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Minnesota Vikings make move to fortify training camp roster that also landed them defensive starter in 2023

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Tyler Forness | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 7:03 PM ET

Overall, the Minnesota Vikings are set at the safety position for the season. They have their three starters and one player in reserve in Jay Ward, but only one player behind them for the preseason always felt a little bit off.

On Wednesday, the Vikings made a move to fortify their safety room for the rest of training camp and the preseason by signing safety Gervarrius Owens and waived ILB Max Tooley to make room for him.

The #Vikings have signed S Gervarrius Owens and waived LB Max Tooley. https://t.co/Dsee7MfOWO pic.twitter.com/Ht5V7evVZ9
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 30, 2025

Owens now becomes the sixth safety on the roster, which will make a difference when it comes to the preseason, as he and Mishael Powell will likely be getting the majority of snaps during the course of the preseason. Now, one or both of these players could end up making the practice squad if they play well enough.

Where things get really interesting is this move comes off as eerily similar to when the team brought in Theo Jackson. Owens last played for the Tennessee Titans, which is the same path that Theo Jackson took to get to Minnesota. Could this end up giving the Vikings another similar talent?

Only time will tell, but the last time the Vikings brought in a safety from the Titans, it ended pretty well, as Jackson is set to be a starter this season.

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

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