Roster Exchange · 2026 season
Minnesota Vikings Transactions and Signings
Last updated:
Minnesota’s roster has continued to move during the final days before the 2026 season. Harrison Smith has returned for a 15th year, Jihad Ward has joined the practice squad and the Vikings have added experienced defensive depth around Brian Flores’ unit.
Movement board
Four newest moves| Date | Movement | Player | Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEP 09 | ARRIVED | JIHAD WARD | Practice squad |
| SEP 08 | ARRIVED | HARRISON SMITH | Active roster |
| SEP 08 | RESERVE | BEN YUROSEK | Injured reserve |
| SEP 08 | DEPARTED | KAHLEF HAILASSIE | Practice squad |
Every confirmed Minnesota Vikings trade, signing, waiver claim, roster cut and contract decision is recorded below. Active-roster moves are separated from practice-squad transactions so it is always clear where each player stands.
Section 01
Latest Minnesota Vikings Transactions
Every confirmed Minnesota Vikings trade, signing, waiver claim, roster cut and contract decision is recorded below. Active-roster moves are separated from practice-squad transactions so it is always clear where each player stands.
Showing all 27 transactions
| Date | Transaction | Player | What happened | Roster | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Signed | Jihad WardOLB | Minnesota signed the outside linebacker to the practice squad. | Practice squad | |
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Background Ward previously played for Minnesota in 2024. He appeared in all 17 games, made two starts and recorded 14 quarterback hits. He spent the following season with Tennessee, where he produced five sacks and 22 quarterback hits in 12 starts. His previous work in Brian Flores’ defense should make him a practical option for a game-day elevation when extra front-seven depth is needed. Signed. The player has agreed to an NFL contract. The transaction entry should identify whether he joined the active roster or the practice squad. Record
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| 2026 | Signed | Harrison SmithS | The safety returned to the active roster after being released in March. | Active roster | |
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Background The Vikings agreed to bring Smith back on September 5 and officially added him to the active roster three days later. Smith is entering his 15th NFL season, all with Minnesota. His familiarity with Brian Flores’ defense allows him to return without the normal adjustment period required by a late signing. Signed. The player has agreed to an NFL contract. The transaction entry should identify whether he joined the active roster or the practice squad. Record
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| 2026 | Placed on injured reserve | Ben YurosekTE | Minnesota moved the tight end to injured reserve. | Reserve list | |
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Background Minnesota created Harrison Smith’s place on the 53-man roster by moving Yurosek to injured reserve. Reserve/Injured. The player is placed on injured reserve and no longer occupies a place on the active roster. His eligibility to return depends on the date and designation attached to the move. Record
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| 2026 | Released | Kahlef HailassieS | The safety was released from the practice squad. | Practice squad | |
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Background Hailassie was released from the practice squad as part of the September 8 changes. Minnesota confirmed the Smith signing, the Yurosek injured-reserve move and this release together. Released. A veteran is removed from the roster and normally becomes a free agent immediately. Record
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| 2026 | Signed | Kyle Van NoyOLB | The veteran outside linebacker joined the practice squad. | Practice squad | |
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Background Van Noy brings a long history with Brian Flores. They worked together in New England and Miami before reuniting in Minnesota. The veteran spent the previous three seasons in Baltimore, starting 29 regular-season games and recording 23.5 sacks over that period. Signed. The player has agreed to an NFL contract. The transaction entry should identify whether he joined the active roster or the practice squad. Record
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| 2026 | Signed | DeeJay DallasRB | The running back joined the practice squad as backfield and return depth. | Practice squad | |
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Background Dallas entered the NFL with Seattle in 2020 and is reunited with Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley. Through 84 career games, he has recorded 538 rushing yards, 407 receiving yards and six offensive touchdowns. He has also returned 89 kickoffs, including one for a touchdown. His arrival gives Minnesota another experienced option behind the active running backs. Signed. The player has agreed to an NFL contract. The transaction entry should identify whether he joined the active roster or the practice squad. Record
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| 2026 | Signed | Max BrosmerQB | The quarterback returned to the organisation on the practice squad. | Practice squad | |
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Background Brosmer was waived on August 31 to create room for two claimed offensive linemen. He cleared waivers and returned to the organization through the practice squad two days later. Signed. The player has agreed to an NFL contract. The transaction entry should identify whether he joined the active roster or the practice squad. Record
