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Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart: Multiple holes still exist after first two waves of free agency
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

We are through multiple free-agency waves over 15 days, and the Minnesota Vikings don't look much different.

They have lost a few players, with Jalen Nailor leaving as an unrestricted free agent and defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen being cut to save salary cap space. They also added quarterback Kyler Murray and cornerback James Pierre as their biggest moves.

They are likely to add another player or three in free agency throughout the next few weeks leading up to the NFL Draft. Heading into the stretch run, here is how the depth chart currently sits.

Offense

Position

First String

Second String

Third String

Fourth String

LWR

Justin Jefferson

Jeshaun Jones

Joaquin Davis

RWR

Tai Felton

Dontae Fleming

SWR

Jordan Addison

Myles Price

LT

Christian Darrisaw

Ryan Van Demark

LG

Donovan Jackson

Henry Byrd

C

Blake Brandel/Michael Jurgens

Vershon Lee

RG

Will Fries

Joe Huber

Michael Niese

RT

Brian O'Neill

Walter Rouse

Caleb Etienne

TE

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Ben Yurosek/Gavin Bartholomew

Bryson Nesbit

QB

Kyler Murray

Carson Wentz

J.J. McCarthy

Max Brosmer

RB

Aaron Jones

Jordan Mason

Zavier Scott

There isn't a ton of mystery with the offensive depth chart. The biggest of them will be at the quarterback position. Right now, Murray is projected to be the starter, and I believe Carson Wentz will be the backup. That puts J.J. McCarthy as the third quarterback, which is certainly not the outcome anyone would have hoped for after two seasons.

One position to watch for is wide receiver three. Tai Felton is currently slated to be that guy, but he isn't exactly going to inspire confidence after a minimal first season. The third-round pick needs to have a K.J. Osborn-type offseason in order to take the next step.

Defense

Position

First String

Second String

Third String

DE

Jalen Redmond

Jaylon Hutchings

NT

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Taki Taimani

DE

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Elijah Williams

OLB

Jonathan Greenard

Dallas Turner

Tyler Batty

WLB

Eric Wilson

Ivan Pace Jr.

MLB

Blake Cashman

Josh Ross

Jacob Roberts

OLB

Andrew Van Ginkel

Bo Richter

Chaz Chambliss

LCB

Byron Murphy Jr.

Dwight McGlogthern

SS

Josh Metellus

Tavierre Thomas

FS

Jay Ward/Theo Jackson

RCB

Isaiah Rodgers

Zemaiah Vaughn

NB

James Pierre

Kahlef Haillassie

Overall, the defense has the majority of starters figured out. They could add two defensive tackles over the course of the offseason, as having both Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins isn't exactly going to inspire a lot of confidence.

The other really interesting area is safety. We don't know whether or not Harrison Smith will return for 2026. It's become normal for the Vikings over the course of the last few years for him to wait it out and make a decision at the last second.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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