Breaking: Minnesota Vikings linked with double signing from the CFL

Jaylon Hutchings could provide the Minnesota Vikings with valuable depth along the defensive interior if his strong CFL form carries over to the NFL.

A few years ago, the Vikings took a chance on an undrafted defensive tackle who had rebuilt his reputation in a secondary professional league. That player was Jalen Redmond, who arrived in Minnesota in 2024 following an impressive stint in the United Football League.

Redmond initially carved out a rotational role and flashed potential before breaking out last season as Minnesota’s most effective defensive tackle, despite sharing the room with high-profile veterans Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. During a standout 2025 campaign, Redmond finished with six sacks, 12 tackles for loss and five passes batted at the line of scrimmage. Now, the Vikings appear eager to see if lightning can strike twice.

According to 3DownNation’s John Hodge, Minnesota are signing Calgary Stampeders standout Jaylon Hutchings to a futures contract. The defensive tackle enjoyed a dominant CFL season, posting eight sacks and 39 tackles across 17 games. His performances earned him All-CFL honours, and Pro Football Focus graded him as the league’s top defensive player with an elite 90.7 rating.

Hutchings, who recently turned 26, is a Texas native and a Texas Tech product, where he played from 2018 to 2023. Over his final three college seasons, he totalled 8.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. After going undrafted, he spent a brief offseason period with the Chicago Bears in 2024 before heading north to join Calgary. He is listed at 6-foot and 304 pounds.

Expecting Hutchings to follow the same trajectory as Redmond would be unrealistic, as Redmond’s rise represents an exception rather than the norm for players coming from leagues like the CFL or UFL. However, after such an impressive year in Canada, Hutchings should have a legitimate opportunity to compete for a spot on the Vikings’ 53-man roster. Minnesota may part ways with either Allen or Hargrave this offseason due to salary cap considerations, potentially opening the door for younger options.

Hutchings will be another developmental project for defensive line coach Marcus Dixon. Alongside Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Taki Taimani and Elijah Williams, the Vikings now boast an intriguing group of young interior defenders behind Redmond and whichever veteran remains.

Vikings add Calgary linebacker as well

Hutchings won’t be the only former Stampeders player heading to Minnesota. The Vikings are also signing linebacker Jacob Roberts to a futures deal, according to Justin Dunk, a colleague of Hodge at 3DownNation.

Roberts, 24, recorded 93 tackles and four sacks for Calgary last season. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 233 pounds, the linebacker went undrafted in 2024 after spending four years at FCS program North Carolina A&T and one season at Wake Forest. During his final college campaign in 2023, he tallied 83 tackles, six sacks and 10 tackles for loss for the Demon Deacons.

Roberts will compete for a roster spot as a depth linebacker and potential special teams contributor as he looks to earn his place in Minnesota.