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| 2026 | Signed | Dillon BellWR | The receiver returned to the organisation on the practice squad. | Practice squad | |
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Background Bell was waived on August 31 to create room for two claimed offensive linemen. He cleared waivers and returned to the organization through the practice squad two days later. Signed. The player has agreed to an NFL contract. The transaction entry should identify whether he joined the active roster or the practice squad. Record
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| 2026 | Released | Cam’Ron StewartOLB | The outside linebacker was released from the practice squad. | Practice squad | |
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Background No detail beyond the dated record above has been published on this page. Released. A veteran is removed from the roster and normally becomes a free agent immediately. Record
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| 2026 | Released | Gavin GerhardtC | The center was released from the practice squad. | Practice squad | |
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Background No detail beyond the dated record above has been published on this page. Released. A veteran is removed from the roster and normally becomes a free agent immediately. Record
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| 2026 | Released | Tristan LeighOL | The offensive lineman was released from the practice squad. | Practice squad | |
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Background No detail beyond the dated record above has been published on this page. Released. A veteran is removed from the roster and normally becomes a free agent immediately. Record
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| 2026 | Released | Joshua GrayG | The guard was released from the practice squad. | Practice squad | |
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Background No detail beyond the dated record above has been published on this page. Released. A veteran is removed from the roster and normally becomes a free agent immediately. Record
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| 2026 | Signed | Cam GrandyTE | The tight end was signed to the practice squad. | Practice squad | |
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Background No detail beyond the dated record above has been published on this page. Signed. The player has agreed to an NFL contract. The transaction entry should identify whether he joined the active roster or the practice squad. Record
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| 2026 | Signed | Naquan JonesDL | The defensive lineman was signed to the practice squad. | Practice squad | |
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Background No detail beyond the dated record above has been published on this page. Signed. The player has agreed to an NFL contract. The transaction entry should identify whether he joined the active roster or the practice squad. Record
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| 2026 | Released | Marshall LangTE | The tight end was released from the practice squad. | Practice squad | |
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Background No detail beyond the dated record above has been published on this page. Released. A veteran is removed from the roster and normally becomes a free agent immediately. Record
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| 2026 | Claimed off waivers | Trevor KeeganG | Minnesota claimed the guard off waivers and added him to the active roster. | Active roster | |
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Background Keegan was originally drafted by Philadelphia in the fifth round in 2024. He played at Michigan with J.J. McCarthy and was a captain on the Wolverines’ national championship team. He later spent time with Dallas before becoming available during final cuts. Claimed off waivers. Minnesota assumes the player’s existing contract after submitting a successful waiver claim. Record
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| 2026 | Claimed off waivers | Nick SamacC | Minnesota claimed the center off waivers and added him to the active roster. | Active roster | |
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Background Samac entered the league as Baltimore’s seventh-round selection in 2024. He subsequently joined Carolina and appeared in 11 games during the 2025 season, primarily on special teams. Claimed off waivers. Minnesota assumes the player’s existing contract after submitting a successful waiver claim. Record
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| 2026 | Waived | Max BrosmerQB | The quarterback was waived to create room for two claimed offensive linemen. | Later joined practice squad | |
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Background Minnesota waived Brosmer and receiver Dillon Bell to create room for guard Trevor Keegan and center Nick Samac. Both cleared waivers and returned to the organization through the practice squad two days later. Waived. A player with fewer than four accrued NFL seasons is made available to every other team through the waiver system. Record
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| 2026 | Waived | Dillon BellWR | The receiver was waived to create room for two claimed offensive linemen. | Later joined practice squad | |
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Background Minnesota waived Bell and quarterback Max Brosmer to create room for guard Trevor Keegan and center Nick Samac. Both cleared waivers and returned to the organization through the practice squad two days later. Waived. A player with fewer than four accrued NFL seasons is made available to every other team through the waiver system. Record
