Minnesota Vikings Sign 13 Players to Futures Contracts for 2025: A Bold Step Toward the Future
By Craig Peters, Senior Editor | January 17, 2025
As the Minnesota Vikings continue to build for the future, they made significant strides this week by signing 13 players to reserve/futures contracts for the 2025 NFL season. This move comes after a season that saw the team perform well under head coach Kevin O’Connell, but with clear areas for improvement. With these new signings, the Vikings are clearly focused on strengthening their roster and creating depth for the upcoming seasons.
The Futures Contracts Explained
Futures contracts are a common method for NFL teams to secure the rights to players for the upcoming season, even if the players have not yet been active on the team’s regular-season roster. These deals often include players who were previously part of the practice squad or spent time with the team during the offseason. For the Vikings, this strategy allows them to retain developmental talent and continue to shape their roster for 2025 and beyond.
The Vikings’ move to sign 13 players indicates that the team is looking to provide opportunities for younger players to compete in training camp for a spot on the active roster, as well as add depth to positions that may need bolstering after the 2024 season. With the offseason now upon them, this group of players could be key to Minnesota’s plans for the future, and some of them may emerge as key contributors in 2025.
Key Players Signed to Futures Contracts
Among the players signed to futures contracts, several have either spent time on the Vikings’ roster in 2024 or have had previous NFL experience. These players are not only familiar with the team’s system but also bring a wealth of potential to contribute in the future. Below are the 13 players who have been signed:
- Quarterback Brett Rypien
Rypien spent part of the 2024 season with the Vikings, initially being added to the team’s 53-man roster before being waived and signed to the practice squad. While he didn’t play in a regular-season game, Rypien’s experience as a backup quarterback and his time leading the scout team offense could make him a solid developmental player for the team going forward. - Running Back Zavier Scott
Scott joined the Vikings’ practice squad ahead of the 2024 season but was not elevated to the active roster. His future with the team will depend on his ability to compete for a spot in a crowded running back room that already includes established stars. Still, Scott’s versatility and ability to contribute in special teams may provide an edge. - Linebacker Max Tooley
Tooley joined Minnesota’s practice squad in September but did not see game action in 2024. As a linebacker, he will compete for a depth role in 2025, looking to solidify his place on the roster during training camp. - Outside Linebacker Gabriel Murphy
Murphy made his NFL debut during the 2024 season, appearing in Week 14 against the Atlanta Falcons and recording a tackle and a quarterback hit. He was also elevated for the Week 18 game at Detroit, which showcases the team’s faith in his potential. Murphy will look to build on these limited appearances in the coming year. - Guard Henry Byrd
Byrd’s tenure with the Vikings was hampered by an injury, and although he participated in the preseason, he did not play during the regular season. With some time to recover and improve, Byrd will look to compete for a spot on the offensive line in 2025. - Tackle Marcellus Johnson
Johnson spent time with both the Vikings and the New York Giants, giving him valuable experience with two different NFL systems. The 6’6″ tackle will be hoping to carve out a spot along Minnesota’s offensive line next season, as the team continues to look for ways to improve its blocking unit. - Tackle Leroy Watson
Watson joined the Vikings’ practice squad in December, further enhancing the depth at the tackle position. The 6’7″ lineman will have an opportunity to compete for a role in training camp, with an eye toward the 2025 season. - Wide Receiver Lucky Jackson
Jackson’s previous appearances with the team came in 2023 when he appeared in three games, primarily contributing on special teams. His future with the team will likely hinge on his ability to contribute as a receiver and help on special teams once again. - Wide Receiver Thayer Thomas
Thomas has spent the last two seasons on the practice squad but has yet to be elevated to the active roster for a regular-season game. As one of the team’s developmental wide receivers, he’ll be looking to stand out during training camp and earn a spot on the roster. - Defensive Lineman Jonathan Harris
Harris is an experienced defensive lineman who played seven games with the Carolina Panthers in 2024 after spending the entirety of the 2023 season with the Denver Broncos. His ability to add depth to the Vikings’ defensive line will be essential in their efforts to strengthen the front seven for 2025. - Defensive Lineman Travis Bell
Bell has not yet seen game action with the Vikings but will have a chance to prove himself as a rotational player on the defensive line. His future role will likely depend on his ability to contribute in training camp and preseason. - Cornerback Kahlef Hailassie
Hailassie has spent the past two seasons with the Cleveland Browns, appearing in a total of 10 games. His experience and time spent in joint practices with the Vikings in August will give him a head start in proving himself during the offseason. He could be a key piece for Minnesota’s secondary in 2025. - Cornerback Reddy Steward
Steward played in one game for the Chicago Bears during the 2024 season but brings depth and potential to the Vikings’ cornerback room. His ability to perform in limited opportunities could serve him well as he looks to secure a spot on the roster in the upcoming season.
Additional Signings: Ambry Thomas, Nahshon Wright, and Jeshaun Jones
In addition to the 13 players previously mentioned, the Vikings also made several other key signings in January. They signed cornerbacks Ambry Thomas and Nahshon Wright, along with wide receiver Jeshaun Jones, to futures contracts.
- Ambry Thomas joined the Vikings’ practice squad in late December after being released from the San Francisco 49ers. Thomas had a productive tenure with the 49ers, playing in 42 regular-season games and five postseason contests. His experience in high-stakes games could prove valuable to Minnesota’s defense.
- Nahshon Wright was acquired by the Vikings in August in a trade that sent former cornerback Andrew Booth, Jr., to the Dallas Cowboys. Wright had spent time with Dallas from 2021 to 2023, where he appeared in 32 games and recorded one interception. His size (6’4″) and ability to match up against taller receivers could make him an intriguing piece of the Vikings’ secondary.
- Jeshaun Jones joined the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and spent the season on the practice squad. While Jones has yet to play in a regular-season game, he will have the opportunity to compete for a spot in the upcoming year as the team looks to enhance its receiving depth.
Looking Ahead to 2025
These signings are just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting offseason for the Minnesota Vikings. As the 2025 season approaches, the team will continue to evaluate talent, fine-tune its roster, and address areas that need improvement. With these 13 players now secured for the future, Minnesota is building a foundation that could serve as a springboard to greater success in the years to come.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah are clearly focused on crafting a balanced, competitive team. The Vikings have a strong core, with players like wide receiver Justin Jefferson and quarterback Kirk Cousins leading the way, but they also recognize the importance of developing young talent and providing opportunities for players to prove themselves.
As we head into the offseason, the Vikings will continue to make moves to fortify their roster, and these futures contracts are a vital part of that strategy. The 2025 season will be one of great expectations, and Minnesota will look to build on its strengths while improving in areas where it fell short in 2024. With the future in mind, the Vikings’ commitment to developing new talent shows their dedication to staying competitive in the ever-evolving NFC North.
