MN Vikings Lock in Reserve/Future Contracts

After knocking off the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings closed out their regular season with a 9-8 record. While they ultimately missed the playoffs, the offseason is now officially underway. The Vikings won’t be active participants in Black Monday, but determining the next steps for the roster is critical.

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has plenty of decisions ahead if Minnesota hopes to build a true contender in 2026. He began that process by handing out eight reserve/future contracts.

Eight Players Sign Contracts With Vikings

Every NFL team carries a 53-man active roster, along with a practice squad and injured reserve. Reserve/future contracts allow teams to retain and develop players without counting them against current roster limits. These players are essentially earmarked for offseason workouts and training camp. On Monday, the Minnesota Vikings signed eight players to those deals.

The #Vikings have signed the following players to reserve/future contracts

WR Dontae Fleming
S Kahlef Hailassie
LB Josh Ross
G Vershon Lee
T Caleb Etienne
WR Joaquin Davis
WR Jeshaun Jones
TE Bryson Nesbit pic.twitter.com/egL6JhzbVY

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 5, 2026

There are a few notable names in the group. Offensive lineman Caleb Etienne was added to the practice squad in mid-December as a depth piece, and Minnesota spent much of the season shuffling bodies along the offensive line due to injuries.

Guard Vershon Lee appeared in one game for the Vikings this season, logging snaps in the London matchup against the Cleveland Browns. That was also the same week Minnesota signed Matt Waletzko largely to provide emergency practice depth during the overseas trip.

Wide receiver Dontae Fleming is another intriguing addition. He enjoyed a productive senior season at Tulane in 2024, finishing with 598 receiving yards and a touchdown. Fleming joins Joaquin Davis and Jeshaun Jones as wideouts signing future contracts with Minnesota.

With their season now complete, the Vikings will watch the remainder of the postseason from the sidelines before the more consequential stages of the offseason truly begin.