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| 2026 | Traded to New England | Walter RouseT | The offensive lineman was traded to the New England Patriots. | Departed | |
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Background The Vikings sent Rouse and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick to the New England Patriots. Minnesota received a 2027 sixth-round pick in return. Rouse was selected by Minnesota in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He began as a tackle but worked primarily at guard during the 2026 preseason. He appeared in one game as a rookie and seven games during the 2025 season. Trade. The full return is set out in the exchange document below. Record
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| 2026 | Contract terminated | Johnny HekkerP | The punter’s contract was terminated. | Departed | |
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Background Hekker signed with Minnesota on March 17 and his contract was later terminated. Contract terminated. The player is removed from the roster. This wording is commonly used for vested veterans who are not subject to the standard waiver process at that point of the league year. Record
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| 2026 | Contract terminated | Tavierre ThomasS | The safety’s contract was terminated and he later joined the practice squad. | Later joined practice squad | |
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Background Thomas signed with Minnesota on March 11 and was later released from the active roster. Contract terminated. The player is removed from the roster. This wording is commonly used for vested veterans who are not subject to the standard waiver process at that point of the league year. Record
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| 2026 | Contract terminated | Isaiahh LoudermilkDL | The defensive lineman’s contract was terminated. | Departed | |
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Background No detail beyond the dated record above has been published on this page. Contract terminated. The player is removed from the roster. This wording is commonly used for vested veterans who are not subject to the standard waiver process at that point of the league year. Record
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| 2026 | Contract terminated | Jonathan HarrisDL | The defensive lineman’s contract was terminated. | Departed | |
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Background No detail beyond the dated record above has been published on this page. Contract terminated. The player is removed from the roster. This wording is commonly used for vested veterans who are not subject to the standard waiver process at that point of the league year. Record
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| 2026 | Placed on injured reserve | Michael JurgensC | The center was placed on injured reserve. | Reserve list | |
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Background No detail beyond the dated record above has been published on this page. Reserve/Injured. The player is placed on injured reserve and no longer occupies a place on the active roster. His eligibility to return depends on the date and designation attached to the move. Record
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| 2026 | Placed on injured reserve | Tyler BattyOLB | The outside linebacker was placed on injured reserve. | Reserve list | |
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Background No detail beyond the dated record above has been published on this page. Reserve/Injured. The player is placed on injured reserve and no longer occupies a place on the active roster. His eligibility to return depends on the date and designation attached to the move. Record
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| 2026 | Placed on reserve/suspended | Jeshaun JonesWR | The receiver was placed on the reserve/suspended list. | Reserve list | |
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Background No detail beyond the dated record above has been published on this page. Reserve/suspended. Minnesota’s record lists the player on the reserve list rather than the active roster. Record
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No transactions match that filter.
Signed or claimed Traded Waived or released Reserve list Practice squad Contract extension
The status square repeats the transaction word next to it, so the colour is never the only signal. The complete dated record is maintained by the Minnesota Vikings transaction department.
Section 02 · Arrivals
Harrison Smith Returns to Minnesota
Harrison Smith was released in March, but the separation did not become permanent. The Vikings agreed to bring the safety back on September 5 and officially added him to the active roster three days later.
Smith is entering his 15th NFL season, all with Minnesota. His familiarity with Brian Flores’ defense allows him to return without the normal adjustment period required by a late signing.
Minnesota created his place on the 53-man roster by moving tight end Ben Yurosek to injured reserve. Safety Kahlef Hailassie was also released from the practice squad as part of the September 8 changes. Minnesota confirmed all three moves together.
Smith’s return gives the secondary an experienced communicator alongside a younger safety group. It also reverses one of the Vikings’ most notable offseason departures only five days before the opener against Green Bay.
