Vikings signing 5-year Steelers veteran

As the Minnesota Vikings try to get back to the playoffs, they have made plenty of changes to their roster. While the focus has been on quarterback Kyler Murray’s arrival, the Vikings haven’t forgotten about their defense either.

Minnesota has signed defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk, via Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The terms of his agreement are not yet known.

Loudermilk was originally a fifth-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers back in 2021. He went on to appear in 60 games with the team, starting seven of them. Overall, the defensive lineman put up 63 tackles, six passes defended and a sack.

Loudermilk had started two games in 2026. However, a high ankle sprain kept him off the gridiron beyond that. Still, the Vikings clearly saw something in the defensive lineman to sign him in free agency.

With coordinator Brian Flores running the show, Minnesota is expecting to have one of the better defenses in the league. They finished the 2025 season ranked third in total defense, allowing 282.6 yards per game. The Vikings did struggle against the run, finishing 21st by allowing 124.1 yards per game. So perhaps Loudermilk’s addition can help plug up some holes in the middle.

Coming off of an injury and playing for a new organization though, the defensive lineman certainly has a lot to prove in 2026. The Vikings do have a youthful defensive line with Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange. So at the very least, Loudermilk offers some veteran depth.

Throughout training camp, the Vikings will fully figure out the defensive lineman’s role. But Minnesota has at least confirmed Loudermilk will be a part of the team’s ongoing plans.