EAGAN, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings open the 2026 NFL regular season against the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 13 at U.S. Bank Stadium. But first, they play one more preseason game (Friday at the Denver Broncos) and then must cut their roster to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Who will make the team? Which positions have tough decisions on deck? And where might the lineup be deepest and thinnest this season?
While most eyes were on the Vikings' quarterback competition, won to no surprise by veteran Kyler Murray, competition was playing out across the roster. What emerged, most notably, is the potential for immediate offensive or defensive contributions from at least four and possibly five members of the 2026 draft class.
Here is our projection for the 53-man roster for the Vikings.
Quarterbacks (3)
Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz
It's possible the Vikings will look to put No. 4 quarterback Max Brosmer on the practice squad. Otherwise, the only question was deciding whether McCarthy or Wentz will be No. 2 on gamedays behind Murray. It appears that McCarthy will open the season there, with Wentz as the emergency No. 3, but that is always subject to change.
Running backs (5)
Aaron Jones Sr., Jordan Mason, Demond Claiborne, Zavier Scott, Max Bredeson (FB)
Two veterans in the final year of their contracts (Jones, Mason) and two members of the 2026 draft class (Claiborne, Bredeson) make up the crux of this position. Jones and Mason will be the primary ball carriers, but Claiborne has a burst that neither of them possess. Based on usage in training camp and the preseason, Bredeson figures to play a prominent blocking role.
Wide receivers (5)
Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, Tai Felton, Myles Price
Jefferson, Addison and Jennings will comprise the Vikings' three-receiver sets, which Jennings has compared to the Golden State Warriors' championship trio of Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Felton and Price were both impressive during training camp but will play limited roles unless there are injuries.
Tight ends (3)
T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Gavin Bartholomew
Could this position get a makeover next spring under new general manager Nolan Teasley? Hockenson's contract expires after the season. Oliver has been an elite blocker over the past three seasons but has been used minimally in the passing game, catching 59 passes while earning $22 million. Bartholomew emerged as a smooth pass-catcher after missing his rookie season because of a back injury.
Offensive linemen (10)
Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Blake Brandel, Will Fries, Brian O'Neill, Ryan Van Demark, Michael Jurgens, Joe Huber, Caleb Tiernan, Walter Rouse
Four starters return from 2025, while Brandel completes the transition from guard/tackle to center following the retirement of Ryan Kelly. The Vikings hope they have upgraded their depth at all positions, particularly after prying Van Demark away from the Buffalo Bills via restricted free agency.
Defensive linemen (6)
Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Caleb Banks, Domonique Orange, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Elijah Williams
The Vikings have infused this position with young talent, and they should have five players in their rotation with no more than three years of experience. That includes two rookies in Banks and Orange, both of whom received first-team work during training camp as defensive coordinator Brian Flores tested various packages.
Linebackers (8)
Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, Eric Wilson, Blake Cashman, Jake Golday, Ivan Pace Jr., Bo Richter, Tyler Batty
Camp did not reveal obvious depth at edge pass rusher, where Turner has taken over the spot vacated by the trade of Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles. But Ingram-Dawkins has shown some position flexibility, and Golday got work at the off-ball position and edge.
Cornerbacks (4)
Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, James Pierre, Charles Demmings
It's possible the Vikings will add to this position during the flurry of cuts, but for now they were encouraged to see Demmings -- a fifth-round draft pick from FCS Stephen F. Austin -- challenge some of their top receivers and push Pierre for the No. 3 cornerback job. In some cases, however, Flores will use a safety as his nickel.
Safeties (6)
Joshua Metellus, Jay Ward, Theo Jackson, Jakobe Thomas, Tavierre Thomas, Jacob Thomas
The Vikings didn't backfill Harrison Smith's starting role as if they were certain he would retire. (He hasn't made any announcements one way or the other.) Following Jamal Adams' season-ending torn right quadriceps in the first preseason game, two rookies with nearly identical names -- Jakobe Thomas was a third-rounder, Jacob Thomas was an undrafted free agent -- are on track to make the roster.
Special teams (3)
Will Reichard (K), Johnny Hekker (P), Andrew DePaola (LS)
Rookie punter Brett Thorson has had a strong camp, but Hekker is the more reliable option for a veteran team hoping to make a playoff push.