Minnesota Adds Two Familiar Defenders
The Vikings continued adding defensive experience by signing outside linebackers Jihad Ward and Kyle Van Noy to the practice squad.
Ward previously played for Minnesota in 2024. He appeared in all 17 games, made two starts and recorded 14 quarterback hits. He spent the following season with Tennessee, where he produced five sacks and 22 quarterback hits in 12 starts. His previous work in Flores’ defense should make him a practical option for a game-day elevation when extra front-seven depth is needed. Ward signed on September 9.
Van Noy brings an even longer history with Flores. They worked together in New England and Miami before reuniting in Minnesota. The veteran spent the previous three seasons in Baltimore, starting 29 regular-season games and recording 23.5 sacks over that period.
Practice-squad status does not automatically place Ward or Van Noy on the weekly active roster. Minnesota can elevate practice-squad players for selected games under NFL roster rules without immediately signing them to the permanent 53-man group.
DeeJay Dallas Adds Backfield and Return Depth
Running back DeeJay Dallas joined the practice squad on September 2. He offers experience as a runner, receiver and kickoff returner.
Dallas entered the NFL with Seattle in 2020 and is reunited with Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley. Through 84 career games, he has recorded 538 rushing yards, 407 receiving yards and six offensive touchdowns. He has also returned 89 kickoffs, including one for a touchdown.
His arrival gives Minnesota another experienced option behind the active running backs. His return ability could also become valuable if injuries or performance changes create an opening on special teams. Minnesota announced Dallas alongside Van Noy, Brosmer and Bell.
Where each arrival sits on the field is tracked on the team roster and the depth chart.
Section 03 · Departures
Players Who Left the Active Roster
These entries are drawn from the ledger above. Each one is a player whose Minnesota record now reads Departed, meaning he was traded or removed from the roster rather than moved to the practice squad or the reserve list.
- Walter Rouse TTraded to New England
- Johnny Hekker PContract terminated
- Isaiahh Loudermilk DLContract terminated
- Jonathan Harris DLContract terminated
Safety Tavierre Thomas also had his contract terminated on August 30 but later joined the practice squad, so he is not listed as departed. Practice-squad releases are recorded in the ledger above under Released.
Section 04 · Trades
Minnesota Vikings Trade Walter Rouse to New England
Minnesota’s most recent confirmed player trade was completed on August 30.
The Vikings sent offensive lineman Walter Rouse and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick to the New England Patriots. Minnesota received a 2027 sixth-round pick in return.
Minnesota Vikings
Sending club
Minnesota received
New England received
New England Patriots
Receiving club
Completed August 30, 2026. Two assets moved to New England, one returned to Minnesota.
Rouse was selected by Minnesota in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He began as a tackle but worked primarily at guard during the 2026 preseason. He appeared in one game as a rookie and seven games during the 2025 season.
The deal moved Minnesota up one round in the 2027 draft while opening another roster position during final cuts. The Vikings announced the complete trade return. Both picks land in the draft class that follows Minnesota's 2026 group.
Section 05 · Waivers
Waiver Claims Strengthen the Offensive Line
One day after the Rouse trade, Minnesota claimed guard Trevor Keegan and center Nick Samac off waivers.
Keegan was originally drafted by Philadelphia in the fifth round in 2024. He played at Michigan with J.J. McCarthy and was a captain on the Wolverines’ national championship team. He later spent time with Dallas before becoming available during final cuts.
Samac entered the league as Baltimore’s seventh-round selection in 2024. He subsequently joined Carolina and appeared in 11 games during the 2025 season, primarily on special teams.
Minnesota waived quarterback Max Brosmer and receiver Dillon Bell to create room for the two offensive linemen. Both cleared waivers and returned to the organization through the practice squad two days later. The waiver claims were confirmed on August 31.
