Dustin Baker has released his first 53-man roster projection for the Minnesota Vikings for the 2026 season. The team has added around 30 new players recently, complicating the projection process.
Key points
Dustin Baker released a 53-man roster projection for the Vikings.
The Vikings added about 30 new players recently.
The 2026 roster has more depth than the previous year.
Roster projections are expected to evolve leading up to late August.
Minnesota Vikings
Dustin Baker’s Early 53-Man Roster Projection for the Vikings
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Between now and late August, VikingsTerritory unleashes a handful of roster projections for the Minnesota Vikings, usually from various authors. This is the first official stab at 2026.
Minnesota’s roster has more depth than last year, making this first 2026 projection tougher than usual.
The Vikings have onboarded about 30 new players in the last three weeks, so here’s a predictive look at the lay of the land.
Rookies and New Starters Shape the First Roster Forecast
Minnesota will reveal the regular season roster in about 16 weeks. Note: Many of the players listed as “out” will hit the practice squad. Also, rookies who made the 53-man cut are listed in bold font.
Justin Jefferson runs after a catch during a Vikings game against the Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Vikings roster projection
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) races upfield after a catch during first-half action on Sep. 21, 2025, against the Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Jefferson remained the centerpiece of Kevin O’Connell’s offense, routinely creating explosive plays and commanding defensive attention throughout the 2025 campaign. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
Q&A
What are the key changes in the Vikings' roster for 2026?
The Vikings have added approximately 30 new players to their roster, indicating significant changes compared to last year.
Who is Dustin Baker and what is his role in Vikings roster projections?
Dustin Baker is an analyst who provides roster projections for the Minnesota Vikings, offering insights into player selections and team depth.
How does the Vikings' roster depth compare to last year?
The Vikings' roster depth for 2026 is considered greater than last year's, making roster projections more challenging.
When will the final 53-man roster for the Vikings be announced?
The final 53-man roster for the Vikings will be announced in late August, following further evaluations and roster adjustments.
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Yurosek could easily win the TE3 job. But no one knows how good Bartholomew can be, as he missed his entire rookie season due to injury. We chose unfulfilled draft stock with the tiebreaker.
Our Janik Eckardt on Bartholomew: “His back injury should be in the rearview mirror. He returned to practice late last season and the Vikings could’ve activated him down the stretch. Ultimately, they opted to keep him sidelined for the last two games as well and make the redshirt season official.”
“His NFL debut could come as early as September. He’ll have to show that he was actually worth the draft capital by distancing himself from Yurosek in the TE3 sweepstakes.”
Will Fries, Brian O’Neill, and C.J. Ham celebrate after a Vikings touchdown against the Packers. Vikings roster projection
Minnesota Vikings guard Will Fries (76), offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (75), and fullback C.J. Ham (30) celebrate after a touchdown on Jan. 4, 2026, against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Minnesota’s offensive line showed major improvement during the 2025 season after several key offseason roster additions. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images.
Blake Cashman talks with C.J. Stroud after a Vikings-Texans game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Vikings roster projection
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) speaks with Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) after a game on Sep. 22, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Cashman later emerged as one of the Vikings’ defensive tone-setters, delivering impactful tackling production and versatility in Brian Flores’ scheme. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
McGlothern and Vaughn will hit the practice squad, so don’t panic. This CB room is already much deeper than the unit last year at this time, thanks to Pierre and Demmings.
VikingsWire‘s Anderw Harbaugh on Demmings: “Flores has a track record of taking day three defensive backs and turning them into something special in his time in the NFL.”
“Whether it is during his stops with the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, or now the Vikings. Demmings has the stuff to make this pick become a homerun, but it will also be decided by the coaching of Flores.”
