, it might affect his standing in The Bloodline. The OTC may not be pleased with The YEET Master if he comes back empty-handed. Reigns has taken a different approach with The Bloodline this time around, treating everyone as equals. However, failure may still have consequences for the members.

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Reigns might even kick Jey Uso out of the faction if he doesn’t win the KOTR. Jimmy could choose his twin brother’s side and leave the group as well. This could then lead to the OTC forming a new version of The Bloodline.

If that happens, here are four stars Roman Reigns could be part of his Bloodline 2.0.


#4. Jacob Fatu

Jacob Fatu would likely remain a part of The Bloodline even if Roman Reigns decides to rebuild the faction. The Samoan Werewolf officially joined the group after losing Tribal Combat to Reigns at Clash in Italy. Since then, he has fully devoted himself to the OTC and has shown no signs of going against him.

That loyalty could be important if Jey and Jimmy Uso leave the faction. Moreover, Fatu gives Reigns something that very few superstars can. He is one of the most dangerous competitors on the roster and can completely change the outcome of a match or feud on his own.

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Roman knows that. If The Bloodline were to enter a new chapter, it would make sense for Reigns to keep Fatu by his side. The OTC has a powerful enforcer at his disposal, and there is little reason to let him go.


#3. Solo Sikoa

Solo Sikoa could still find his way back into The Bloodline. On last week’s SmackDown, Roman Reigns sent Jacob Fatu to invite Solo back into the faction. However, the former Tribal Chief rejected the offer and made it clear that he was not interested.

However, that may not be the end of the story. If Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso leave the group, Reigns could find himself needing more allies. In that situation, bringing Solo back into the fold would make a lot of sense.

Moreover, there is already history between the two men. Solo was one of Roman Reigns’ most trusted allies during the original Bloodline run and played a major role in the faction’s success. While their relationship eventually broke down, the foundation is still there.

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A rebuilt Bloodline could therefore give both of them a reason to put their differences aside. Solo has already shown that he is capable of operating within the faction, and Reigns clearly still sees value in him. If Bloodline 2.0 becomes a reality, Solo could end up being one of its most important members.


#2. Talla Tonga

Talla Tonga could also become part of a new version of The Bloodline. The giant star does not have much history with Roman Reigns. However, he has been closely aligned with Solo Sikoa and has shown loyalty to him.

That could be important. If Solo eventually agrees to rejoin The Bloodline, there is a good chance Talla will follow him. After all, he has consistently backed Sikoa and could view joining the faction as the best move for both of them.

Moreover, Talla would give the group something it currently lacks. His size alone makes him a valuable asset. Few superstars on the roster can match his physical presence, and he could quickly establish himself as one of the faction’s most intimidating members.

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#1. Roman Reigns could bring Zilla Fatu into The Bloodline 2.0

Zilla Fatu could be a long-term addition to Bloodline 2.0. Recent reports have suggested that the company is interested in signing him, and he was recently spotted training at the WWE Performance Center.

That has naturally led to speculation about a possible role in The Bloodline storyline. If Roman Reigns ends up rebuilding the faction, Zilla could be an option. Unlike some of the other names on this list, he would bring something new to the group.

Moreover, he is still young and has plenty of potential. Adding Zilla would allow Roman Reigns to bring in someone who could develop alongside the faction and potentially become an important member in the future.