Section 06 · Contracts
Main 2026 Minnesota Vikings Free Agent Signings
Minnesota’s roster changes began long before the final week of preseason. The club added players at quarterback, receiver, linebacker, defensive back and along the offensive line.
| Player | Position | Transaction date | Contract status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Wilson | LB | March 9 | Multi-year agreement |
| James Pierre | CB | March 9 | Signed |
| Tavierre Thomas | S | March 11 | Signed, later released from active roster |
| Kyler Murray | QB | March 12 | One-year contract |
| Johnny Hekker | P | March 17 | Signed, contract later terminated |
| Carson Wentz | QB | March 19 | One-year contract |
| Ryan Van Demark | T | March 20 | Signed |
| Eric Johnson II | DL | April 29 | Signed, released in August |
| Jauan Jennings | WR | May 7 | One-year contract |
| Harrison Smith | S | September 8 | Signed after March release |
Kyler Murray
The Vikings signed Kyler Murray on March 12. The former first overall pick later won the starting quarterback job and will open the season ahead of Carson Wentz and J.J. McCarthy.
Murray carries a reported 2026 cap charge of approximately $1.3 million, making the move inexpensive relative to the normal cost of an established starting quarterback.
Carson Wentz
Carson Wentz agreed to return on March 19. He has since been named Murray’s backup for Week 1, while McCarthy begins the season third on the quarterback depth chart.
The arrangement has been described as a week-to-week decision, which leaves room for the order behind Murray to change during the season. Minnesota’s current quarterback order was confirmed on September 9. The full group is listed on the quarterbacks page.
Jauan Jennings
Jauan Jennings joined Minnesota after five seasons with San Francisco. His one-year agreement carries a reported base value of $8 million and can reach $13 million through incentives.
Jennings gives the Vikings a physical receiving option alongside Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. He caught 210 passes for 2,581 yards and 22 touchdowns during his San Francisco career. Minnesota announced the agreement on May 7, while Reuters reported the financial terms.
Eric Wilson
The Vikings retained linebacker Eric Wilson on a multi-year agreement. His new deal is reported at three years and up to $22.5 million, with $13.78 million guaranteed.
Wilson’s 2026 cap charge is approximately $4.08 million. Structuring the deal with a lower first-year charge allowed Minnesota to keep an experienced starter without placing the entire cost into the opening season.
Restricted and Exclusive Rights Tenders
Two defensive starters entered the offseason under controlled free-agent designations.
Ivan Pace Jr. Minnesota gave Ivan Pace Jr. a one-year right-of-first-refusal tender as a restricted free agent. The designation allowed Pace to negotiate with other teams, but Minnesota retained the right to match an outside offer. Because the tender did not include draft-pick compensation, the primary protection was the Vikings’ ability to match. Pace signed the tender and carries a listed 2026 cap charge of $3.52 million. The Vikings announced the tender on March 9.
Jalen Redmond. Jalen Redmond received an exclusive rights free-agent tender. That designation prevented him from negotiating with another NFL team once Minnesota offered the required contract. Redmond signed his one-year tender in April. He had started 15 games during the previous season, recording 62 tackles, six sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Minnesota announced the original tender, and his signed agreement was confirmed in April.
Contract Extension Keeps Brian O’Neill Through 2030
Right tackle Brian O’Neill signed a four-year extension when Vikings veterans reported for training camp on July 28.
The extension keeps O’Neill under contract through the 2030 season. He has started 120 of his first 124 regular-season appearances and has played more than 7,500 offensive snaps for Minnesota.
This was a long-term retention move rather than a new-player signing. It keeps one of the team’s established offensive linemen in place while Minnesota continues building around younger players such as Donovan Jackson, Caleb Tiernan, Trevor Keegan and Nick Samac. The Vikings confirmed the length of the extension.
