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Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
With Vikings’ minicamp and draft complete, operations are quiet for now. Training camp will kick off soon enough, but in the meantime, a few rumors are still floating around.
Rookies report to Eagan on July 26, leaving players about two weeks before they’re back to work. For now, let’s dive into Sunday’s rumor roundup and see what’s being whispered about the Vikings.
Vikings’ Quiet July Still Produces Fresh Questions
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Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick speaks with reporters at the Footprint Center in Phoenix during Super Bowl opening night, addressing the media before the championship matchup. On Feb. 6, 2023, Reddick answers questions as Philadelphia completes its final public obligations and prepares for the biggest game of the season. Mandatory Credit: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK.
Rumor: Haason Reddick is a fabulous free agent fit for the Vikings.
In an article that featured ideas like Tyreek Hill to the Kansas City Chiefs and Stefon Diggs to the Washington Commanders, CBS Sports‘ Bryan DeArdo linked Reddick to the Vikings.
He wrote, “One of the league’s premier pass rushers from 2020-23 (he averaged nearly 13 sacks per season over that span), Reddick had just 3.5 combined sacks over the past two seasons. But while he had just 2.5 sacks in 2025, he amassed 34 pressures despite playing through several injuries.”
“In Minnesota, Reddick’s versatility would be put to use by veteran defensive coordinator Brian Flores. The fact that the Vikings employ a 3-4 defense — which Reddick has a history of playing in — makes this pairing even more logical.”
Reddick, along with EDGE defenders like Von Miller, Jadeveon Clowney, and Leonard Floyd, would fit just fine in Minnesota. The Vikings have about $13 million in cap space to sign any summer free agents.
Here’s the current EDGE group:
- Andrew Van Ginkel
- Dallas Turner
- Bo Richter
- Tyler Batty
- Chaz Chambliss
- Cam’Ron Stewart
- Arden Walker
Brian Flores may need one more veteran EDGE for depth.
Rumor: Christian Darrisaw’s ACL is damn near good to go.
In an article this week answering fans’ questions, Craig Peters of Vikings.com revealed, “Darrisaw worked through the situation last season, playing in parts or all of 10 games, but he’d probably be the first to say he didn’t feel like his best self.”
“Brian O’Neill was a warrior after suffering a knee injury during a questionable tactic by the Steelers during their FG block attempt in Dublin. While clean health is never guaranteed, the thought of having both players back is quite encouraging.”
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Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw chases a loose football with Los Angeles Rams linebacker Von Miller during fourth-quarter action at U.S. Bank Stadium. On Dec. 26, 2021, Darrisaw recovers Kirk Cousins’ fumble as Minnesota avoids a turnover and keeps the possession alive during the late stages of the home matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
Across many Vikings storylines, Darrisaw’s health is near the top of the list.
“The Vikings were crafty in signing Ryan Van Demark during free agency and have confidence in his ability to step in at either spot if needed. Minnesota also drafted Caleb Tiernan in the third round,” Peters continued.
“We’ll learn much more about the lesser-experienced/known players through training camp (once the pads are strapped) and preseason games when opponents can go full-throttle at QBs, but it did seem like the ‘Minnesota Moving Company’ was building some nice momentum this spring.”
Darrisaw’s participation in training camp appears to be expected from the outset.
Rumor: Caleb Banks could play a limited role in the rotation as a rookie.
Bleacher Report‘s Kristopher Knox forecasted the influence from every 1st-Rounder heading into 2026, and on Banks, he scribed, “Initial Role: Compete for Rotational Role. The Minnesota Vikings rebuilt their defensive front during the offseason, parting with Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen while adding Isaiahh Loudermilk and rookies Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange.”
“While Banks was Minnesota’s first pick in April’s draft, he may be pushing for periodic playing time in camp.”
Banks has All-Pro upside if the foot injury(ies) doesn’t ruin everything.
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Caleb Banks arrives in Minnesota for the first time after the Vikings select him in the 2026 NFL Draft, taking in the Twin Cities and his new surroundings. In May 2026, Banks begins his introduction to the organization as The Voyage follows the rookie through the opening stage of his professional football career. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Knox concluded, “He has been relegated to rehabilitation work thus far while recovering from foot surgery—though the Vikings are pleased with his growth on the mental side. If fully recovered by the start of camp, Banks should be fighting for a prominent role in Minnesota’s defensive line rotation.”
The Vikings haven’t selected a defensive tackle in the 1st Round since Sharrif Floyd in 2013. While many might assume a 1st-Round rookie like Banks — who, coincidentally, attended the same college as Floyd –would immediately step into a starting role if healthy, that might not be the case.
Banks has sustained two foot injuries: one last summer and another at the NFL Combine in February. Thus, the Vikings may opt for a cautious approach, gradually integrating him into playing time or allowing him to develop patiently rather than immediately placing him in the starting lineup, especially given their current roster.
It’s also important to remember that defensive tackles frequently require more development time than players at other positions. Patience from fans will be essential.
Admittedly, though, if Banks is merely a footnote this season, that would be quite the gut punch. The franchise desperately needs contributions from rookies.
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