Vikings Players from the 2025 Roster Who Still Need Jobs

Notre Dame offensive lineman Zeke Correll participates in the school’s annual Blue-Gold spring football game at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend on April 22, 2023. Correll developed into a steady presence along the Fighting Irish offensive line during his collegiate career, bringing experience, versatility, and leadership to one of college football’s most tradition-rich programs. Mandatory Credit: Greg Swiercz / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK.

Zeke Correll | C

Merely mentioned for full disclosure, Correll was a Vikings practice squad candidate last summer. He then suffered an injury in August and spent the entire season on injured reserve.

Minnesota waived him on March 13th and now has Blake Brandel, Michael Jurgens, and rookie Gavin Gehardt lined up for the center spot in 2026.

Fabian Moreau | CB

As a CB3, Moreau quietly had a solid 2025 season. He allowed a 54.2 passer rating in 11 games, a performance that largely went unnoticed due to his lack of name recognition. Minnesota should consider bringing him back as a CB4-CB5, especially if he remains a cost-effective option.

Matt Nelson | OT

Nelson remains largely anonymous in the NFL, typically occupying a practice squad role, providing swing depth, or filling in during emergencies. Unsurprisingly, he remains unsigned after the initial wave of free agency. He will likely have to wait until a team requires additional personnel for training camp.

Jeff Okudah | CB

Okudah had a difficult stint as Minnesota’s CB3, hampered by concussions and poor play. When on the field, opposing quarterbacks frequently targeted him, exploiting his struggles. The former third overall pick appears to be in the later stages of his career, with the “2020 draft bust” label now firmly attached.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey breaks free from Minnesota Vikings cornerback Jeff Okudah for a touchdown reception during the second half at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Oct. 23, 2025. McConkey continued his rapid rise as one of the NFL’s most dependable young receivers, showcasing his route-running precision and separation ability against Minnesota. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images.

The Viking Age‘s Adam Patrick on Okudah last month: “Unfortunately, multiple concussions resulted in Okudah only appearing in six games with the Vikings last season, but even when he was able to get on the field, his performance wasn’t anything close to what Minnesota was hoping to see from him.”

“Now that concussions could potentially be a lingering issue, and the fact that he just hasn’t been good during his tenure in the league, his career in the NFL could already be nearing the end, despite it beginning just six years ago.”

Brett Rypien | QB

In May 2025 — so, a year ago at this time — Rypien was the Vikings’ QB2, believe it or not. The rapid change in circumstances now sees him seeking a QB3 role elsewhere, likely with a team looking for an inexpensive veteran for camp in the coming months.

Harrison Smith | S

The Vikings “released” Smith in March, but his tenure in Minnesota is not necessarily over. Smith performed well late in 2025, making a 2026 return seem plausible, even if only for situational play.

Can one truly imagine the Vikings winning a Super Bowl in 2026 with Kyler Murray under center, while Smith watches from home? The thought should be unsettling for both fans and Smith himself.

The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis noted on rookie safety Jakobe Thomas as a possible Smith replacement this week, “Can Jakobe Thomas be the new Harrison Smith? In 2025, Thomas entered the transfer portal. He had played safety at Tennessee, mostly in a role that asked him to focus on deep coverage. The University of Miami’s staff kicked the film over to defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman.”

“He believed the Hurricanes could weaponize Thomas’ all-around abilities more powerfully. Thomas took to the idea. Part of the intrigue, for him, was the fact that one of his heroes, a fellow product of the state of Tennessee named Harrison Smith, was asked to play multiple roles in the Vikings’ defense.”

Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith speaks during a press conference at Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin, Ireland, on Sep. 26, 2025. Smith remained one of the Vikings’ most respected veteran leaders entering another international showcase game, continuing a long tenure defined by versatility, intelligence, and consistent defensive production throughout his accomplished NFL career. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Thomas was direct fruit of the Jonathan Greenard trade.

Lewis added, “Thomas is now playing for Smith’s longtime NFL team. Smith’s status remains up in the air, but O’Connell said Friday that one of the elements of Thomas’ pre-draft visit was watching film of Smith.”

“The reps Thomas takes with the full roster will be telling. The Vikings selected him in the third round, but he was one of the team’s priorities when the draft began.”

John Wolford | QB

Wolford served as the Vikings’ emergency QB3 last season, when injuries and crappy play hit the quarterback room. He will not return in 2026. At best, Wolford might secure a practice squad position or serve as emergency quarterback insurance for a new team.