Contract Register
| Player | Pos | Contract length | Reported value | 2026 cap charge | Guaranteed | Contract end year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jauan Jennings | WR | One year | $8 million base value, up to $13 million with incentives | $9.53 million | — | — |
| Eric Wilson | LB | Three years | Up to $22.5 million | $4.08 million | $13.78 million | — |
| Ivan Pace Jr. | LB | One year (right-of-first-refusal tender) | — | $3.52 million | — | — |
| Carson Wentz | QB | One year | — | $3.05 million | — | — |
| James Pierre | CB | — | — | $2.99 million | — | — |
| Kyler Murray | QB | One year | — | $1.30 million | — | — |
| Jalen Redmond | DL | One year (exclusive rights tender) | — | $1.08 million | — | — |
| Brian O’Neill (contract extension) | T | Four years (extension) | — | — | — | 2030 |
| Harrison Smith | S | — | — | — | — | — |
| Ryan Van Demark | T | — | — | — | — | — |
| Johnny Hekker | P | — | — | — | — | — |
| Tavierre Thomas | S | — | — | — | — | — |
| Eric Johnson II | DL | — | — | — | — | — |
A dash (—) means the figure has not been disclosed in the sources behind this page. It does not mean the value is zero, and nothing in this table has been estimated, converted or calculated. Guaranteed money is on record for one player and a contract end year for one player; the remaining cells are genuinely empty.
Section 07 · Cap effect
What the Moves Mean for Minnesota’s Salary Cap
The Vikings have an estimated $9.22 million in 2026 cap space after forming their initial regular-season roster. This figure can change whenever a contract is signed, restructured, terminated or moved between roster categories. Current estimates are maintained by Over the Cap.
Several of Minnesota’s important 2026 additions have manageable first-year charges:
| Player | Estimated 2026 cap charge |
|---|---|
| Jauan Jennings | $9.53 million |
| Eric Wilson | $4.08 million |
| Ivan Pace Jr. | $3.52 million |
| Carson Wentz | $3.05 million |
| James Pierre | $2.99 million |
| Kyler Murray | $1.30 million |
| Jalen Redmond | $1.08 million |
| Nick Samac | $1.08 million |
| Trevor Keegan | $1.08 million |
A player’s reported contract value is not the same as his current cap charge. Signing bonuses can be divided across several seasons, incentives may not count immediately and only part of a contract may be guaranteed.
Practice-squad additions also have a smaller effect than major active-roster contracts. For that reason, adding experienced players such as Ward and Van Noy does not carry the same cap consequence as signing them to large guaranteed deals.
Section 08 · Terms
Understanding Vikings Roster Terms
- Signed
- The player has agreed to an NFL contract. The transaction entry should identify whether he joined the active roster or the practice squad.
- Agreed to terms
- The player and team have reached an agreement, but the signing may still require a physical and completed paperwork.
- Waived
- A player with fewer than four accrued NFL seasons is made available to every other team through the waiver system.
- Released
- A veteran is removed from the roster and normally becomes a free agent immediately.
- Claimed off waivers
- Minnesota assumes the player’s existing contract after submitting a successful waiver claim.
- Contract terminated
- The player is removed from the roster. This wording is commonly used for vested veterans who are not subject to the standard waiver process at that point of the league year.
- Reserve/Injured
- The player is placed on injured reserve and no longer occupies a place on the active roster. His eligibility to return depends on the date and designation attached to the move.
- Practice squad
- The player remains with the organization outside the 53-man roster. Practice-squad players can train with the team and may be elevated or signed to the active roster.
- Tendered
- The Vikings have made a contract offer that preserves specific negotiating rights under NFL free-agency rules.
Questions
Minnesota Vikings Transaction Questions
Minnesota signed outside linebacker Jihad Ward to the practice squad on September 9, 2026. Harrison Smith was the latest player added to the active roster, signing on September 8.
The Vikings traded Walter Rouse and a 2027 seventh-round pick to New England for a 2027 sixth-round pick on August 30, 2026.
Smith was released in March but returned before the regular season. He officially signed with Minnesota again on September 8.
No. Van Noy joined Minnesota’s practice squad on September 2. He can be elevated for selected games or signed to the active roster later.
Minnesota claimed guard Trevor Keegan and center Nick Samac on August 31.
The transaction board should be checked daily during free agency, training camp, final roster cuts and the regular season. Every entry should be confirmed through an official team or NFL announcement before publication.
Keep following the season across the rest of the site.