Vikings Sign 13 Players to Reserve/Futures Contracts for 2025 Season
EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have solidified their roster heading into 2025 by signing 13 players to reserve/futures contracts. Among the group are familiar faces from the 2024 season, practice squad standouts, and a few newcomers.
Here’s a breakdown of the signings:
Returning Players
Quarterback Brett Rypien: Spent the 2024 season on the Vikings’ 53-man roster before being waived and rejoining the practice squad. Rypien served as the leader of the scout team offense.
Running Back Zavier Scott: Joined the practice squad prior to the 2024 season but did not see game action.
Linebacker Max Tooley: Signed with the Vikings’ practice squad in September but was not elevated to the active roster.
Outside Linebacker Gabriel Murphy: Made his NFL debut in Week 14 against the Falcons, recording a tackle and a quarterback hit. He also played in Week 18 against Detroit.
Guard Henry Byrd: Played during the preseason but suffered an injury while on the practice squad and did not appear in the regular season.
Tackle Marcellus Johnson and Tackle Leroy Watson: Both contributed on the practice squad, with Watson joining late in December.
Wide Receivers Lucky Jackson and Thayer Thomas: Jackson appeared in three games in 2023, primarily on special teams. Thomas has spent two seasons on the practice squad but is yet to make his NFL debut.
Defensive Linemen Jonathan Harris and Travis Bell: Harris played in seven games with the Panthers in 2024 after a full season with the Broncos in 2023. Bell remains a promising presence for the defensive front.
New Additions
The Vikings also signed two cornerbacks:
- Kahlef Hailassie: Played 10 games over the past two seasons with Cleveland. Minnesota got an up-close look at Hailassie during joint training camp practices and a preseason game against the Browns.
- Reddy Steward: Appeared in one game for the Bears in 2024 (Week 9 at Arizona).
Looking Ahead
The Vikings’ 2025 opponents are already set, with the full schedule expected to be released in May. This crop of signings highlights Minnesota’s focus on fostering talent and depth as they prepare for the upcoming season.
